There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. 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. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
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. These people explain that the best way to pick a bike is to ensure there is a few inches between the ground and your feet, and you will be provided with a much 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. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your 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 take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. You will want to my company leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. However for a mountain bike you will need 3" between the crossbar and yourself.
There are lots of things to think about when you are buying a cycling bicycle. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. It’s the best answer for easier shopping.