Bike shopping guide

With so many great bike shops in Wellington, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve asked stores to give us an idea of what they offer and how they can help you start riding.

There’s a lot of technical language to cut through when it comes to buying a bike. You don’t need to know how every crank and cable works when you’re just starting out, but knowing the basics of bike parts can help clear things up. Check out our breakdown of bike anatomy and terms.

Buying a bike doesn’t have to be intimidating if you have an idea of what you’re after. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bike shops are happy to help, but doing a bit of research of your own will help you feel confident when you walk in the door.

Here are a few questions you could ask when shopping around:

• Which bike will match the riding I want to do? Only on the road, only off-road or a mix of the two.
• Which bike will match the way I want to ride? I want to ride fast or I just want to cruise. I’m looking to travel long or short distances.
• Ask for any key features you know you want. Maybe it’s a wide or narrow saddle, flat or racing/turndown handlebars, an eBike, or rack attachments for panniers and kids seats.
• Which bikes are in my price range?
• How long is the warranty? And what does it cover?
• What kind of servicing plan do you offer? Most bike shops include the first service free with any new bike.