Getting a frame that fits is in my opinion the very most important thing. All the other things on a bike can be swapped and changed to fit your changing needs and your changing budget over time. But if the frame itself is a poor fit you will likely get discouraged and be uncomfortable. You will want to ride less, not more.
Some people start out on a heavy hybrid or a cheap mountain bike and ride on the roads when a road bike might have been a smarter first choice. But if that bike fits them well and they are comfortable on that bike, they ride it more and more and begin to really love biking- that's when they later figure out what they really need and maybe sell the old bike and get a new better suited one. (Some of these people have happily ridden centuries on their heavy hybrids.)
Another person might start out with the same hybrid but that fits them badly and makes their back hurt, etc. That person might just give up on biking after a couple of months, disgusted with the whole unpleasant ordeal.
Getting a bike that fits comfortably makes bike riding a joy. When riding is a joy, all other obstacles seem to become less daunting.



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