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The Complete Guide to Buying Bike Parts: Everything to Know

Around 42% of households own at least one bicycle, which equates to over 580 million bicycles worldwide. However, whether you are an avid cyclist or an occasional user, you will need to look at bike parts for your bicycle at some point.

Buying bike parts, also known as components, can feel overwhelming, no matter what your reason is for needing new parts. Dusting off bikes after a long break usually exposes some bike maintenance issues. Maybe your bike was exposed to the elements or had general wear and tear.

Or, some people are looking at upgrading bike parts or customizing their bikes. Whatever reason you are looking at bike parts, read on. Here is everything you need to know to find the right bike parts for your ride.

Consider Your Bike Needs

Before you begin searching for bike parts, have an idea of what your bike needs. If you are unsure, it might be worth contacting the bike shop directly or visiting a store in person. Otherwise, you might buy incorrect parts, get more than you need, or even cause further damage to your bike.

Some of the most commonly replaced bike parts are wear items that include:

• Pedals
• Chains
• Brake Pads
• Tires
• Tubes
• Cables & housing
• Chainrings

Some of the most common upgrade bikes parts are:

There are also a variety of optional parts for customization. And if you have an electric bike, you also need specific parts and to know how they function.

Compatibility of Bike Parts

You need to check if the bike parts you are looking at are compatible with your bike. They must work together if you are buying multiple parts and work with the current components on your bike. Safety is key when it comes to buying bike parts, so ensure the bike parts are compatible.

Usually, you can check compatibility when purchasing the bike parts. You can also check your bike's Owner’s Manual for part specifications. Alternatively, you can use an online resource to check bike part compatibility.

Bike Part Sizes

Bikes come in various sizes and shapes, which means there are different bike part sizes too. First, know what type of bike you have. Is it a mountain bike, electric bike, hybrid bike, commuter bike, road bike, or another option?

There are then a variety of size considerations depending on the bike parts you need. You can consider everything from tire clearance to your cycling position. The more you ride, the more familiar you will get with your bike and riding style.

Adult bikes are usually measured by the frame size. You can often find a size chart for bike frame sizes on the manufacturer's site. However, if you cannot find this, you can measure your bike yourself.

You can also check your current bike part sizes to help determine what new bike part sizes to buy.

Bike Part Budget

Work out your bike part budget before you begin searching for bike parts. It may impact what options you have and help narrow down your choices so you stay focused on what your bike needs.

However, you should not sacrifice quality. Otherwise, you could end up replacing your bike part multiple times instead of just once. Investing in a more expensive and higher-quality part the first time can be more cost-effective.

The best place to start is to compare bike part prices. Check in-store and online to compare prices, which will give you an idea of what is a fair price for the bike part you need.

Bike Part Supplier

The bike parts industry continues to grow steadily, currently valued at over $59 billion. However, this means there are many bike part manufacturers to choose from, and not all are created equally. You also need to consider the bike part supplier when searching for bike parts.

Check if the bike part supplier has a good reputation. The best place to start is to check independent reviews and customer testimonials. Be wary of suppliers that do not have any reviews at all.

You can also check their company history, experience, and staff expertise. You want to pick a bike part supplier that provides the customer service you need if any issues arise.

Don't be afraid to reach out if you have any questions, and always check what is included in the bike part price, such as a warranty or returns policy. Find a bike part supplier passionate about cycling and who wants to create quality products that revolutionize cycling for everyone.

International Options

Don't set your heart on a bike part manufacturer before checking if you can get the bike parts where you live. First, check if they have international distributors or an international shipping policy.

You also need to check you can receive your parts in time. It may work better to go to a store or call in advance and ask what is in stock if you need an urgent replacement bike part. You can also ask if they offer bike part installation or guidance on how to safely add your new part.

Manufacturer of Bike Parts

Does the bike part supplier also manufacture the parts? You need to check the reputation of the manufacturer and check if their bike parts are compatible with your bike. For example, Cannondale Bikes also manufactures bikes, leading the way with aluminum and carbon fiber manufacturing, along with other huge changes to cycling technology.

Condition of Bike Parts

When replacing bike parts, decide whether you want to buy new or used parts. Always check what the bike part supplier is selling too.

It can be cheaper to buy used parts, but you need to check the condition they are in and that they are compatible with your bike. Also, if you purchase used parts, check if the parts are still manufactured today; otherwise, you may struggle to replace them in the future.

If you are considering upgrading bike parts, it makes more sense to invest in the latest technology for your bike by buying new parts from a reputable seller. While it is essential to know your budget, you should always prioritize quality, as it can make the difference between a dangerous or safe ride.

Weight of Bike Parts

When replacing bike parts, you might need to consider their weight. For some riders, the weight will not be a concern. However, weight is important if you partake in a particular form of cycling, such as road racing or long-distance rides.

A lightweight bike can help you ride faster and with more accuracy. It can be easier to climb hills and accelerate. A heavy bike can impact your cycling enjoyment and performance in some instances; however other factors also influence the speed, such as fitness and the quality of the bike.

Newer bikes and bike parts are shedding pounds every year. Consider how a new feature will impact your bike's overall weight when purchasing bike parts. Compare the weight of your current bike part to the new part.

Replacing Bike Parts vs Buying a New Bike

Replacing bike parts is a good option for many people. However, there comes a time when upgrading bike parts may work out the same as buying a new bike. If you are upgrading bike parts to improve cycling performance, compare the costs and bike performance statistics of your bike to buying a new bike.

The most common bike part issues are usually due to rusting or breakages. It depends on the extent of the damage as to whether you can replace the bike parts or if you may need to invest in a new bike.

Even if it is still possible to replace parts, compare the costs of buying and installing bike parts to buying a new bike. Bike technology continues to evolve, so you may be able to invest in a quality bike for a similar price to upgrading bike parts.

Whether you invest in a new bike or upgrade bike parts, it is essential to know how to maintain them, so they last as long as possible. Otherwise, your bike will quickly deteriorate and you will have to look at upgrading it again.

The Best Bike Part Supplier

Now you can begin to search for bike parts and make an informed decision to support your ride. The best place to start is with Cannondale. We have been working on revolutionizing cycling since 1971.

If you want iconic bikes and bike parts that help you ride better, look no further. We are here to help you enjoy your passion for cycling with the best quality components and rides. Shop our gear to get started.

Come ride with us.