Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. 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. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. 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.
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 some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. 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.
Take why not try these out 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
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. It can become a frustrating process at times to try and figure out exactly what bike you need and which accessories you should get to go with it. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what you need, you will be pleased with the results.