How To Find A Bike

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FindMeABicycle.com can help you decide what bicycle to buy whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned cyclist. If you’re just starting out, or unsure what type of bicycle (e.g., road, hybrid) you want, start from step 1. If, on the other hand, you know the kind of bicycle you want, you can jump straight to step 2 (or surf the site on your own).

Step 1: Use the table below to help you decide the type of bicycle that’s best for you. If you want more detailed information regarding types of bicycle, you may also find it helpful to consult the linked definitions. Links are also provided to the listing of each type of bicycle.

If you’ll be using your bicycle primarily to . . .	. . . then consider the following type of bicycle:
Ride on unpaved surfaces such as dirt trails	Mountain/All Terrain (see definitions for more information on specific types) Definition; Listing
Ride on paved roads	Road (note: consult the frame materials section of the site to help you decide the best frame material for your needs) Definition; Listing
Commute, run around town, or use for light recreation	Hybrid Definition; Listing
Participate in the sport of motocross or do tricks	Motocross (BMX) Definition; Listing
Go on bicycle excursions	Touring Definition; Listing
Be ridden by two people	Tandem Definition; Listing
Sit in a supine position against a back support	Recumbent Definition; Listing
Conform to the specific physical requirements of a woman	Women’s Definition; Listing
Enjoy the simplicity of just one gear	Single Speed Definition; Listing
Be ridden by a youth	Youth Definition; Listing
Use on a velodrome	Track Definition; Listing
Experience comfort, style and affordability	Cruiser Definition; Listing
Participate in the discipline of time trialing or triathlons	Time trial Definition; Listing
Participate in the sport of cyclocross	Cyclocross Definition; Listing
Become compact by folding or taking apart	Folding Definition; Listing

Step 2: Now that you know the type of bicycle you want, click on the tab from any page (or from the links provided in the table above) for that type of bike. This will take you to a list, ordered by price (where available), of the type of bicycle you have chosen. FindMeABicycle.com compiled lists from a comprehensive database of almost 100 bike bicycle makers.

Step 3: Decide which bicycles you might be interested in purchasing. Since there are significant differences in the design and manufacture of bicycles, we strongly recommend that you pick several potential bicycles. Print out or make a note of the bicycles you chose for consideration.

Step 4: Take the list of bicycles you’ve compiled to a bicycle shop (not a big box store or other retailer that doesn’t specialize in bicycles) and have a salesman show you bicycles from your list. In order to see all the bicycles on your list, you may have to visit two or more bicycle shops since a single bike shop is unlikely to carry all of the bicycles on your list. Call ahead to see if the bike shop(s) carry the bikes you wish to learn more about.

Step 5: Test ride the bicycles you are interested in purchasing. You’re likely to notice significant differences in the riding characteristics of the bicycles, especially comfort as well as efficiency and responsiveness.

Step 6: Buy a bike from a bike shop. Check different bike shops for the best price. Once you've decided to buy a bicycle, remember that this entails more than handing over your cash or credit card. The bike shop should make sure the bicycle is set up properly for you, make sure you have the necessary equipment to ride enjoyably and safely (a helmet is critical), and orient you regarding the use and maintenance of your new shiny toy.

Step 7: Get out there and safely enjoy the marvel of a machine you purchased.

Step 8: Maintain your bicycle. This includes maintenance you should do yourself (e.g., keeping the tires inflated to the recommended level), as well as regular maintenance performed by a bicycle mechanic (such as adjusting the shifters). How often you need to do this will depend on how much you ride the bike. Most bike shops will provide free maintenance for a period of time after your purchase.