There are lots of reasons to take 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. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's 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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. 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. If you are using your bike for racing, then you want to pick some handlebars that are more slim and allow you to lean forward on your bike so you can go 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.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
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 his response transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. You have innumerable decisions to make as you choose how safe a bike to buy, as well as one that is pleasing to the eye. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. You’ll be glad you did!