Top Tips to Buy the Right Bicycle in Denmark
Purchasing a bicycle in Denmark can be a straightforward process or can be quite frustrating, based on your requirements. You get many good options for bicycle shopping. Here are things you should know because they may not come to your mind while buying a bicycle, but they are important.
Costs of transportation are quite high in Denmark. Therefore buying a bicycle is a great solution and investment. With a bicycle, you can often earn your investment back only in a few months, whereas with a car your investment can take some years to earn back. A good bicycle comes for a high price; however, soon you will love your bike and your feet will thank you.
Buying a Bicycle in Denmark or from Your Own Country?
If you want to use a bicycle while living in Denmark, you will need first to consider its cost. The cost will be higher for a high quality bicycle, as mentioned earlier.
You have another option to bring your own bicycle from your home country. This option will cost you much less if you are from the U.S. or similar country. Even the cost of carrying it on the plane is nominal.
However, this may not be always a good option, especially if you are after a good bike for transportation, e.g. for taking your kids to daycare and bringing them back. This is because Denmark has really a fantastic range of commuter bikes that can’t be found anywhere else. Also you can find a lot of used bikes for sale at auction sites and in local newspapers.
Bringing your own bike may pose a problem that the bike won’t stand the weather in Denmark. Most US bikes don’t have more durable paint, enclosed housing for gears, stocky frames etc. The climate of Denmark, cobblestone streets, parking of commuter bicycles and daily use can easily damage your bike just in a few months. Therefore buying a Danish bike is a better option if you are going to use it every day.
Buying a New Bicycle in Denmark
While buying a new bike, decide what you really want. E.g. do you want it just for weekend rides? Will your children be with you on the bike? Do you want a racing bike? Will you use the bike for shopping too? Will you park it outside or you can store it inside?
Shopping around indeed pays off. Visiting a lot of shops is advisable. If you don’t find anything within your budget, visit http://afbetalt.dk/cykel-paa-afbetaling/ to find how to buy bicycle finance (with repayments every month).
Buying a Used Bicycle in Denmark
Denmark has a very good market for used bikes. Even many shops sell both used and new bikes. Consider the following points while buying a used bike:
- Inspect wheels and frame of the bike and ensure that they are not bent. A good trick is to hold the bike off the ground and spin the wheels. Look at the side of wheels and brake pads and check if wheels wobble.
- Check for rattles while riding the bike. Check if handlebars are loose. Also check whether the bike continues straight or veers off to a side if you release your hands.
- Check if it is hard to pedal. If it is, bearings could wear out soon.
- Make sure that the bike has front and back lights, reflectors, and front and back brakes. All these are required by law. Fines are high; so, make sure to install them if any of them are absent.
- Look at parts like brake pads, chains, pulley wires etc to check if they aren’t worn.
- Look for rust – everywhere! If you see any rust, don’t buy the bike.
- Lastly ensure that the bike is not stolen. Bicycle theft is one of the most prevalent crimes in Denmark. If in doubt, ask for the original purchase receipt or take its serial number to the local police station and ask them to check it in the registry. Buying a stolen bike is against law, so, should be avoided.
Follow these tips and also check the option of cykel på afbetaling (bike on an installment plan) and you will get your hands on great bike to make your life easy.
