How to Get Started

Recently, a friend of mine asked for my opinion about cycling. He’s a runner who wants to add a different element to his training. I think he asked me for my opinion because he knows I’m frugal (some people call me cheap) and wanted to get into cycling as inexpensively as possible. Without skipping a beat I told him to join the Maine Cycling Club. I explained that with well over a hundred members, he’ll find lots of people with great advice.

He then told me that he was thinking about buying a bike at a local department store. While department stores have their place, I certainly wouldn’t think about buying a bike there. Yes, their prices are tempting but are they a good value? Most of the bikes they sell are built with low end components and come with no support of any kind. If (when) you have a problem, chances are the problem will be beyond their capabilities to repair the problem.

I recommended he go to a professional bike shop. He was concerned that prices would be more than he could afford. Surprisingly, the local bike shop has very good prices on well built bikes, making them a better value than the department store variety. Also, many have used bikes that were traded in with prices about the same as the department store bikes. In addition, most professional bike shops offer a free 30 day check up and skilled technicians to fix any problems you may encounter. I’ve purchased four bikes from Rainbow Bicycle and Fitness on Center St and I have been very happy with the outstanding service I have received. All in all, the local bike shop is a much better value.