There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. Your choices range from safety issues to those of fashion. If you don’t have a lot of experience with cycling bicycles, you will probably feel overwhelmed and insecure as you start your shopping. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Take your this time to learn about your options before you shop. You’ll be glad you did!