Signed up for a fondo and don’t have a bike? Don’t panic.
The spring weather has brought a flood of new ambitions and questions to my inbox as cyclist sign up for races though they don’t own a bike.
This is actually fairly common and something I would definitely do: sign up first and figure out the details later. But these soon-to-be riders are asking, with some urgency, which bike is the best bike for them.
I would love to answer these questions by providing the location of a bike shop, an exact retail price and a bike’s specific fitting (plus perfect colour), but of course the answer isn’t so simple.
Buying a bike is personal. There is no such thing as the perfect bike for all riders because each rider is different.
Above all else, however, it’s essential that your bike fits you well. There are many adjustments that can be made to customize your bike, but the bike must be the right size for you.
You can find out which size of bike you need by visiting any reputable, high-end bike shop. This will be your chance to interview and decide which shop you would like to work with. After that, your bike can be fitted to your needs and shape.
Once you know your size, you have to decide how much money you want to spend on your new hobby. Like many adult toys, when it comes to bikes, you get what you pay for.
For a higher price, you will get a lighter bike, more durable components and faster wheels.
Unless your budget allows for it, however, as a first-time rider you don’t necessarily need the best of the best nor will you know the difference, yet.
A bike in the middle range of price and quality will give you a chance to learn what you do and don’t like about the sport. It is difficult — and almost impossible — to make a decision about a bike without ever having spent some time riding.
You can read online reviews for every bike, wheel and component on the market, but you can’t know you’ll like it until you have something to compare it to.
The last criteria for choosing the right bike for you, is that you have to like it.
This is overlooked, but if you want to enjoy your new hobby, you have to like your bike. You have to like the look of it, the feel of it and its colour. Feeling proud and having a sentimental connection with your bike will go a long way when you’re deciding to go for a ride or not.
Once you have spent a season riding and learning about your preferences, there is always another first-time rider who is looking for her first bike. Armed with your new knowledge and experience, you can move on to the next bike that will continue to excite and inspire you to train for your second, third and fourth fondo.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email her at [email protected].
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