It can seem very hard to find a new bike when you have so many choices. Even for those people who are paid to ride, buying a new bike is hard. Because there are so many choices, it is hard to buy a new bike. If you know how and when you want to ride, where you are going to ride, how comfortable and safe you must be, and what you’d like to look like as you ride, you’ll have an easier time choosing your bike. Choosing between all of the options available can be overwhelming, especially since new developments in cycling happen all the time. Take the easy road, and use the tests we suggest to choose your new ride.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. 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. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. If you plan to use your bike for racing you will likely want to go with a different type of handlebar, such a handlebar is thinner and allows you to lean over the bike while you ride, this makes you more streamlined and allows you to cycle faster. If you aren't using your bike constantly, the best thing to choose is something that is simply comfortable and allows you to store check over here your bike easily when it isn't in use.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from 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. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. 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. If you feel like you are being deluged by choices, you are perfectly normal. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. It will pay off in the end.