#1 Type of bike

• Mountain bikes (or MTB’s): Rugged and meant for off-road use, but you can use them on Roads too.
• Hybrids: A cross between mountain and road bikes. Not as fast as road bikes, and not as rugged as mountain bikes, good for commuting or shorter distance races, mainly on flat courses.
• Road bikes: Meant for road use. These are built for speed and are used for racing in triathlons.
• Triathlon bikes (or TT bike or Tri-bike): Designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, used specifically in triathlon races, has a different handling than road bikes.

#2 What’s your budget?
It goes without saying that bikes can be expensive. Prices range quite a bit, depending on what you buy. As one doesn’t change a bike every year, look at your long-term goal over 3 years.

• The low range is under Rs 1 lakh. Usually these are basic metal frames are just functional, though often still stylish.
• Mid-range bikes cost between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakhs. These aluminium or lighter metal bikes are the best bet for everyday riders because their higher-quality wheels, chains and pedals increase their durability.
• High-end bikes cost over Rs 2 lakhs and beyond. These models are usually made of the lightest metals, including carbon and titanium, and are designed to be highly competitive.

#3 Your cycle should “fit” you
The cycle frame size has to be just right, otherwise, it can be uncomfortable and hard to control. Your ideal frame size is based on the type of bike you choose, your height and your inseam (the measurement from your crotch to the ground). Please use the below link for some frame sizing charts that can help you pick the right bike frame based on all of these factors.

https://www.ebicycles.com/article/bicycle-frame-size-charts.html

Handlebars matter, too. You want to be able to reach them, after all, so make sure the reach between your seat and the handlebars is comfortable. The shape and position of your handlebars also depend on the bike you get. Here are some common handlebar shapes and what they’re used for:

• Drop bar: Found on most road bikes. Lightweight and aerodynamic, so ideal for fast riding. You are in a lower, hunched over position, for which you need a good riding position.
• Flat bar: Common on hybrid bikes, sometimes on road or mountain bikes. They allow you to sit upright in a more comfortable position that reduces strain on your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
• Riser bar: Common on mountain bikes. They extend slightly upward and back and allow you to sit farther back to see ahead and maintain steering control.

#4 Know your gears, suspension and brake type
These days, bikes come with all sorts of gears, and there’s a lot that goes into it. To keep it simple, the most important things to consider are your fitness level and the terrain you’ll be riding. If you’ll be riding lots of hills and you find climbing challenging, then you’ll want to opt for more gears. If you’re a strong cyclist or you only ride flat terrain, you won’t need as many low gears to power up a hill so you can get away with fewer gears, which will keep your bike light.

You may also want to consider your bike’s suspension. Suspension is meant to keep you well, suspended, if you’re riding in a rough, rugged area. If you’re looking for a mountain bike, you probably want one with full or at least front suspension. Full suspension helps you maintain control and increases traction. Front suspension absorbs impact and makes for a smooth ride, and it’s ideal for hybrids, too. If you’re getting a road bike, your bike may not include any suspension at all.

Finally, there are the brakes. There are a number of different types of brakes, and they all have pros and cons. Here are the most common:

• Rim brakes: Pads that grip onto the rims of the wheel. They’re simple and easy to maintain, but they can wear out the wheel rim and they might be less effective if the rim is wet or muddy.
• Disc brakes: These are brakes that are attached to and grip onto the wheel hub. They can be more complicated to inspect and replace than rim brakes, but they work better in different weather conditions.

#5 Adjust the fit and go for a test ride
Correct fitting will be essential when you buy the bike. Most bike shops offer this service.

• Ensure you adjust the seat, ideally your feet shouldn’t touch the ground. Your knees should only be slightly bent when pedalling when your leg is all the way down. If your leg is straight (knee locked), your seat is too high. If your knee is bent more than required, your seat is too low. Either problem can hurt your knees and lower back, and a seat height that’s too short robs you of power and makes it harder to ride. Also, in normal riding position with the pedals parallel to the ground, your front knee (from almost the front edge) should be directly over the pedal spindle (the middle of the pedal). This avoids knee pain.
• Seat angle also shouldn’t tilt down. Even though that might feel comfortable crotch-wise, it’ll cause you to lean forward and put stress on your hands, arms, and neck.

There are a few important things to look out for:

• Comfort: Are you comfortable with the posture of the bike you picked? If it’s a hybrid, are you okay with sitting upright? If it’s a road bike that you’re going to use for a commute, will you be comfortable pedalling in the amount of time it takes you to get to work?
• Ability to handle the terrain: Ideally, you should test ride your bike on different surfaces. See how it handles corners, hills, and descents.