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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. Skinned-Knees // October 5, 2008 at 6:55 pm // Reply

    I find it easiest to collect parts of old bikes and build my own. It’s easy and cheap.

  2. they sell miracos by a bike at just riding along

  3. buy a miraco bike

  4. In Sewanee, TN we have Woody’s Bike shop. It is located near the U Of the South. They have been in business for about 10 year I think?!?! They just moved to this old house and have great bikes and service them there too. Plus they rent for day-trippers without bike to enjoy the near by trails. They are honest, have great bikes and can fix them for your on site. Best part is they have the best cafe next door, Mountain Breeze Cafe. Were have really good food and the best home-made ice cream. Hey, if I’m going to ride my bike up a mountain, to get to Woody’s I feel it’s okay to indulge.

  5. ghost rider // August 31, 2008 at 8:46 pm // Reply

    Where can I find a bike that is built for speed, comfort, and rough trails?

  6. I like lever shift gear systems over twist systems. only place to get them? a LBS.

  7. at my local bike store the cheapest bike they have is 300!!!

  8. From personal experience, in addition to vouching for the LBS approach, I would highly recommend buying a used model…great values can be found, and so what if it isn’t the shiniest bike on your block? Pocket the difference, insist on a tuneup/cleanup as a condition of sale, and from then on, do your own maintenance.

  9. harobikes kid // July 4, 2008 at 9:44 am // Reply

    if you want a nice bike go with a gt/dyno , eastern or a haro the best haro bmx bike for a beginner is a haro backtrail x1

  10. I love my dart its fast ive hade it for seven years my brake cords are missing but its good

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