Ideal Bike? What to look for.....

I'm a newbie to these forums. I was wondering what you look for when purchasing a bike? What are the primary criteria that you consider when comparing bikes? Please list the top 3 criteria you consider when shopping for a bike, starting with #1 as your highest priority. Additionally, include how much you'd be willing to pay for a bike that met your top criteria and if it would be a road or mountain bike. Thanks for your input.

Marinade

If you're buying a bike for the first time, getting the equipment that fits how you will use it is most important.

1) Decide what type of bike you want, based on where and how you're going to ride. Get a road bike for the road, a mountain bike for off-road. Do you want upright comfort for a bike path or city commute, or are you looking for something lightweight with drop bars for 25 mile plus rides in hills?

2) Decide on your price range. I'd figure about $500 for a quality initial-entry bike at your local bike shop. No need to spend more than $1000 on your first bike, IMO, unless money is no issue. Stay away from $129 discount-store bikes.

3) Go to the local bike shops, tell them how you want to ride, and let them show you bikes. Then go on test rides on as many bikes as you can in your price range. Don't be afraid to go back and ride the ones you like again to narrow the field. Buy the bike that fits best and feels best to you. Enjoy.

Dan

Three.. umm...four criteria that can impact your ideal bike the most, in order of most importance:

Fit
Frame
wheels/tires
Components

How much you're willing to pay? what's your budget? so the ratios of how much to psend on the frame/wheels/component depends on your budget.

what/where do you ride?

Road all the way, can't find enough trails here.

Thanks for your input, I guess I should have clarified. I'm a fellow cyclist myself, I'm just new to these forums. (I just registered yesterday to post). I wanted to get input on what criteria you would put highest in priority when considering your ideal bike. For example, my criteria are:

1. Quality of ride
2. Price
3. Weight

Once I identify a price point, then I'll look for the bike that rides best in that category. Weight would take a third place spot, but not as important as ride quality. After thinking about it, I should probably post a poll. It would probably be easiest to see what the readers of this forum consider.
By the way, I'd be willing to pay up to $2200 for a bike that rides great and is lightweight. I purchased a LeMond Zurich at the beginning of the season and have loved it. I just couldn't find another bike with as sweet a ride for under $2200. Here are some primers as far as various traits/criteria you may consider important.

1. ride quality
2. weight
3. price
4. brand
5. component mix
6. high magazine rating
7. durability/longevity
8. warranty
9. build quality
10. frame material
11. bang for my buck
12. other

Please list your top 3 criteria.
Thanks

Fit is #1... all the rest are just details,and most are personal and subjective. I have no clue what you are trying to get at ,and what good some poll on this really is? What's wrong with the Lemond anyway?

Sorry I missed the boat here. There is no way to prioritize or weight all these factors in advance, IMO, without looking at the specifics of each model you're considering. Any one of them could be a deal-breaker for you. Also have to ask why would you want a different new bike already if you just bought one you like this season?

Dan

Thanks for your responses. I'm not looking for a new bike. I just wanted to compare what others consider important when purchasing a bike. I know what elements I consider important, but not everyone is like me; and that's a good thing

I wanted to see what factors were most important and influenced your decisions. I don't know how many times I've met someone who purchased a bike because it "looked awesome", or it "was a cool brand", or "was a good deal", yet they didn't really shop around to realize that there are other awesome, cool brands that are just as good of a deal. And, not to mention, more fully serve their needs.

Look at it this way, most people don't study all the available options for a vehicle before purchasing one spec'd out exactly as they'd like. They just go to the dealer, look at the lot, and the first car that hits the spot is theirs.

But, when it comes to buying a bike, particularly over the $1000 mark, many cyclists start becoming nitpicky on options (i.e. components), until they get exactly what they want.

Why the difference between the two transactions?

Obviously, fit on a bike is perhaps one of the biggest requirements. But, any similarly sized frame can be fitted with a few tweeks. So, assuming fit can be tweaked between two different bikes, what are the other decision breakers?

I know that the difference for me is because I know how significant a couple specs can be in the overall riding experience. BUT, those specs that I consider important, aren't necessarily what others think. That's what I'm getting at, I wanted to get a feel for what others consider most important when shopping for a bike.

Sorry for the lengthy response, but hopefully this answers some of the previous inquiries and can produce some insightful responses.

Come to think of it, I could just post a poll and see how everyone votes. Would probably be easier for others to respond, too. hmmmm.........

Yeah,right.Just what this site needs,another inane POLL. Someone else nailed it with the suggestion for a POLL forum.