There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel a little overwhelmed and perhaps a little perplexed when starting out. A little time spent looking into the choices will allow you to relax and buy the best bike for this you.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. You’ll reap the benefits.