Buying your first bike can feel complicated, especially during sales when dozens of deals appear at once. The simplest approach is to choose the right bike first and treat the discount as a bonus. This beginner-friendly guide covers the essentials: bike type, fit, budget, online buying checks and protecting your new purchase.
With Black Friday sales coming up soon on Friday 27 November, our partner BikesOnline have provided some tips to get a good deal.
Visit the Bicycle NSW stall at Spring Cycle to go into the draw to win a $100 voucher to BikesOnline
1. Start with where you’ll ride
Before looking at prices, think about where you expect to ride most often. That quickly narrows down the type of bike you need.
- Mountain bike — for trails, rough tracks and off-road riding.
- Road bike — for paved roads, speed and longer road rides.
- Gravel bike — for a mix of sealed roads, gravel and light off-road riding.
- Commuter or hybrid bike — for everyday transport, fitness and casual riding.
- E-bike — for extra assistance on hills, longer rides or daily commuting.
2. Set a realistic budget
A large Black Friday discount does not automatically make a bike the right choice. Decide what you are comfortable spending before you shop, then compare bikes within that range.
Remember to leave room for essentials such as a helmet, lights, a lock, basic tools and other riding gear.
3. Get the correct bike size
Fit is one of the most important parts of buying a bike. A discounted bike is poor value if it is uncomfortable or the frame is the wrong size for your height. Use the sizing guide for the specific model you are considering because sizing can vary between brands and bike categories. If you are between sizes, ask the retailer for advice rather than choosing a size simply because it is still available.
4. Compare the bike, not just the discount
Once you have found bikes that suit your riding style, size and budget, compare two or three options. For a beginner, focus on the features that will affect your everyday experience: comfort, brakes, gearing, tyres, suspension where relevant, warranty and after-sales support. For an e-bike, also consider the motor, battery, charging requirements, expected distances you’ll be riding and bike weight.
A useful question is: “Would I still consider this bike if the Black Friday discount were smaller?” If the answer is yes, the sale may simply be helping you get better value on a bike that already suits you.
5. Check the details before buying online
Before placing an order, check the retailer’s:
- Shipping and delivery information
- Returns policy
- Bike and component warranty
- Assembly requirements
- Customer support and sizing assistance
6. Don’t forget insurance and security
For a beginner, protecting the bike is worth thinking about from day one—particularly if you are buying a higher-value bike or e-bike. Bike theft, accidental damage and other unexpected costs can turn a good purchase into an expensive problem.
Consider whether bicycle insurance is appropriate for your situation and read the policy terms carefully. Cover can differ between insurers, so check what is included, any exclusions, excesses, security or approved-lock requirements, and whether the bike is covered at home, while commuting or when travelling. Insurance should complement practical security: use a suitable lock, record the bike’s serial number, keep proof of purchase and follow the insurer’s security conditions.
Bicycle NSW Members receive a 10% discount on theft / damage via Insurance4That.
7. A simple beginner buying checklist
- Decide where you will ride most often.
- Choose the bike category that matches that riding.
- Set your total budget, including essential accessories.
- Confirm the correct frame size.
- Shortlist two or three suitable bikes.
- Compare specifications, warranty and support—not just the discount.
- Review shipping, returns and assembly requirements.
- Consider insurance and security before your first ride.
Black Friday: Find the right bike first
Black Friday can be a useful time for a beginner to buy a bike, but the best deal is the bike that fits your body, budget and intended riding. Research first, create a shortlist and then use the sale to compare prices on bikes you would genuinely want to own.
Explore current Black Friday bike offers: BikesOnline Australia Black Friday Bike Sale
How to support Bicycle NSW’s work
Bicycle NSW has been campaigning for a better environment for bike riding for almost 50 years. It is the only bicycle advocacy group based in NSW with full time staff advocating every day for all riders. Each year we write more than 60 submissions and letters to councils, ministers, government bodies and Transport for NSW. This is more than all the other state peak bodies combined!
But did you know that we are funded only by membership fees and donations?
Join Bicycle NSW today and be part of a movement dedicated to safer streets and better infrastructure.