The biggest question getting into cycling. What bike should I buy? There are so many different models and components. Let’s examine what you need to consider to pick a bike you will be happy with.

Getting started with cycling often requires an investment bigger than for other sports. Unless you can rent a bike from someone you know, the bike will be the biggest part of this investment. Therefore, getting one that fits you and the type of riding you will be doing is essential. If in doubt about what type of riding you will enjoy the most, check out our discipline overview.

If you are buying your first bike to see if cycling really is for you, going to your local bike shop is a good option. You will get some guidance and be able to try the bikes to see what size and components (like saddle handlebar width etc.) fit you. Don’t make the mistake of picking whatever looks the smartest or fastest. When you are getting into cycling comfort on the bike is important. Don’t get me wrong. Sitting on the bike is never going to be as comfortable as sitting on the couch. But if you begin to struggle with back or neck problems because you bought a bike that’s too aggressive or small and can’t be adjusted to fit you, you will quit cycling very fast. Or at least take a major financial hit.

How to find a bike that fits you

All cycling brands have a sizing guide on their website. They will mostly recommend a frame size based on how tall you are. The bike can then be adjusted a bit to fit the rest of your body geometry. The saddle position can be moved up and down and forwards and backwards. The handlebar can be adjusted a bit by removing spacers and rotated forwards or backwards. However, there are so many nuances that can’t be taken into account in these sizing guides.

People have different lengths of limbs and ranges of mobility. If you want to find your perfect position and bike, including the sizes of all the components, there’s a 99% chance you will only find that by getting a professional bikefit. Specially if you don’t have years of experience riding bikes and tuning in on your position.

Is a bikefit necessary before buying a bike? Not at all. If you are just getting into cycling, the price can be quite expensive in an already expensive sport, with a high cost of entry. You can find a bike in your local bike shop or online, which will provide you a great experience. But if you have previous injuries or body flaws, it can be a good investment. You can still change parts on your bike along the way as your body adapts to the cycling position. If you get a high end bike, I will say a bikefit is a necessity. A small thing like having to change the stem almost has the same cost as an entire bikefit. So please make sure you will have the ability to ride your dream bike once you buy it.

What bike brand should you pick?

Going for one of the larger bike brands is going to make your life easier. They have tested their bikes, components and manufacturing processes more thoroughly than small brands. They also have a larger network of bike shops and distributors to help you. If you have to use the guarantee on the bike, you are often in a better situation with a big company, which is more likely to stay in business and have a presence in your country. Some of the big brands are Specialized, Giant, Canyon, Cannondale, Trek and Scott.

Choice of components

While you look for a bike you like, you should also consider the components that will be on that bike. The bike manufacturer is often responsible for the frame, seat post and cockpit (handlebar and stem, sometimes integrated as a single piece). Some manufacturers also produce their own saddles and wheels. Like Specialized which wheel brand is called Roval.

The other components are the group set, brake set and drivetrain. There are two main players on the market these days. SRAM and Shimano. Shimano is the classic choice who has been around for a long time. They offer a big selection ranging from entry level like Sora and Tiagra to their top model Dura-Ace. SRAM has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is now just as good as Shimano. What you pick is more a matter of taste in how shifting works and grips are formed. Bike manufacturers often offer their model with both Shimano and SRAM.

The main thing you need to consider is whether you want manual or electronic gear shifting, and rim or disk brakes. Electronic shifting is much smoother, and required less maintenance and adjustment over time. Disk brakes are way more effective, specially in wet weather. But of course better components are more expensive.

The drivetrain and brakes need regular replacement of parts. Chains, chainrings and cassettes wear down over time, and brake pads need regular replacement. So you should also consider the maintenance cost, before picking an expensive selection of components. A chain will probably last 5-10,000 km depending on your riding conditions and maintenance. A cassette will probably last a season or two, while chainrings can last a little long. But riding with a worn chain will also wear down your cassette and chainrings faster.

Tires

For tires there’s usually not much choice. You get the ones that comes with the bike, and that’s fine to try them out. But you could discuss an exchange to a tubeless setup, if you prefer that.

Many people swear to the Continental GP5000 tires. Other popular tires are Vittoria Corsa and Pirelli P Zero. These models are very fast tires with good grip. But if you aren’t all about speed, going for a more puncture resistant tire can also be beneficial.

As for tire width 28mm is a pretty solid place to start. If you are more concerned about comfort, you can go up to 30 or 32mm. Basically the wider the tire, the lower pressure you need, and therefore the tire is more comfortable absorbing bumps better. However a very low tire pressure transfers less of your power to speed, as more power goes into the vertical movement of squishing the tire. For 28mm tires you should experiment with the right pressure for you. A good starting point for a 80kg rider is 5-6 bar or 70-85 psi. You will get some comfort while still maintaining good power transfer.

Pedals

There are three brands to pick from when choosing a pedal system. Shimano is the most popular choice with their SPD series.

Shimano pedals are known for their durability, smooth engagement, and efficient power transfer. They come in various models to suit different riding styles and preferences. The yellow model is probably the best one for your first clipless pedals, as they provide a decent amount of float, which means your fit doesn’t have to be 100% precise.

Look pedals are known for their lightweight design, wide platform, and adjustable tension for customizable engagement and release. They are quite similar to Shimano.

Speedplay pedals are known for their innovative design and unique functionality. Unlike traditional clipless pedals, Speedplay pedals feature a dual-sided entry mechanism, making it easier for riders to engage the pedal from either side. They also boast a low-profile design, adjustable float, and a wide range of customizable options. Speedplay pedals are favored by many cyclists for their ease of use and pedaling efficiency.