How To Guide
Solid advice, reams of knowledge and personal attention from the Reckless team will make sure you and your bike are the perfect match. The questions below will give you some options to think about before you head over to see us. If you’re not sure what bike is best for you, come into any of our stores and we’ll ask you questions about what style of riding you do, and help you pick the Right Bike.
1. What style of riding do you enjoy?
The options run anywhere from cruising and commuting to triathlon training, touring, and trail riding. Each has a type of bike that is ideally suited for that specific riding. Consider buying a bike that would fit the majority of the style of riding that you do. Of course, you can use your bike for more than that one single purpose, but you should buy with your main cycling activity in mind.
The right bike will also depend on the length of time you'll be in the saddle.
If you’re not yet sure what type of rider you are, read types of bikes.
2. What size of bike is right for you?
Bikes come in different sizes, just like people. Generally speaking, more aggressive and performance-oriented cyclists tend to gravitate toward a slightly smaller frame size. Most people will be completely comfortable on two sizes of frames: the one that fits “out of the box” and one slightly smaller or larger that can be adjusted to fit just right.
One more thing. Your leg length, not your height, is the most important factor in determining frame size.
3. What other accessories will you need?
Include in your budget an allowance for the “trimmings” that make cycling more comfortable - like lock, helmet, fenders, rear carry rack, bell, gloves, water bottle. Reckless has a vast selection of accessories for all styles and tastes.
Consider your total budget and then work backwards. You will usually get more value and usability out of a $500 bike with $200 of accessories than a $700 bike with no accessories.
4. What "after sale" service do you expect?
Does the product carry a warranty? For how long? What happens if the seat or handlebar height is not right? What happens if you don't like the bike after riding it for a week or two? Does the bike require servicing after a particular amount of time or kilometers?
All good questions. Whenever you buy a bike, it should fit just like a high-end pair of running shoes. This is important not only for your enjoyment of cycling, but also for your health - to prevent injuries from stretching too far, for example. Whenever you buy a bike at our stores, our expert mechanics carefully adjust your new bike to fit you and how you like to ride. Read about our commitment to making sure you are 100% thrilled with your new bike.
5. How much do you want to spend?
A bike that is $500 is quite different from one that is $5,000. And chances are if you are simply looking for a comfortable bike that will get you to work and back, you won't want to spend $5,000.
On the other hand, if you will be using your bike regularly, you’ll want to get something that increases your enjoyment of cycling and makes it more likely you’ll go out on your bike. Take weight, for instance. You’ll want a bike that doesn’t weigh a ton whenever there’s a hill to climb and isn’t too heavy to cart upstairs.