Bike price info?

[relp]

To those beginners and bike buyers out there, do you feel that one of the worst things about buying a new bike is understanding whether you're getting a good deal or not?

 

[Kies]

No.

Read and learn the differences between the various mechanical bits, Sora,Tiagra,105 etc, and the differences between road,hybrid and Mountain bikes , then go take a look in the shops (hopefully ride a few). This will give you a better understanding.
I'm in the process of selecting a folding bike - doing my homework, riding different bikes and asking questions here is proving invaluable in selecting the right bike for me and my intended use.

 

[ianrauk]

Any LBS worth their salt will make sure you are getting a good deal and will explain why.

 

[derrick]

And the ones that are not worth there salt will sell you anything, as long as they get there money

 

[Kies]

Any LBS worth their salt will make sure you are getting a good deal and will explain why.

A noobie to cycling won't know a good lbs from adam, look at Halfords. Decent enough bikes being sold by poorly trained staff.

 

[ianrauk]

A noobie to cycling won't know a good lbs from adam, look at Halfords. Decent enough bikes being sold by poorly trained staff.

That's why I said a shop that knows their salt.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

A noobie to cycling won't know a good lbs from adam, look at Halfords. Decent enough bikes being sold by poorly trained staff.

Our local Halfords are good.

 

[Kies]

The majority are not. My point being a newbie has no idea what he is getting from them or a lbs just interested in a sale.
A member of the cc parish had a boardman on his c2w scheme. When we visited a specialized store,they very quickly told him the bike was too big! As he was new to cycling, he trusted the staff at Halfords

 

[ceejayh]

I was in the same boat recently. The key is to speak to experienced riders and research...and speak to your LBS. I went to a few bike shops and the one I decided to get my bike from were really helpful and enthusiastic.

 

[biggs682]

no different to buying any other new product , got to go with your instincts

 

[vickster]

Get advice on here, read reviews, test ride. I think you'll get a good vibe from a good LBS when you go in and spend time talking to them. Do it at a quieter time and if they should be helpful

RRP of similar specced bikes tends to be similar, so can also look at discounted models with a higher spec. However, if the bike doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how good a deal it is

 

[daveplums]

Would you buy new or used for a first bike?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Research, research, research.

IMO it's all part of the fun - regardless of experience.

 

[vickster]

Would you buy new or used for a first bike?

New, but perhaps last year's model

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Re OP - no. Not really a concern as such. Through trying different bikes I selected the type I liked (CX) then I studied spec's and reviews whittled it down to two. Tried them and chose the one I liked best and then did deal with LBS.