There are several different reasons people choose to cycle as a mode of transportation. You may not even choose to ride a bicycle as a means of transportation at all. Lots of people go cycling as a form of exercise. Some people are competitors in cycling. Still others ride bicycles as a hobby because they enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle around their neighborhood. Regardless of why you are taking up cycling, you are going to have to consider a variety of things when choosing the bicycle that is a perfect fit for you. Here are some hints to help you make your choice.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time.
If you want to ride a road bike, you will need to subtract about nine inches from your inseam measurement. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
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 he has a good point flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. 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.
You should keep these things in mind when you go out and buy a bicycle, especially if you want to find the one that is right for you. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.