Many reasons will push you to choose a bicycle as a new mode of transportation. Many of these reasons are not at all related with how you like to travel. Engaging in exercise is one of the overwhelming reasons that a large number of individuals choose to go cycling. Some people are competitors in cycling. Still others ride bicycles as a hobby because they enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle around their neighborhood. No matter your reason for needing to choose a bicycle, you need to consider a number of different things in order to choose the one that is right for you. These tips are intended to help you along your way.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for get more 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. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. You can rest assured that by doing minimal research into your options, you’ll make the perfect decision for you.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. It will pay off in the end.