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Best place to buy a bike

bike-200x148.jpgQ. Where is the best place to get a bike?

— Jack B., Bowling Green, Ky.

A. In my opinion, J.B., the only place to buy a new bicycle is at a local bike shop. These are places that specialize in bikes and have knowledgeable sales people, great quality stuff and generally excellent support. If you go to an LBS — as local bike shops are known in the cycling world — you know you’ll get the best bike for your size, riding style and budget. It might not be the cheapest bike, but in the long run it will be a better value. Sure, you could go to the local superstore and pick up a cheap bike off the rack. But it won’t last nearly as long or be nearly as enjoyable as a custom fit from your LBS.


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10 Comments on Best place to buy a bike

  1. drummerboy16 // June 25, 2008 at 7:34 am // Reply

    Rhino bikes RULE!!!!!!!

  2. If you want a small bmx bike that you’ll use for sidewalks, check out your local walmart or target. If you want a real bike, for transportation, go to a Bike Shop and ask for a “hybrid” style of bicycle. They are made for speed and comfort, but aren’t made to be used on the trail.

  3. nick-nack-nick // May 11, 2008 at 11:19 pm // Reply

    Mylocal bicycle dealer , *whos name i cannot express* , sells $700 bikes for twice the price it’s worth, plus the bikes only function like I just bought it at walmart and when he does tune-ups he charges $50 bucks for doing nothing .So i’m saying in some cases that information is misinformation.

  4. BikesnobYW // April 30, 2008 at 5:50 pm // Reply

    The best place to get a bicycle depends on how you ride. Most kids use bikes like skateboards, which are strictly for sidewalk use. If that is you, go ahead and buy a cheap $200 bike at a supermarket. But if you realize that true bicycles are actually vehicles, like cars or ATV’s, then you should not be cheap. A true bicycle is an investment, not a toy. I like to compare road bicycles to cars. A $400 bike is like an inexpensive Honda, while a $2000 bike is a Porche and a $5000 bike is a Ferrari. Most people only need an inexpensive Honda to get around. Therefore, learn the rules of the road and pick up a $350-500 bicycle at a Bike Shop. Don’t need a driver’s license to travel on the road!

  5. Tallest guy on the block!!! // April 30, 2008 at 4:21 pm // Reply

    I got my ironhorse quantum 2 at sport authority and i’ve had it for almost a year and its totally the best except for price i got and christmas sales event for $330.00 sorry for you guys out there you’ll have to buy it for $600.00

  6. locals rock but more money they usually give a free tuneup

  7. IRONHORSE IS THE BEST

  8. Yeah definately go to an LBS. I am a bike fanatic and the only to pursue this sport is with a real bike. Sure the cheapest bike at the shop is $200, but it is worth it.

  9. local bike shops are the way to go!! athough u may pay extra money but u get a better bike 🙂

  10. Eagletrail // April 4, 2008 at 3:25 pm // Reply

    I got my bike at a target, and I still love the brake disk.

    Just choose what bike you want AND like, and you’ll love it in no time.

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