By Chloe from Pushys
Cycling has been the subject of discussion for many years thanks to the unique opportunities it provides for easy transportation from point A to point B, positively affecting one’s health and well-being at that. All this without harming the environment, as opposed to other vehicles and means of transport like cars, buses, and vans.
In 2020, cycling grew even more in popularity due to the effects of a global pandemic. Government regulations for restricting the spread of the virus negatively impacted gymnasiums and close-contact sports. However, bikes offered people the chance to get outdoors and stay active, as they could still maintain physical distancing and comply with local regulations.
In case your old bike can no longer serve its purpose, you’re in luck as there’s a huge selection of bikes for sale that Australian retailers have for you. Should this wide range of options be a source of confusion for you, the aspects we’re about to cover in this blog post might come in handy with getting you into cycling sooner than you think.
Give Your Cycling Needs a Thought
Price is one of the first things people pay attention to when on the quest for the ideal bike, and even though it’s important, much like the brand you opt for, it sure isn’t all there is when making the final decision. Simply put, the perfect bike for you is the one that covers your needs as a cyclist.
Regardless of whether you’re new to the hobby or have had your share of cycling adventures, you need to answer the question of what you require the bike for. Perhaps you’d like to use it for commuting, or maybe you’d prefer a design that can withstand some pressure from rough terrains and off-road paths.
Whichever it is, some of the general types of bicycles you’re going to come across at the stores include road, mountain, hybrid, and cruiser bikes. Besides these basics, there are special off-road designs such as cyclocross, fitness, triathlon, adventure, and touring bikes, and of course, the unforgettable and forever trendy BMX bikes.
Road
Created for pavements, these bikes, including those special types of road design, are made for speed, and they’ve got lightweight features to make for them. This includes the frame, the tyres, and the handlebars.
Mountain
More rugged than the previous counterpart, this type of bike for sale in many Australian stores is characterised by smaller yet heavier wheels, and shock-absorbing features – everything you require for rocky adventures. Surprisingly, it’s great for pavement use, too.
Hybrid
If you’re searching for a bike model that’s lightweight yet sturdy enough, the perfect middle ground between road and mountain, this is it. Such bikes were made for commuters and leisure riders alike, and even though they’re not as sturdy as the MTB, or as fast as road bikes, they’re ideal for everyday users.
Cruiser
Anyone who loves cruising through the streets with ease should try out a cruiser bike at least once. Known for their iconic balloon-like tyres, they aren’t as lightweight as road bikes, and can be difficult to pedal uphill. Stick with them only if smooth, beach, and neighbourhood rides are your kind of cycling adventures.
BMX
Focused on making the most of performing various tricks and off-road cycling? Look no further than the BMX bikes. With their notable rigid frame, and the smaller wheels, these bikes have gone a great deal since the dirt racing days in the 1970s. Nowadays, BMXing has evolved into a sport of its own.
Ask Yourself Additional Questions
Now that we’ve covered the basics with the general types of bikes and what they’re made for, you can further simplify your shopping experience with these helpful questions.
Who Are You Going to Be Cycling With?
If you don’t mind going on adventures with your bike in the company of loved ones, it’s advisable to give their bikes and cycling styles a consideration too.
This is especially an essential aspect to have in mind for families with children. Depending on how old the kids are, you could get a road bike with a seat for them, or even give them the chance to have a taste of the fun themselves with their own balance bikes for toddlers or tricycles.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend on Your Bike?
Let’s face it; bikes can be somewhat expensive – more so if you’re buying for a family. High-end bikes that pros and hobbyists enjoy are often more expensive than $1000, and they’re known for their incredibly durable design.
Mid-range bikes often go somewhere between $300 and $1000. While they don’t lack in quality, should you want to get something better without breaking the bank, you could always upgrade them.
Features such as bike pedals, handlebars, frames, wheels, tyres, and brakes are common parts that people choose to upgrade. Find a trustworthy retailer online, and you’d also be able to come across great deals with specialised equipment and accessories.
Where Do You Plan on Storing It?
Depending on the bike you choose, you may end up with a bulky means of transport, which can be a problem for some households. This is particularly the case with families or roommates who are all into cycling together.
The main bike storage choice comes down to sheds versus racks and stands. Each presents benefits that the counterpart doesn’t, so you have to weigh in the pros and cons of the options and see what would work best for you and your household. Don’t forget to look into the size of the bike to know the amount of space you’d require.
Will You Be Carrying Any Belongings with You as You Cycle?
Now, to answer this one, you’d have to once again consider what you’d be using the new bike for. You get to choose from a wide range of bikes for sale in Australia, where retailers offer you various models for commuting, mountain biking, and leisure. If you plan to commute or go on long-distance bike trips, you’d be in need of storage in the form of a bike bag.
If you like to travel with a 4×4 and want to explore more places off the beaten path, you’d also have to give the carrier racks some thought too. Functionality and safety should be your primary concern for these.
Images: Unsplash/ Thomas Schweinghofer, Alejandro Lopez, Coen van de Broek, and Tom Wheatley
Author Bio
Chloe from Pushys is a Jack of many trades and definitely a master of some. Blogger thumbs-upped by crawlers and humans. A strong believer that the written word holds the power to transform. You can find Chloe cruising down the coastline on her vintage two-wheeler, digging in the crates or tending her many plants.