Getting Back into Cycling – Affordably and Sanely

By Michael Seinberg

Since 2020, interest in cycling has skyrocketed thanks to the pandemic and people’s desire to do something healthy and outdoors. At the exact same time, the supply of bicycles and parts has shrunken thanks to tensions between the US and China, tariff issues, supply chain problems and production slowdowns. So how do you get back on the road simply, cheaply, and sooner than later?

For many people, the answer is a trip to the attic, shed or garage and many old bikes that have languished for years are being dusted off and ridden again. If this describes you, you’re one of the lucky ones. The key to bringing back an old bike is to make sure it’s safe to ride and then getting it running again either yourself or via a bike shop or mechanic. 

You want tires that are not dry rotted, hold air and have good tread. All cables should move freely, the chain should go around cleanly, and the shifting and braking should be fully functional. You should inflate your tires to the correct pressure (printed on the side of all modern bike tires), lube your chain, and test the bike in your driveway before setting out. Also, make sure to wear your helmet and if you haven’t got one; get one.

If this is beyond you mechanically, then get your bike to a shop or mechanic and if they tell you getting it running will cost more than the bike is worth, listen carefully. If your old bike was a good quality machine bought from a bike shop, chances are you won’t have this problem. If it’s a department store bike, you may be out of luck.

So, let’s say you need a bike in the midst of a bike shortage. What do you do? Your best bet is to look for a used bike on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Local is always best, to avoid shipping charges so start with Craigslist or Facebook. First, determine what size bike you need: bikeexchange.com/promo/bike-size-calculator. Next, figure out what type of bike you want – road, mountain, hybrid, gravel, etc. Finally, see what folks have to offer locally and if you find something that looks good, check the price against the Bicycle Blue Book to make sure the asking price is reasonable: bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide. Keep in mind that prices for decent used bikes are higher now, due to increased demand, but some folks are going a little far into the realm of profiteering.

Upon getting to see your prospective new bike in person, make sure it’s in good shape. Solid tires, brakes and derailleurs work, no dents, cracks or frame issues, wheels that spin true (no side-to-side shimmy), and no signs of major damage or wear. Test ride the bike and make sure you like the way it feels and handles. If all of this feels a bit beyond you, see if you have a knowledgeable person who can go with you.

If a used bike is something you want to avoid and you prefer to go new, then visit one of our many local bike shops, and see what they have to offer. If you’ve been away from the sport for awhile, please be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. Modern bicycles have come a long way in the last 25 years and can now easily cost what your first car ran you. It’s not uncommon for serious riders to spend upwards of $5,000 for a top-end bike and some can go north of $15,000 in the case of custom bikes with top end parts. But for the average mortal, expect to pay in the $400-$800 range for a solid, well-made bike that will last you for years to come.

Please keep in mind that local bike shops are having the same trouble getting new bikes as the rest of us. Even the mighty Amazon has multi-month back orders on bikes. Thus, be prepared to probably visit multiple shops or order a bike and wait till it comes in. These days, whether you’re looking at a new or used bike, if it works for you and you can afford it, buy it, don’t wait. I’ve seen bikes go from on sale and available, to gone in under two hours, in some cases.

Finally, once you have your bike, please set it up properly. Add a water bottle and cage if you plan on longer rides. Carry a portable pump or CO2 inflator, spare tube, and basic tools in case you have a flat. Get and wear a good helmet every time you ride and also consider a decent pair of bicycle gloves and maybe even bike shorts (they really do improve comfort). Check your bike every time you ride to make sure your tires are inflated; chain is lubed and everything is tight. Listen for creaks, squeaks or loud noises as these usually indicate a need for adjustment. A well-tuned bike should be almost silent, in most cases.

If any of this information seems too technical, there are great books, many websites and of course, YouTube to consult on virtually any bicycle related subject from how to shift, change a tire, or corner to how to thread internal cables on a $9,000 carbon fiber road bike. Above all, stay safe, and enjoy the ride. See you out there!

Michael Seinberg (mseinber@nycap.rr.com) of Altamont began racing bicycles after college and has been a professional bicycle mechanic since the late 1980s. He is also an award-winning columnist, jeweler, semi-professional photographer, and seven-time grandfather. These days you can find him chasing tiny people, fixing bikes, and riding through the woods on very old mountain bikes (and even older legs).