Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. Perhaps this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for 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. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
Another aspect you need to think about is the angle of the seat. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. The durability of a bike may be the most important thing depending on how you intend to use it. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Price can also be a point to consider. It is important to do your research and to read more shop around before you buy a bicycle. 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.