How to Buy a Bike Online: Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Ride

Discover how to buy a bike online with this comprehensive guide, covering essential steps, bike fit, and helpful cycling resources for every beginner.

Embarking on the adventure of cycling can be exhilarating, but the thought of purchasing a bike online might seem overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll break down the process of how to buy a bike online, making it simple even for beginners.

We’ll explore everything from what you need to know before securing a purchase, ensuring that the bike is fit for you, and tapping into the vast world of cycling resources. We’ll give you tips on comparing features and prices and even dealing with online store policies. Prepare to become an informed and confident bike buyer, ready to conquer the digital marketplace and the open road alike. Let’s get rolling!

What do you need to know before buying a bike online?

Buying a bike online can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but there are a few things to keep in mind before making your purchase. Here’s what you need to know:

Image of a man using a laptop beside a bicycle. Source: pexels
Image of a man using a laptop beside a bicycle. Source: pexels

1. Know what you want

Before making a purchase, determine the type of bike you need. Hybrid, cyclocross, or gravel bikes are good choices if you plan to do both on-road and off-road riding, while cruisers, fixies, cargo, or electric bikes are better for commuting.

2. Research the brand

Different bike brands provide varying levels of advice, education, and support for prospective buyers. Do your research on the brands that interest you before making a purchase. It’s crucial to consider factors such as the range of products offered, the reputation of the store, customer reviews, and pricing.

A good online bike retailer should provide a wide selection of bicycles, along with various accessories and components. Investigate the store’s reputation by reading customer testimonials and reviews, which can provide valuable insight into the quality of the products and the overall shopping experience

3. Measure yourself for the perfect fit

Find the right frame size by measuring your inseam, height, and arm length. Use online sizing charts or consult with the retailer’s customer service to ensure a comfortable and efficient fit.

4. Read the fine print

Before purchasing a bike online, it’s essential to review the retailer’s shipping, warranty, and return policies to ensure a smooth purchasing experience and to address any issues that may arise post-purchase.

Shipping policies typically include information on delivery times, shipping fees, and any restrictions on specific locations. Make sure to understand these details, as they can influence your decision to buy from a particular retailer.

5. Understand the warranty

One of the downsides of purchasing a bike online is that you may have to deal with warranty issues remotely. If any part of the bike is damaged in transit or if you encounter problems with the bike after receiving it, you will need to contact the manufacturer or retailer to address the issue under warranty. This can be a time-consuming process, and in some cases, it may even cost extra.

To avoid potential complications, it’s essential to understand the bike warranty before making a purchase. Make sure to read the warranty terms and conditions and familiarize yourself with the process for filing a claim in case of any damages or defects. By being informed about the warranty, you can make a more confident decision when buying a bike online and be better prepared to handle any issues that may arise.

6. Securely complete your purchase

Select a trustworthy payment method, such as credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Protect your personal information by using a secure, encrypted connection and strong passwords.

Image of a fixie bike leaning on a white wall. Source: unsplash.
Image of a fixie bike leaning on a white wall. Source: unsplash.
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My favorite bike (at the moment):

State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061

Best overall fixed gear bike state bicycle co 6061 black label v2
My favorite bike (at the moment):

State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061

This is my daily ride, my trusty Black Label It’s lightweight and beautifully crafted. It looks like a beast and rides like one too. I upgraded the saddle, but everything else is pretty much as it was out of the box. I highly recommend it.

How to tell if a bike is fit for you

Online shopping has a few risks, and this includes purchasing the wrong item. The first thing you need to check in any product listing is to ensure that you’ll be buying the right size. This is crucial not only for a comfortable and safe ride but also to prevent you from wasting your money. Here are a few ways to determine if a bike is fit for you:

1. Measure your inseam

To determine the right frame size, you need to know your inseam measurement. Stand against a wall with bike shoes on, straddle a large hardcover book or notebook as if you were sitting on a saddle, mark where the spine of the book meets the wall, and measure from the mark to the floor.

2. Use a bike size calculator

There are a few calculations you can use to determine the right frame size for your bike. Some calculators may ask for additional information, such as your age or gender.

3. Consider the standover height

Standover height is the distance between the ground and the top tube of the bike frame. It is important to ensure that you can stand over the bike with both feet flat on the ground, with a few centimeters of clearance between your body and the top tube. This is especially important for mountain bikes, as you may need to dismount quickly on steep terrain.

How to deal with service, returns, and warranties

Buying a bike online can be a convenient option, but it also comes with the risk of receiving a damaged or faulty product. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with service, returns, and warranties:

For service

Some bike companies offer mobile bike shops that can come to your doorstep to provide services such as tune-ups, accessory installations, and cleaning. If you prefer to take your bike to a physical shop, check with your local bike shop for available services.

Some bike companies offer lifetime warranties for their frames, but others may have more limited warranties that cover specific types of bikes or defects.

For returns

Contact the retailer or manufacturer with your name, address, phone number, and account number (if applicable) to request a return or refund. Check the return policy and keep a copy of the receipt and any communication with the company.

For warranties

Some bike companies offer lifetime warranties for their frames, but others may have more limited warranties that cover specific types of bikes or defects. Contact the brand to inquire about their warranty policy and how to proceed with a warranty claim. If your bike came with a warranty, check the terms and conditions to see what is covered.

Where to buy bikes online?

If you’re looking to buy a bike online, there are many options available to you. Here are some popular online bike retailers:

1. State Bicycle Co.

This website specializes in fixed-gear bikes and offers a wide range of options, including customizable bikes. They also offer accessories and clothing.

2. Pure Cycles

This website offers a variety of fixed-gear bikes, as well as road bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. They also offer a range of accessories and free shipping on orders over $50.

3. City Grounds

This website offers a variety of fixed-gear bikes, as well as road bikes, city bikes, and BMX bikes. They also offer a range of accessories and clothing.

4. REI

This outdoor retailer offers a selection of bikes for adults and children, as well as cycling gear and accessories.

5. Retrospec

This website offers a range of fixed-gear bikes, as well as city bikes, road bikes, and cruisers. They also offer accessories and free shipping on orders over $35.

These are just a few options among many for buying bikes online. It may be helpful to compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Buying a Bike Online” from The Loam Wolf YouTube channel.

A video called “Buying a Bike Online” from The Loam Wolf YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions about how to buy a bike online? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

How can I choose the right size when buying a bike online?

To ensure the proper fit, measure your inseam, height, and arm length, and consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart or the retailer’s customer service for guidance. Additionally, read customer reviews to gain insight into the fit and comfort of specific models. It’s important to remember that different bike types may have different sizing conventions, so always refer to the information provided by the manufacturer or retailer.

Is it safe to provide my personal information and payment details while purchasing a bike online?

Yes, if you choose a reputable online retailer and follow best practices for online shopping. Look for secure payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay, and verify that the website uses encryption (https) to protect your data. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and consider using a VPN for added security when shopping online.

What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect bike after purchasing online?

First, document any damages or discrepancies by taking photos and noting details. Then, contact the retailer’s customer service as soon as possible to report the issue. Familiarize yourself with the retailer’s return, exchange, and refund policies before making a purchase so you know what to expect in case of any problems. Most reputable retailers will work with you to resolve the issue promptly and fairly.

Conclusion

Well, folks, we’ve reached the finish line of our bike-buying journey! So, did we hit the brakes on all your concerns about purchasing a bike online? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below – I read and reply to every comment.

If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on navigating the world of online bike shopping. Thanks for reading, and as the old saying goes, “Life is like riding a bicycle – to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” So, let’s get those wheels spinning and enjoy the ride!

Key takeaways

This article covered how to buy a bike online. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Determine your ideal bike type based on your cycling goals and terrain.
  • Research reputable online bike retailers with positive reviews and responsive customer service.
  • Compare bike features and prices, and read customer reviews to find the best option.
  • Measure yourself and consult sizing charts or the retailer’s customer service for the perfect fit.
  • Review shipping, warranty, and return policies before making a purchase.
  • Use secure payment methods and protect your personal information while shopping online.

Helpful resources

Bradley Knight Image
Written by Bradley Knight, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Bradley, and I've been riding fixed for years. I love all the joy and pain that comes with this unique style of cycling and the passionate community that drives it. If you love fixed-gear bikes, this is the place for you.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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