There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. 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 decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! 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.
Fashion really does get involved when you make a choice. We all like one color or style more than another. These preferences must be listened to when getting your next bike. Unless you are just buying a bike for the sheer look of it, style and fashion options shouldn't be the ultimate priorities. Excellent safety and comfort should be the first criteria met by your new bike. Then, when safety and comfort have been secured, choose your favorites according to their visual appearance.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. 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. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on 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 click reference not what they are best suited for.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. You’ll be glad you did!