Thinking of buying a new bicycle? One of your first choices, and not necessarily an easy one, will be where to shop. It can be a challenge because there are a myriad of stores that carry two-wheelers, from specialty retailers, to giant department stores, to backyard garage operations.

Where you buy, however, has everything to do with what you get. You see, bicycles aren't like toasters or suitcases. Bikes are shipped in boxes and they must be assembled and tuned. There are many types, too, and you should never buy until you've figured out which is right for you. Measurements and adjustments are required to ensure the frame is the correct size and that the seat and handlebars are properly positioned. And, every new bicycle will need a minor tune-up after several weeks of use.

What's more, modern road and mountain bikes can travel at high speeds and carry you over demanding terrain where the machine's materials and construction get tested. A quality two-wheeler, carefully assembled and fit to you, will be the safest, most durable and fun bicycle to ride.

For these reasons, we strongly recommend shopping at a good specialty bicycle store in your area. For instance, we hire highly experienced salespeople and expert mechanics who'll ensure that you get the right bike and a quality machine. Look for a store that is clean, has helpful personnel, offers a good selection, and an on-site repair department.

Here are the nine top reasons our store is the best place to shop:

1. We have the right bike for you
We offer a wide selection of bicycles for different people and uses. And we provide expert assistance in selecting the proper bike type and model. For example, a road bike makes little sense if your plan is to tackle dirt trails. Likewise, if you're into cruising, you certainly don't need to test ride racing rigs. You need the bike type that's right for you, and our experienced staff will listen to you and help you choose.

The bikes we ride, believe in and sell are:

Long synomous with quality and fat tubing, Cannondale has always been the innovator within the bicycle industry. Sponsoring unstoppable pro teams and talented individuals, Cannondale has used its stable of teams/riders to refine its technology to bring you the best and the fastest bikes for road, mountain, cyclocross, hybrid and recreational cycling. See how Cannondale does it...

Giant continually strives to bring new technologies to the cycling community. From its manufacturing processes to advanced performance designs, the Giant name is synonymous with technological innovation throughout the global bicycle industry. This dedication to constant improvement makes every Giant bicycle the best value with the highest quality available today. From the time the tubing is drawn to when the fully assembled bicycle is sitting on the showroom floor, Giant's quality control and customer service is second to none. And by utilizing its global resources, Giant improves its products for every aspect of the cycling community, from kids to recreational riders to racers.

The Time series of road racing framesets are world class carbon / alloy road frames. Several pro teams ride on racing bikes built around framesets in this range of frames. Time VX frames are competitively priced and can be combined with top quality wheels and components to build responive light road racing bikes.

Someone was born to invent automobiles, or to build airplanes or ships, or to write poetry or be a surgeon or a teacher. Ernesto Colnago came into the world to build bicycles. It’s for Colnago a natural gift. Every part of the most popular vehicle invented by man is treated by Colnago with the delicacy and precision of a diamond cutter. By carefully reading the key adages of Ernesto Colnago, one can comprehend his most fundamental concept: “the frame is the soul of the bicycle.” In the past, the development of a new bicycle model was achieved through the understanding, the experience and capabilities of the master bicycle builder. Now, with the advent of new technologies, things have changed. To develop new models in ever more sophisticated materials requires an ever more advanced level of techological application. At Colnago, they work with these new cutting edge techniques everyday, as their entire model range is developed and created “Made in Italy” the Colnago way.

A History of Innovation — clipping in to the pedals is the sound that kicks off every ride. LOOK created the very first modern clipless pedals in 1984, and cycling hasn’t been the same since. Clipless pedals didn’t just revolutionize shoe and pedal technology, they were the start of a complete technical renaissance. Clipless pedals sparked the move away from cycling shoes with wood-and-leather soles toward advanced plastics and carbon composites, materials which have since been applied to almost every aspect of bicycle design, especially frames and forks. Look’s composite design experience is unparalleled, ranging from some of the very first carbon frames in 1986 to the ultra modern 585 frameset–which features a carbon bottom bracket shell–mated to the HSC 5 fork, 100% monocoque carbon from the forged carbon dropouts to the top of the steerer. LOOK’s other carbon masterpiece, the 496 Athena (and all of its predecessors) is light years ahead of everything else in the industry with its full monobloc construction and innovative, aerodynamic fork profile. Why else would six countries use the 496 for their national track teams? 2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the carbon frame from LOOK and they are still gaining momentum. Ride a LOOK and you will feel the difference. LOOK technology leads the way.

The Limburg province of Flanders is infamous for serving up the harshest cycling conditions—where driving rain, cobbled non-category climbs, snow and ice are the norm for its 6,000 racing clubs. This place, the pounding heart of a passionate cycling nation
where the most revered Spring Classics unfold, is the cold steel anvil where flesh and bone are forged into the greatest racers of all time. This is Belgium, home to Ridley bikes, and it is here where our products are engineered, hammered into raw form by the roads themselves, and where we refine them in competition. This is Ridley. We are Belgium.

2. Comfort and safety are built into every bike we sell
Bicycles come in different sizes. And they're very adjustable. We find the right frame size for you and then dial in the fit by positioning the seat and handlebars, brake levers and shifters as required. This ensures comfort and that you're in complete control of your bike for safety. There are many variables, too: If you need a softer saddle, we'll put one on. If you prefer to sit more upright, we can accommodate you. Our goal is to make your new bike as comfortable to ride and as easy to pedal as possible. We have years of experience in fitting bikes to riders and we'll get yours fitting so good it disappears beneath you.

3. All our new bikes are assembled by professional bicycle mechanics
You might be surprised to learn that bicycles are not completely assembled at the factory. It's true. They're actually delivered to us disassembled and in a box, and we spend about an hour (depending on the model) assembling, tuning and testing every bike (at no additional charge to you). This is required by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and we pride ourselves in meeting the highest standards. What's more, our technicians and service department are always prepared to make adjustments and provide advice should you need assistance during a purchase or after a sale.

4. We allow test rides, the best way to select a new machine
How do you know if that new rig is the right ride for you? The best test, and the truest way to judge a bike, is by taking a spin on it. Roll down the street and shift through the gears. Feel how the frame fits your legs and arms. Try the brakes. Stand up and climb. Coast a bit. Does the bike feel comfortable, easy to pedal, smooth? Is it quiet? Do you like the ride? Make some mental notes and return to our shop to try some others. We're happy to let you compare bikes and get a feel so you find the perfect machine.

5. Our experienced staff is happy to offer all the free cycling advice you need
We're staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic cyclists who love to share their expertise. Need to learn how to shift, fix a flat, carry gear, pump your tires? Want to find the best places to ride or friends to pedal with? Just ask, and we'll be more than happy to help.

6. Every new bike comes with a free 30 day inspection
Bicycles are machines that require maintenance. One of the most important services is after you've ridden your new bike for 30 days. During this break in period, cables might stretch, spokes may loosen and other adjustments could change. For your new rig to ride like the day you bought it, we will provide a free 30 day inspection, where we readjust the entire bike back to factory specs. (a $30 to $60 value, depending upon the work required).

7. All our bikes are guaranteed
We stand behind every bike we sell. If something goes wrong, bring it in and we'll be happy to deal with it. In the rare event of a breakdown, there's also a manufacturer's warranty protecting your purchase.

8. Our bikes offer the highest quality, longest life and best resale value
We don't just stock any bicycles. Because we stand behind our products, we find and carry only the finest brands and models. Which means that you get a great bike that will last and last with nothing more than regular care and maintenance. And, should you decide to upgrade, you'll be able to sell the bike for a good price.

9. We carry all the best accessories to go with your new bike
Cycling's most fun when you have the right gear to go along with that new bike. Our store is loaded with top-quality accessories and equipment such as helmets, locks, pumps, hydration systems, computers, and plenty of other goodies designed to help you enjoy riding. And, we're happy to advise which choices are right for you.