Bikes are back in a big way, and there’s never been a better time to get on them. Cycling is a great active way to enjoy the outdoors. It burns calories faster than walking and is much easier on the knees, legs, and ankles than running. If work is close by, a bike trip is an eco-friendly alternative that will save you big on gas and parking. More and more people are choosing two wheels over four: Bicycle use increased 40 percent in the United States between 1995 and 2014. In that same 20-year span, government spending has poured into towns and cities all over the world. the country to build thousands of miles of rails and roads.
For the new cyclist, the plethora of cycling options can be daunting. You can of course buy a fully assembled bike that runs like a dream. But there’s also a dizzying amount of customizable, interchangeable, and upgradable components that the rider can swap out whenever they want. With the proliferation of bicycling as an extremely popular hobby and a viable method of transportation, it’s no surprise that highly specialized (and expensive) options exist. If you’re new, you could easily spend a small fortune equipping each set of components when just a few tweaks would make a world of difference. A person with a limited budget should prioritize bicycle parts.
The first, and perhaps most obvious, puzzle piece to focus on is the frame. The type of frame dictates the style of the bike, so ask yourself what you want to do with it. How do you want to ride? Are you going to speed through the city blocks and scenic roads in a highway racer? Or will you cruise the beach with an ice-cold drink on a comfortable cruise? The frame is the focal point of the entire kit, and every other part of the bike is attached to it. You can always upgrade component sets as you go, but even top of the line rig won’t make you comfortable if the frame doesn’t fit your lifestyle and your body.
Once you have a frame that fits, the next set of bike parts to splurge on are the ones that make up the suspension. Again, the ground you will cover is an important factor. If you’re riding around town on well-paved roads, you may not need any suspension. If, on the other hand, you plan to hit mountain trails, you will have to decide between a full suspension (shock absorbers on the front and rear wheels) or a ‘hardtail’ (shock absorbers on the front wheels only). A good suspension system won’t cost you a fortune and will make a big difference in your ride.
The next parts of the bike that you should prioritize are the wheels. The wheels are where the bike meets the road, and it’s worth spending a few more bucks to keep that contact point solid. Cheap tires will wear out quickly and lose their grip. Buying a good pair now will save you later.
Get out there and enjoy the ride!
