So you�re ready to buy your first bike. Well, here are some tips to help you.

• Buy from a reputable bike shop. - Not only can it give you the best choices, your local bike shop can give you invaluable advice on general cycling in your area. Bike shops are also regular hang outs of local riders. You may find yourself a riding buddy and enjoy biking much more than if you do it alone.
• Work out your budget before walking into the store. - Ever gone into any store and spend a lot more than you were willing to. This can easily happen to you. Work out how much you�re willing to spend prior to going into the store. Keep this budget in mind when you�re looking at that $5,000.00 downhill monster.
• Shop around. - You can get better deals by looking around. For example, Shop A and B are selling the same bike. A is asking for $1,000.00. B is asking for $1,100.00 but will throw in a good helmet, a decent cyclo-computer and riding clothes. Which is the better deal? Check around for return customers. This is a good indication that the bike shop is a good one.
• Ask! - Don�t be afraid to ask for advice or explanations on things you don�t understand. Cyclists are pretty much a friendly lot. They can tell you some good or bad experiences they�ve had with a piece of equipment and give you advice as to what to get and where to get them.
• Time is on your side. - Don�t get rushed into buying. Look around. Ask for advice. The more you think about it, the happier you�ll be with your purchase. Look for reviews and articles on the equipment you�re buying. This can give you a better idea of the value of the item to you.
• Take a test ride. - Advice and reviews can only go so far. In the end, the decision is still yours to make. So, try the bike out. Does the seat feel to hard? Are you reaching too far to reach the bars? Is the bar wide enough for your comfort? These can only be answered by taking your dream machine for a run. Don�t be afraid to ask for one. Bike shops know that tests are part of the purchasing process.

Good luck and happy hunting!