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791 N. West St.
Wichita, KS 62703
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10-6 |
| Wednesday | 10-6 |
| Thursday | 10-6 |
| Friday | 10-6 |
| Saturday | 9-5 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Local (316) 262-1505
Toll Free (800) 559-4611
Fax (316) 262-1514
Email Us
Choosing the Right Bike for You
Step 1: Determine Your Riding Goals
Are you Lance on steroids, or Mary Poppins? Will you be riding four thousand miles a year, or just around the neighborhood on weekends? These are good questions to answer. Will you be riding off-road at all? Do you see yourself on highways or sidewalks? Do you ever plan on racing? Get a clear mental idea of your goals for riding. You need to figure out how far you plan on riding - and then add some. We recommend that you not settle for less than you need, because you will either get disappointed with cycling and quit, or you will end up spending far more money than you ever wanted to on upgrades or, as in the sadder cases, a new bike because the first was not fulfilling.
Step 2: Pick the Appropriate Type of Bicycle
Now that you have determined your goal for riding, it should be easy to pick the appropriate type of bicycle for you.
- Road - Road bikes are easily noticeable by their skinny low-rolling resistance tires and drop handlebars. If you see yourself pushing your limit on miles while riding strictly on road, you are in the market for a road bike. Road bicycles come in a variety of styles, from value priced rigs to all-out racing bikes or touring machines. Come in and check out our large selection and we'll help you decide which one is best for you.
- Mountain - Can you see yourself flying through trees down a Colorado mountain side? Perhaps you just want the ability to ride anywhere... without worrying about your bicycles durability or ability. Either way you need a mountain bicycle. Designed to handle dirt, rocks, and mud, mountain bikes are the 4x4's of the bicycle industry.
- Comfort - Mountain bicycles... with a comfort twist. Lets say you want to sit more upright than a mountain bike or a road bike, and want the stable feel of a fat tire bike. Enter the Comfort bike. Designed for more laid back rider who seeks a casual, friendly ride on pavement or dirt roads.
- Cross / Hybrid - A comfort bike with taller, narrower wheels - this is the only difference. But do not be afraid... cross bike tires can handle light gravel roads. Designed for a little more speed than a comfort bike and longer a smoother ride on pavement.
Step 3: Determine Your Budget
Tour de France riders ride nice bikes. Everyone wants one. Tour de France riders also have sponsors. So unless you can get your boss to dish out the cash for your bike, we understand that you may have a limit to what you can spend.
Here are some hints for doing this:
- Consider your options. At Continental, we offer Layaway for four months and financing through American General, including 90 days same as cash. Just because the bike is a little out of your range today does not mean it is impossible to get.
- Get a little more than you need now - Many people have made the mistake of thinking "I'll just get a cheaper bike now and upgrade later." However, an upgrade later is always more expensive than a bike upgrade to begin with.
Step 4: Get a Professional to Size You
Before taking test rides, you need to find the right sized bicycle. In our Tips and Advice section of the web site, we have some information on this. Obviously, the best thing to do is have your local bike shop size you. We NEVER recommend buying a bike that is the wrong size, no matter how much you "saved".
Step 5: Pick out your bike
You have your type, you have your budget, and you have your size. So which exact bike do you get? First of all, narrow down your selection to three or less models, to eliminate as much confusion as possible. If possible, take each model for a test ride. Make sure the bike shop sets the proper seat height and handlebar position. Carefully "feel" the fit of the bike, its ride characteristics, and the component operation.
Also, examine the warranties, both of the ndividual bike shop, that is, service after the sale, and that of the manufacturer. See our new bike services here.
Following these tips will definitely help you in your search for the perfect bike. Feel totally free to ask us any questions you may have!
