Buying a bike—whether it’s your first in years or your fifth this season—is a big decision. With so many brands, builds, and buzzwords out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we created a simple, rider-first framework to help you figure out what you actually need—so your next bike is one you love riding, not just one that looks good on paper.
This post walks you through how we think about bike matching at Element and how you can use that same thinking to make a confident, informed decision.
Step 1: What Kind of Riding Do You Want to Do Most?
This is your starting point. A great bike matches your lifestyle and terrain, not just a category label.
Ask yourself:
- Will you be riding mostly on pavement, gravel, trails—or a mix?
- Are you training for races, commuting, exploring, or building fitness?
- Do you want all-day comfort, race-day performance, or maximum versatility?
💡 Tip: Be honest about where you’ll actually ride 80% of the time—not just where you’d like to think you might go someday.
Step 2: What’s Your Ideal Budget Range?
The right bike for you fits your budget. There’s great tech and value across many price points. Knowing your range helps us narrow down the best build options—without compromising on fit or function.
Budget categories might include:
- Entry Level: $1000–$3000
- Mid-Range: $3000–$6000
- Premium: $6000+
We’re always happy to talk options, upgrades, and trade-offs. Some builds prioritize weight, others durability—and we can help guide that balance based on your goals.
Step 3: What Fit and Geometry Works Best for Your Body?
Fit matters more than fancy specs. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to want to ride.
Things to consider:
- Have you had a professional fit before?
- Do you have any injuries or mobility concerns?
- Do you prefer a more upright riding position, or a low/aggressive one?
- If you have had a bike fit before, were your ride goals and bike style the same? For example, if you were fitted for and bought a road bike,
🚴 Some of the bikes we carry—like Cam’s custom builds—allow for more tuning and personalization if fit is a top priority.
Step 4: What Features or Materials Are You Drawn To?
You don’t need to be a bike tech expert to know what you like. Here are some common choices people think about:
- Frame material: Carbon, aluminum, steel, or titanium?
- Drivetrain preferences: 1x vs. 2x? Electronic vs. mechanical?
- Tire clearance: Do you want flexibility for road and gravel?
- Aesthetics: (Yep, paint jobs count too.)
Some brands lean heavily toward weight savings. Others are built to handle anything. We’ll help you interpret what matters most based on how and where you ride.
Step 5: Do You Want to Support a Specific Brand or Style of Build?
This is the fun part.
Maybe you love supporting Brands like Felt and Orbea that are respected leaders in triathon and frame building, brands that we sell here at Element. Maybe you appreciate the value you get from working one-on-one with our fitter, Cam MacKenzie, an knowledgable bike fitter with unmatched experience in triathlon. Maybe you’re curious about brands like Winow that deliver value with smart design and direct-to-consumer pricing (and you can still work with Cam). Or maybe you’re not sure yet—and just want to try a few things before deciding.
We carry a mix of thoughtfully selected bikes, from custom builds to curated value models, so there’s always something worth test-riding.
Ready to Narrow It Down?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re just starting your search or torn between two great options, we’ve created a simple rider questionnaire to help match you with a few bikes that fit your needs, goals, and budget.
📋 [COMING SOON: Take the “What Bike is Right for Me?” Questionnaire]
Or explore some of our current featured bikes:
🚲 Winow Size S/51, white
🚲 Winow Size M/L/56, black
What Next?
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real talk to help you find a bike you’ll love riding for years to come. Come by the shop, message us, or start with the guide above.
Because the best bike is the one that fits you.