Buying a bicycle...simplified.

Finally, we can all sit back and say summer is hopefully on it's way right? Well at least were not shoveling snow out in the drive way here in Upstate. As many of your are considering purchasing a "new/used" bicycle...here are a few helpful tips;

1. A good bike is not free, a free bike is not good...relatively speaking please take caution on the Craig's list  / Internet "deals of a life time. More often then not just as with anything you encounter in life...if the price seems a bit of sku, something might be up. Odds are you'll fair often much better giving your local bike shop the business. (New bikes come with warrantee, plus you get the satisfaction of the friendly customer service & advice)
2. Life hands you lemons, make lemonade; Keeping your eyes peeled for a "fixer upper" is always good business in my mind. Alot of your friends, aunts, or uncle may have a bicycle their not even riding any more. (catch is if your related usually that means a good deal for you).Nothing makes a bike ride better than the old adage; "Air in the tires, lube on the chain". I'm not saying this is going to solve every solution BUT for the most part...a good starting point to get you out there and riding. Consider having your local bike shop inspect the bike and make sure it is functioning properly.
3. Champagne tastes, Budweiser budget; Being realistic with the type of riding your going to be doing a majority of the time is key. For example if your going to be spending a fair amount of time riding around the neigh boor hood with the kids... then a full~suspension down hill bike doesn't make much sense. When purhcasing a bike please realize...as it as an investment in your HEALTH & WELLNESS. don't want to buy the "cheapest"?? but at the same time have a budget?? That's a good thing...My advice here is having a defined budget gets you looking at the right products etc.
4. Everyone knows a "Bike Guy"; Yep you know who "that guy" is...bicycles on the brain 247. Odds are you ask him / her a question..your going to get good answers and then some. They may not exactly be the answers that are going to better help you purchase.... certainty may give you more food for thought in finalizing your purchase decisions.

Good luck there's a good starting point. Any questions please give me a shout, I always enjoy hearing from you folks. Thanks again for all of the recent flurrie of e-mail questions in regards to this topic. Have an excellent weekend.

~Bike Guy