There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Many people think they simply find the bike that looks good and feels comfortable. However this is not the case, there are plenty of things you need to consider when looking for the right bike. There is more to it nowadays than there used to be. Cycling is very popular at the moment, be it for sports, fun, transportation etc. With all these uses there are many different bikes to go with each. It is popular in modern times to use a bike as a serious mode of transport. Some people have decided to take up cycling as a hobby. No matter why you are picking your bicycle, here are some ways to help you along.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better 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. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this review is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When browsing for a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
There are lots of things to think about when you are trying to find the right cycling bicycle to fit your needs. 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. As long as you go prepared and know what you need and are looking for, you can shed some of that frustration and find the perfect bike.