Until a few years ago, road cycling was reserved for a handful of professionals. But this sport has become much more widespread and now appeals to a large portion of the French population. Whether it’s for commuting to work, for fun, to push oneself, or to compete, cycling has become a major part of our daily lives.
But choosing a bike—your companion on the road—can be a challenge, given the vast array of options available. It’s hard to know where to start with all the different brands, prices, components, sizes, and so on.
Today we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect ride!
We visited My Spad, a shop that specializes in selling used bikes, and asked them some questions about the process of buying a bike!
To maximize your chances of finding your soulmate on two wheels, we asked these same questions to three women from our Wilma Gang: Aude Baron, Angèle Paty, and Amelie Thuin. Today, they’re sharing all their tips and tricks with you!
Choosing a bike: questions to ask before buying
Question 1: For urban use, is it better to choose a road bike or a city bike?
MY SPAD: For urban use, a city bike isn’t necessarily better than a road bike. This crucial choice depends mainly on the customer’s preference. Personally, I use a road bike with classic drop handlebars for both urban and rural riding, and it’s always worked well for me.
The Wilma Gang's Take
AUDE: For urban use, it’s best to choose a city bike.
ANGÈLE: What matters most isn't so much the type of bike, but the one you feel most comfortable on.
AMÉLIE: First of all, I think you need a bike specifically designed for urban commuting, especially to reduce the risk of theft, since a nice road bike unfortunately gets stolen pretty quickly. For city riding, I think I’d go with a road-style bike that’s been adapted for the purpose, like a gravel bike, for example.
Question 2: If I want to ride regularly (about 1 hour a day), what kind of tires should I get?
MY SPAD: The best-performing and most durable tires for urban use are the 25-millimeter or 28-millimeter models.
Question 3: Gears on the frame or the handlebars?
MY SPAD: It depends on personal preference and what you're used to. Frame-mounted gears are typical of the 1970s, while handlebar-mounted gears became popular in the 1990s.
What’s more, frame-mounted gears have a vintage charm and offer a different riding experience, as they let you feel the bike’s mechanics and its authenticity.
The Wilma Gang's Take
AUDE: Between the two, I prefer the handlebar-mounted gears.
ANGÈLE: I’ll also call out the gears from the handlebars.
AMÉLIE: Personally, I prefer frame gears.
Question 4: Does the weight of the bike play an important role in urban use?
MY SPAD: Weight doesn't affect your pace, but if you're riding for competition, a lighter bike would be better.
Choosing a bike: Questions to ask when buying
Question 1: Should you test ride a bike at a bike shop before buying it?
MY SPAD: We strongly recommend trying out a bike before making a purchase. However, if you know your needs and the correct frame and handlebar sizes, you can make a purchase without test-riding the bike.
The Wilma Gang's Take
AUDE: Yes, yes, and yes again! Especially if you're new to cycling! It's very important to try out the bike beforehand.
ANGÈLE: If possible, yes, because test riding gives you a better feel for the bike and helps you really determine whether it’s a good long-term fit for you. It’s also helpful if you’re torn between two bikes.
AMÉLIE: OF COURSE! It’s essential to test ride a bike before buying it!
Question 2: What are the specific criteria for choosing a bike?
MY SPAD: The three main criteria are size, components, and frame. The other criteria are secondary. But these include, for example, materials, wheel types, and aesthetics—such as the brand and colors—based on the customer’s preferences.
Choosing a Bike: Questions to Ask AfterYour Purchase
Question 1: What technical or mechanical advice should you give to people who have just bought a bike?
MY SPAD:
- Know how to change a tube in case of a flat tire.
- Knowing how to change a tire from the start can come in handy, even though it’s not something you do very often—we usually change them every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers.
- The most important DIY tasks: knowing how to replace your chain, brake cables, and derailleur.
In addition to this information, it is important to have your bike serviced every 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers.
The Wilma Gang's Take
AUDE:
- Replacing a tube in case of a flat tire.
- Explain how the front and rear brakes work.
ANGÈLE: Providing post-purchase advice is very important to me because it helps build confidence and also makes the person buying the bike more independent.
In my opinion, you need to know:
- Changing a bicycle inner tube.
- Wash your bike.
AMÉLIE: II wish I’d been given more guidance when I first bought my bike, because people can be afraid of damaging it when doing maintenance, even though it’s actually not that complicated if you have the right information.
In my opinion, you need to know:
- Explain how gears and chainrings work.
- How to put your chain back on if it comes off, and why you shouldn't cross the chain.
- Explain what equipment is needed to change a bicycle inner tube.
- Show how to clean your bike (the frame, but especially the chain) after a ride and explain why it's so important.
Any final thoughts?
And of course, don't forget to make sure you're properly equipped with cycling gear!
Helmet, cycling shorts, cycling jersey, windbreaker, arm warmers, proper shoes... And don't forget to dress for the season.
The Wilma Team would like to thankMy_Spad,Aude Baron,Angèle Paty, and Amelie Thierneyfor sharing all their advice on the bike-buying process. 💖
