| When purchasing a replacement part for your cycle, | | | | fake. For instance, perhaps the charlatan company |
| the price of fake components can make them | | | | spelled the brand name wrong. Other times, the |
| tempting. This is particularly true if you're on a | | | | duplication of the logo is nearly verbatim. So break out |
| shoestring budget and need to save every penny | | | | your magnifying glass and study labels like an ace |
| available. What's wrong with a fake part as long as it's | | | | detective would. |
| basically like the original one, right? | | | | Secondly, search for authorized vendors. Bike shops |
| Truth be told, when buying replacement bicycle pieces | | | | will often have some sort of signage indicating that |
| it's highly recommended that you buy the original ones. | | | | they're an authorized dealer of certain parts for bikes. |
| There are several reasons. Replacement items from | | | | While the prices tend to be higher there, you'll definitely |
| the manufacturer will fit perfectly for the bike. By using | | | | be getting the real deal. |
| imitation pieces, minor differences could impact the | | | | The third tip is to be wary of too-good-to-be-true |
| performance of your bicycle. Secondly, there's the | | | | prices. Sure, you can save a fortune on discounted |
| obvious disparity in quality. Original components are the | | | | products, and particularly on the Internet. However, |
| best option because their precision and sturdiness will | | | | consider a replacement tire with a retail price tag of |
| exceed that of imitation products. Also, original pieces | | | | $70. If you find it priced at $7, then warning lights should |
| tend to be under warranty, while replacement | | | | go off in your head. Be particularly wary of any |
| components typically aren't. | | | | products "discounted" more than 50%. |
| The next question is when hunting for parts for bikes, | | | | The next tip is to determine the type of packaging the |
| how do you know when items are the original ones | | | | company uses. Phony bike part companies try to cut |
| and when they're imitation versions? When buying | | | | corners using any means available, and an easy way |
| your bike products, you could actually purchase used | | | | is through inferior package. In particular, buyers beware |
| items rather than new ones. However, this is generally | | | | if there's no packaging at all! Companies that produce |
| an unwise idea. For instance, the pieces could be more | | | | original parts for bikes tend to focus on details, and |
| worn than they actually seem. Then there's the fact | | | | packaging is one of the ways that they do it. So learn |
| that they probably won't contain a warranty, which | | | | about the general style of packaging that a company |
| means that you're taking a gamble with them. | | | | uses, such as the design, materials, and so on. Then |
| So if it's advisable to purchase bike components that | | | | compare it with any questionable packaging that you |
| are new and original, how can you be certain that | | | | encounter. |
| what you're buying is truly an original? Here are some | | | | Finally, determine from where the product was |
| tips to help you spot imitations. | | | | manufactured. Search a company's online catalog to |
| First, look for legit labels. Examine the label of the | | | | determine where certain products are produced. Then |
| product very carefully. Branding is a key component of | | | | compare that "Made in...." information with the |
| legitimate companies. The Trademark (TM) symbol | | | | information contained on suspicious products. Again, |
| represents countless person-houses spent developing | | | | since phony companies will do everything possible to |
| a brand, registering it with the proper institutions, | | | | cut costs, they often produce their phony products |
| developing the logo itself, and so on. | | | | where labor costs will be minimal. |
| Sometimes it's obvious that a bike product is fake, | | | | When buying parts for bikes, make sure to buy |
| taking a few minutes to glance at the label. Try printing | | | | branded products and know how to recognize |
| out the logos of your favorite bike product companies, | | | | imitations. These tips will help to put you on the right |
| and then comparing them with others that you | | | | path. |
| encounter. Sometimes it's obvious that the product is a | | | | |