We’ve all been there, stuck riding a bike that isn’t quite right. Maybe it was a deal too good to pass up or a model we’ve always drooled over or an outrageous paint scheme. We couldn’t resist, and unfortunately, that “dream” bike turned out to be the wrong size, not optimal for everyday riding, or just kind of… weird.
Don't worry. We've all made those mistakes. So, to help you (or the beginner cyclist in your life), here are five common mistakes bike buyers make. Avoid them and get the bike that is right for you! … Or maybe don’t, and at least you’ll have a story to tell!
1. Buying a bike for today … not a year from today
It’s hard to predict where the sport of cycling will take you. Over the many years that I’ve been riding bikes I’ve gone from being a serious XC mountain bike racer to a cyclocross fanatic to a gravel racer to an unexpected Zwift addict.
Your abilities will develop and your interests will evolve. If you’re planning to ride with friends, see what bikes they ride and consider getting something similar. For instance, although you might be attracted to a particular road bike, your friends might all have gravel bikes. If you are also on a gravel bike, it’ll be easier for you to join them on their adventures.
2. Buying a bike … not everything you need to bike
You’re probably starting with a budget for your first bike, right? Well, take that new bike fund, and deduct about $500. It’s tempting to stretch your budget for the best bike possible, but really, you should compromise on the bike, and spend that extra money on high-quality accessories and apparel. The right shoes, bib shorts, sunglasses, and helmet will make a far bigger difference than marginally better components or wheels. Comfortable soft goods that fit well will empower you to ride more and ride longer.
BEGINNER MTB KIT | BEGINNER ROAD KIT | BEGINNER GRAVEL KIT
3. Buying a bike that isn’t your size
We have a general sizing chart that can help you get in the ballpark to find a bike that fits. Sizing is roughly based off of rider height, but some people have disproportionately longer or shorter arms and/or legs. Unfortunately, we cannot cover every nuance of bike sizing in this short article. So, here are a few simple tips:
Do ...
Use our sizing chart for a general idea of what would fit you
Consult the bike manufacturer’s website for further fit guidance — sometimes they offer sizing calculators or suggested rider heights
Borrow a bike from a similarly-sized friend and ride it to get a point of reference
Ask our Ride Guides if you're unsure about your size
Don’t ...
Assume you can make a bike fit correctly with an extremely short or long stem
Risk having the seatpost too high or low in the frame to fit the wrong frame
Assume one bike company's size system matches another's, especially with mountain bikes.
WHAT SIZE BIKE DO I NEED? A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Road bike sizing guide
| Measured frame size | Frame size | Min rider height | Max rider height |
| <48cm | XS | 4' 11" | 5' 2" |
| 50cm | Small | 5' 2" | 5' 5" |
| 52cm | Small/Med | 5' 5" | 5' 7" |
| 54cm | Medium | 5' 7" | 5' 10" |
| 56cm | Large | 5' 10" | 6' 1" |
| 58cm | Large/XL | 6' 1" | 6' 3" |
| >60cm | XL | 6' 3" | 6' 5" |
Mountain bike sizing guide
| Measured frame size | Frame size | Min rider height | Max rider height |
| 13" | XS | 4' 10" | 5' 2" |
| 15" | Small | 5' 2" | 5' 6" |
| 17" | Medium | 5' 6" | 5' 10" |
| 19" | Large | 5' 10" | 6' 2" |
| 21" | XL | 6' 2" | 6' 5" |
4. Buying a bike based on the rear derailleur
This is a classic bike industry trick: Put a nice rear derailleur on a bike and then skimp on the other components. A mountain bike with a Shimano XT rear derailleur won’t always have XT shifters, cranks, and brakes. Now, it’s not necessarily bad to have an XT derailleur paired with SLX shifters and brakes, for instance. Just don’t assume it’s a full XT build. Look through the specifications to know exactly what you’re getting. It may be the difference between a bike you’ll love for years and a bike that you’ll outgrow quickly and want to upgrade. Every Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) bike we sell has a complete listing of components — nothing to hide!
SHIMANO VS. SRAM — EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
5. Buying a brand-new bike
Okay, since The Pro’s Closet is the world’s largest and most trusted destination for Certified Pre-Owned bikes, this tip might have you rolling your eyes, but hear me out! If you’re new to cycling, your budget is probably limited. You might not be sure if you’ll stick with the sport forever. And chances are, you won't notice the difference between a 2021 bike and a 2019 model. (Even some experienced riders can’t tell!)
So, when you buy a used bike, you avoid taking a bath on depreciation. You don’t have to stress about scratching shiny, brand-new paint when you drop it (and you will!). And finally, if you buy a CPO bike from the Pro’s Closet, you can take advantage of our Guaranteed Buyback program to upgrade to something different or sell it back to unlock your bike’s value, when the time comes.
What was your first bike? Did you get it right, or did you make a few mistakes when you caught the bug for riding? Let us know in the comments!
