Chain Reaction Bicycles

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Choosing the Right Bike
If you're thinking of buying your first bike (or your first bike in a long time!), we suggest the following steps… Step 1 - Choose a "class" or type of bike Step 2 - Have a budget in mind Step 3 - Choose a model within your budget that has a frame size that's right for you Step 4 - Take it for a test ride

Step 1 - Bike Class Unless you're looing for a kids bike, your bike will fit into one of the following categories:
Hybrid/Comfort Bike	Mountain Bike	Road Bike

Hybrid or Comfort bikes have lighter, smoother tires and a slightly modified mountain bike frame, with a more upright riding position especially adapted for urban cycling. They are often sold with mudguards and other utility fittings as standard. Hybrids can cope with a wide range of terrain and are a good option for everyday trips. They are of less use for sports or specialist cycling.	Originally designed for off-road cycling, the wide range of gears, suspension and good manoeuvrability have made these equally popular with urban riders. However, the knobbly tyres make pedalling harder, so it is advisable to fit city tires ("slicks") if you rarely go off road. The riding position may not be as comfortable as a hybrid for everyday journeys and items such as mudguards and carrier racks will usually need to be fitted seperately.	Drop handlebars, light wheels and thin slick tires make these the most efficient and fastest bikes for the road. However, they are more prone to punctures and do not cope well with poor surfacing. You may also find the riding position less comfortable than a hybrid for everyday journeys.
Other features: Sturdy and simple Comfortable and light Upright to semi-upright riding posture Limited to wide gear range Best on flat/hilly paved paths and roads Ideal for city riding or touring	Other features: Rugged and versatile Semi-upright riding posture Wide gear range For all terrain, off-road or paved Ideal for off-road recreation, city riding or touring	Other features: Fast and light Semi-upright to dropped riding posture Wide gear range Best on flat to hilly paved terrain Ideal for racing, city riding or touring

Step 2 - Budget

To budget for your bike, you have to consider three things; the price range of the class of bike you've chosen, the service and repair costs of owning a bike, and the amount of money you think you'll spend on accessories. Use the following information as a guideline:

Bike price ranges

Kids bikes -
Hybrid/Comfort bikes -
Mountain bikes -
Road bikes -

Service and Repairs

Bikes, like cars, need services and occasionally repairs to keep them running properly. The better you clean and maintain your own bike, the longer it will last. On average, if you take your bike in for a tune-up once a year, it will cost you $200-300 over 5 years. Repairs on entry level department store bikes tend to be more expensive than a quality bike. At Chain Reaction, we offer a lifetime warranty on your bike (see store for complete details) and 3 years of free, unlimited bike tuning service. Not only will this save you $150 in tune ups, but if you have any major repair work, chances are it will be covered under warranty. Just as you would when you buy a car, service and repair costs need to be thought through when buying your bike.

Accessories

The type of bike you choose will often determine what accessories you will want to buy in conjunction with your bike. You should set your expectations and budget accordingly:

All cyclists
- Helmet, lock, spare tire kit, pump, lights
Cycling enthusiasts
- Cycling shoes, bike shorts, jerseys, water bottles, computers, repair tools and accessories

Step 3 - Model and Frame

The hardest parts are done - now that you know your budget and class of bike, you can narrow your choice down to model. Our staff can help you pick a model or you can search through our online store to get some ideas before coming into the store. One importan thing to know is that you need to choose models that have a suitable frame size, heigh and extension. Our staff will help you with this in the store, but the basics are as follows:

Frame Size: When you stand over the bike the cross bar (top tube) should be 2.5 to 5 cm below your crotch for road bikes, or 5 to 8 cm for mountain bikes. If the frame isn't within that range, look for another bike.

Height: When you are seated and the ball of your foot is placed on a pedal at its lowest point, your leg should be slightly bent. If the frame size is right, you can usually adjust the seat height to this point.

Extension: With your elbow touching the front point of your saddle, your fingers should extend to the stem bolt on a mountain bike, or to the middle of the stem on a road bike. You may be able to adjust handlebar height and seat position (moving it forward/back) to get there, or change the stem or handlebar.

Step 4 - The Test Ride

Chain Reaction offers a large assortment of quality bicycles. One of the best ways to select the bike for you is to come in and speak with one of our expert staff, then test ride one or more bikes to ensure that it will meet your needs.

In fact, many people feel that this is an essential part of shopping for a new bike. To get the most from this important step, please come in and talk to our staff. We'll explain our requirements, what to wear and bring, how we prep te bike and how you should test ride the bike.