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.
Still others simply ride bicycles for 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. 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.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are those who say that this isn't the best way, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. 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. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. With a mountain bike you will need to check take away around one foot from the inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Most people find a seat that is flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. Adjust your seat so that this is possible. You can always leave the seat in the position it is in, but you will most likely find it to be very uncomfortable to ride.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. You can rest assured that by doing minimal research into your options, you’ll make the perfect decision for you.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. You’ll reap the benefits.