There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. You always want to change the position of the seat so that it is a few inches higher than normal, so keep this in mind when picking your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable ride. You want to be able to sit on the bike and place your foot on the pedal at the lowest position, and almost be able to fully extend your leg.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the 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. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears. When you are searching for the appropriate cycling straight from the source bicycle to suit you, there are a number of factors to consider. Will this be an activity that you enjoy daily, or will you only be taking your bicycle out on special occasions? Which height is most comfortable for you? Do you feel more at ease with your feet just above the ground as you sit on the seat, or would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? Think about all this when buying your bike, and you will make the right choice.