The specifications of a bicycle

In general, it is good to know the specifications of the bicycle you are interested in. If you discover a shop selling a bicycle way below the price of other shops, hopefully, it is because it is doing a great promotion to draw customers in and not that they have replaced expensive components with cheaper brands or models.

The same applies if you are buying a used bicycle. You would want to buy a second hand bicycle because the components have been upgraded. You can haggle on the price if you know that the original components, which were better, have been replaced.

Here is another point to take note of when you are buying a bicycle for a child. Bicycles for children are usually supplied with mudguards installed. If you don’t see them, they are likely removed by the retailer to be sold separately. Australian brand bicycles for children will usually be supplied with coaster brake and bell installed.

Some brands have websites with specifications of their bicycle posted online. Some distributors supply their bicycles to their retailers with tags that include the price and specifications.



You know that you are getting a real discount on the price if every components/model indicated on the tag are still on the bicycle.

If you want to know the specifications of a bicycle, you need to know:

1. the brand of the bike.
2. what kind of bike it is, eg, MTB or roadbike, etc.
3. the tyre size, eg, 26″ or 27.5″ or 29er or 700C.
4. the model name or number of the bike.
5. if possible, the year of manufacture, just in case some components have been changed for later models.

Do a search for “specifications (brand name) (type of bicycle)”, and you should be able to find the models that are available if they are posted online. If you are able to find their facebook page and it is actively managed, you can post a message there, to find the specifications of the bicycle you are looking for.

Planning to tour on a bike?

What should you cycle on if you plan to ride for a longer distance?

If you plan to stay somewhere overnight enroute, you will need a bicycle that can carry the load of your pannier bags.  Do you have to travel by plane, train or car to get you to your cycling site?

Now that I got you thinking about it, following are some tips you should consider before you start on your journey.


Trekking Bicycle for Long Distance Ride from Nancy Poh

Enjoy the ride and the views.

Bicycle for Timid Riders

What should you be riding if you have not been cycling for a while?  Especially, if you are a female rider who lacks confidence but would like to take your wee one for a ride with you.

First, you need to know the type of child seat that are available in the market.

I noticed that mothers with younger children tend to prefer child seats that can be mounted in front of the bicycle.

You have to think about the safety of your child by ensuring that your feet will land on the ground to hold the bicycle steady, should you fall. Choose a bicycle by standing over the top tube, just in front of your saddle.  Is it too close to your crotch for comfort?  If it is, check out another bike.

If you like the old school look, a cruiser bike is what you should check out next.  Here is a very good example of a 26" bicycle suitable for a less confident mummy who intends to ride with her child.

The handlebar of a cruiser bike is usually wider so the child will not feel squeezed between your arms as you cycle.  It also comes installed with mudguards.  It rains all year round in Malaysia.  You do not want your child splattered with mud after a rainfall, do you?

Similar frame mounted child carrier and breach cruiser for female or male riders can be purchased from Amazon.