Buying an ebike – in store or online, which is right for you?

Whether its your first bike ever or another addition to your collection, new bike day is always special. There is nothing quite as exciting as the first ride on a new bike, but today we have a choice outside the bike shop. So, with endless online offers and even direct to consumer bike brands, do you still need an ebike shop?

While you can buy an ebike online these days, and at first glance that can seem like a convenient option, going to a bike shop still makes sense. Here is why.

Buying the right ebike

There has never been more choice when it comes to buying an ebike. There are more manufacturers at every price point, more types of ebike and more options in general, but that has a downside. How do you choose the right ebike for your needs?

Bikes have become more focused in general, so where once you could pick the bike from a brand you like, or one that you really like the look of, today you need to think a bit more. Ebikes vary quite a lot in weight, power and usable range. Which is right for you really depends on what you are using it for. Lighter weight bikes suit more off-road use if you are heading to the trails, while if you are looking for a commuter bike, other aspects are more important.

Buying online means finding the right ebike yourself, and that can be an expensive mistake. However, an ebike shop offers all types of bike in a single place, plus an expert who can help you choose the right option. With staff who have ridden the bikes to help you, it is much easier to find the right option to suit how you are going to use your bike. That can prevent disappointment and make sure you are spending money on something that will work for you.

It’s not just about the bike

Buying an ebike is not just about the bike itself, there are other things you might need as well. From a suitable helmet to the right bike lock, for safety and enjoyment of your bike, having the right accessories matters. Here again, there are so many options to choose from, not only varying in features and quality, but in price too.

Take a helmet, you should be wearing one for your safety every time you ride an ebike, but which one? Prices can go from $20 to $500, but what is the difference and what makes one worth so much more? Obviously, you shouldn’t cut corners where safety is concerned, but you also don’t want to waste money. You can find the guidance you need at an ebike shop, where knowledgeable staff can help you make the right choice for helmets, locks, shoes and anything else you may need.

This can save you a lot of money, its very easy to get caught up in the ‘best’ of everything online and spend far more than you really need. A great bike shop will offer sensible advice and help you get the most value for your budget.

Sizing is more than numbers

As bikes have advanced, become more focused for specific jobs, there has been something of a knock on to how a bike feels to ride. While bikes tend to have sizes that relate to saddle to pedal height, that is not the only measurement that matters.

The distance between the saddle and the handlebars, top tube height, sometimes called stand over height and more all go towards how a rider is positioned on a bike. This can have a real impact on how comfortable it is for you. Your body shape and proportions may not suit a specific bike design, and although it will technically be the right size for your height, you just never feel comfortable on it. Take that same bike but go to a larger size and suddenly it all works. Other bikes might fit you better with a smaller size, some may work perfectly for you out of the box.

Making small adjustments can transform your comfort on the bike too, adding a little height to the front, a slightly shorter crank length or just a half an inch longer stem don’t really sound like big changes. Yet these can be the difference between all day riding without a problem or back pain after a couple of miles.

An ebike shop lets you find all this out before you buy. Not only trying the bike to see if it fits you, but helping you fine tune your chosen bike, so everything is perfect when you ride off for the first time. There is no way to do this online, and getting the sizing wrong can make your new purchase a disappointing one. A bike shop gives you that hands-on experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Bike ownership is more than new bike day

As exciting as New Bike Day is, buy the right bike and you are going to be enjoying it for years to come. Some people are happy to service their own bikes, but are you? With ebikes especially, servicing drivetrains can be something you want to leave to specialists. While for some, consumables such as brake pads and tire replacements are something they would prefer to have done for them.

When you buy a bike from an ebike dealer, you have somewhere you can trust for servicing, repairs and anything else you need during ownership. They know the bike, they know you, and you can trust them to do everything right.

For those new to bikes, or just don’t like the mechanical aspects of ownership, there is one more advantage of buying from an ebike shop. They put everything together for you. If you buy online, bikes are partially dismantled for shipping. They don’t take a lot of putting together, just a few bolts usually, but for some, that can be off putting. Buy it from an ebike shop, and its ready to ride when you collect it.