There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. 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. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high.
If you want to ride a road bike, you will need to subtract about nine inches from your inseam measurement. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. hop over to these guys 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. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on 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 good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel a little overwhelmed and perhaps a little perplexed when starting out. A little time spent looking into the choices will allow you to relax and buy the best bike for you.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. You’ll be glad you did!