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. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These kinds of handlebars are also great in distributing your weight evenly. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Each type of bike requires different clearances. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. If you are buying a mountain bike read the article you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. For some folks, sturdiness and stability will be a factor because they will need a bike that can take a lot of wear and tear. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Price can also really affect your decisions. As long as you take your time to find out all you need to know about buying a bike, you should be good to go. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.