Bike parts worth splurging on
Bikes are back in a big way, and there’s never been a better time to get on it. Cycling is a great active way to enjoy the outdoors. It burns calories faster than walking and is much easier on the knees, legs, and ankles than running. If work is close by, a commute by bike is an eco-friendly alternative that will save you a lot of money on gas and parking. More and more people are choosing two wheels instead of four: Bicycle use increased 40 percent in the United States between 1995 and 2014. In that same 20-year span, government spending has shifted to towns and cities across the United States. across the country to build thousands of miles of lanes and roads.
For the new rider, the sheer number of cycling options can be overwhelming. Of course, you can buy a fully assembled bike from the roof rack that works like a dream. But there is also a dizzying amount of customizable, interchangeable and upgradeable components that the rider can exchange at their leisure. With the proliferation of cycling as an extremely popular hobby and viable transportation method, it’s no wonder highly specialized (and expensive) options exist. If it’s new, you could easily spend a small fortune to equip each set of components when just a few adjustments would make a big difference. A person with a limited budget should prioritize the parts of the bicycle.
The first, and perhaps most obvious piece of the puzzle that you need to focus on is the frame. The type of frame dictates the style of the bike, so ask yourself what you want to do with it. How do you want to ride? Are you going to run through city streets and picturesque roads in highway racer? Or will you be cruising the beach with an ice cold drink on a comfortable cruise ship? The frame is the focal point of the entire kit and all other parts of the bike adhere to it. You can always upgrade component sets as you go, but even top-of-the-line rigs won’t make the ride comfortable if the frame doesn’t suit your lifestyle and body.
Once you have a frame that fits, the next set of bike parts to splurge on are the ones that make up the suspension. Again, the terrain you will cover is an important factor. If you ride around town on well paved roads, you may not need any suspension. If, on the other hand, you plan to go on mountain trails, you will have to decide between a full suspension (shock absorbers on the front and rear wheels) or a ‘rigid’ (shock absorbers only on the front wheels). A good suspension system won’t cost you a fortune and will make a big difference to your ride.
The next parts of the bike to prioritize are the wheels. The wheels are where the bike meets the road, and it’s worth a little more to keep that point of contact solid. Cheap tires will wear out quickly and lose their grip. Buying a good pair now will save you later.
Get out there and enjoy the ride!