Subject: RE: Buying the right bike for a newbie!?!?!? In my not so humble opinion, there are three main factors that come into play when purchasing a bike; fit, price, and spec. If the bike does not fit, it does not matter how well spec-ed or how well priced it is, you won't be happy with it in the long run.
Spec (build kit and frame construction) and price are a balancing act, each manufacturer tries to throw in a little bling of some sort that sets their bike apart from the others at the very competitive price points. Most manufacturers come very close to each other's build specs at the same price point. Once you have fit numbers in mind, looking at bikes in your price range from various manufacturers will allow you to compare apples-to-apples as far as the details of each model are concerned. Fit is a big deal. Another factor to consider is where you buy your bike. A good Local Bike Shop (LBS) can be a valuable asset, particularly for a beginner. While bike can be had for cheaper from internet sources etc. , a good relationship with your local brick-and-mortar can pay off if things get sideways on you. |