If you’ve never purchased a bike online, you might be wondering how it works since you can’t try it before you buy. Investing in larger ticket items such as this without seeing them in real life can feel daunting but it can be a great option in many cases. Here at The Edge, we make the process as easy for you as possible and we’ve created this helpful guide to show you how it works.
The benefits of buying your new bike online
The beauty of online shopping is that you can take all the time you need to research and plan your purchase in your own time. For a significant purchase such as a new bicycle or eBike, this can be a really important factor as you will want to be sure you’re making the right choice. There are lots of options that may influence your decision and having time to explore these in your own space can make the whole process more straightforward.
You might need to research factors such as:
- The type of bike you want: mountain, trail, city or combination
- Whether you want an electric bike or a traditional bike
- The frame size that will suit you best
- The wheel size and type you prefer
- What sort of tires do you need and whether you want to be able to change them for a different type easily
- How much maintenance and care you are prepared to do yourself
This list will give you a good perspective on what sort of rider you are and where you may be able to compromise. Take your time to work through each factor, giving yourself time to think about and research each element before you start narrowing down your choices.
Have a look at each of your requirements in turn and narrow down your selection accordingly. In most cases, you’ll find that getting specific helps to reduce the overwhelming choice until you have a smaller list of options to choose from. For instance, if you definitely require a bike that will enable you to explore the trails in your local area, you can cross off any option that isn’t suitable for this sort of ride.
Buying online gives you plenty of time to think about your investment and weigh up the pros and cons. You won’t run the risk of having your head turned in-store by a special promotion or feature that catches your eye and distracts you from your list of requirements. This means you can make a more measured decision and ensures you won’t suffer from buyer’s regret after making an impulsive choice.
Get into the tech spec for your new bike
When you’ve answered the basic questions, it’s time to get technical. You can do this by writing a list of your essential specifications and preferences for your new bike. Write down everything that you know you need from your bike, the features that are non-negotiable, and then do not compromise on this. Be specific. You may have some wriggle room when it comes to your preferences, and you can prioritise these accordingly but do not be tempted to ignore one of your core requirements because you will only regret it in the long run. This is where you get right into the details and look at things like how many gears you need, what sort of braking system you want and any components that you are particularly keen to include.
When you’re whittling down your selection, follow an easy system such as this. If easy-to-change tires are a must, prioritise this and select all bikes that offer this, then look for the other features you desire within this selection. We love this Merida Speeder 100 Hybrid Bike, which offers flexibility and has many desirable features, but if you’d prefer something with fewer speeds or a different braking system, it won’t be on your shortlist.
At The Edge, you can choose your frame and make selections about the components you require to create a custom bike that will be perfectly suited to your needs. This is a great way to ensure you get all of your essentials and your preferences too, and we love helping our customers to design the bicycle of their dreams.
Choose your bike online
If you’re an experienced rider, you may know exactly what you need and ordering online won’t take a moment. If you’re not sure about technical specs, it may take longer to work it out but you can certainly still order your new bike online.
To decipher the tech spec, it’s worth investing some time in making sense of the lingo. Getting to know your brake pads from your cassette will not only make it possible for you to find out what will suit you best but will be invaluable when you’re getting to know your bike, identifying any problems and making small repairs. Knowing your way around your bike will save you a lot of time, hassle and money so it’s well worth starting now to make sure you know what you’re buying.
Delivery and assembly
If you buy your bike online, it will either come directly to you from the manufacturer or via a bike shop. We ship our bikes across Ireland from our ‘bricks and mortar’ shop in Cork and this means we can professionally assemble each bike, checking it for quality and safety before it reaches its new home. You’ll only need to attach the handlebars and pedals and you’ll be good to go. Bikes ordered internationally will, however, be shipped directly by the manufacturer and will need to be professionally assembled on receipt.
At The Edge, bicycles are not sold with pedals so you can choose the style you prefer and buy your pedals and cleats online when you order your bike. And of course, you’ll find all the cycling accessories you need online too.
In the unlikely event that you decide your bike is not right for you, buying online will usually offer you the right to return it within 30 days. Under EU law, you are entitled to a full refund less postage or courier fees, giving you peace of mind. Returns are rare here at The Edge, as we’ll work with you to ensure you’re making the right choice, but if you do need to return your bike, we’ll make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Buy your new bike online or in our specialist store in Ireland
Whether you’re already a keen cyclist or you’re looking forward to becoming one, your new bike will take you to the next level. If you can’t wait to save time and money on the commute to work each day or you just want to embrace the freedom of exploring your local cycle trails, it’s time to put the research in and find a fantastic new bicycle online.
If you’d like to pay a visit to our cycle shop in Cork, we’ll be delighted to help you find the perfect bike for your lifestyle and we also offer servicing and repairs to keep your bike in great condition. We sell cycling products, cycling gifts, men’s cycling clothing and women’s cycling clothing, as well as bike helmets, cycling shoes and more.
You can order online or pop in and talk to us at The Edge on Kinsale Road in Cork. Contact us at +353 (0)21 432 0522 or visit our website to see our excellent range of bicycles and electric bikes and order your new bike today!
