Buying A Bike That Is Right For You

Many riders have a good understanding of bike geometry and if this is the case you will know all about what is written below.
If you don't then this blogpost might be of assistance the next time you are purchasing a bike or certainly if you are buying your 1st bike.

One of the many things that I learned while running the Onix brand is that buying a bike is a very considered purchase. So it should be, buying a high end carbon road bike is for most people one of the biggest investments they will ever make in a piece of leisure equipment.

With there being so many brands and types of bikes to choose from these days it can be very confusing to know what bike is right for you.

A lot of riders, particularly the younger generation just want to ride the bike they see their idols riding on the TV. Even as the previous owner of a niche brand I totally understand that, I sit here writing this from the perspective of previously being the owner of 3 Trek carbon bikes from 2003-2006 on the back of being brainwashed by the Lance Armstrong story.

Before I get into this in a little more detail, I would advise that you never buy a bike without having a BIKE FITTING session. If this is not offered as part of your purchase then I question whether the retailer really has your best interests at heart.

The first thing you need to get straight in the old grey matter is 
"What Type Of  Rider Are You"

The type of frame geometry that will suit someone who wants to do some racing against someone who just wants to ride sportives or do cafe runs are very different. All the brands do different  models with different geometry's so you can still stay loyal to the brand that you like.

So where do we start?

I have always felt that the biggest pointer towards what type of bike has been produced is the Head tube length. (See Below)

A smaller head tube leans towards a more racing machine and a larger head tube points towards more comfort and the sportive market. 

Why is This?

Its quite simple really a smaller head tube has a lower front end and gives the rider a lower more aero aggressive position. The taller head tube sits the rider up in a  higher position which is more comfortable for longer rides and easier on the spine.

A taller head tube is better for riders with back problems or the rider who is a little older and less supple than they used to be.

Another key element is the seat tube angle. 
The seat tube angle is between the chainstay and seat tube (See below)

On a more sportive orientated bike the seat tube angle will be larger. This softens the ride slightly thus adding a little more comfort. The machine aimed towards performance will have a steeper angle which stiffens the ride and has the riders weight more on top of the bike thus improving speed and performance.

These are just 2 parts of many explaining how geometry can effect the ride and characteristics of your bike. I believe these are 2 key components that you should take into consideration when buying a new steed to improve your chances that its going to be right for the type of riding you are going to be doing.

I realise that you may just go with the bike you have always dreamed of owning and that's fine as long as it fits properly.
All im saying is by giving it a bit of thought, the bike you ride can be totally fit for purpose and further increase your enjoyment of this fantastic sport.

Cheers for now
Ride Strong

Craig