We have seen a change in transportation recently. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. This could be because down to the prices of gas and running a car, or perhaps people are deciding to care more for the planet. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to 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 for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. Not all handlebars are the same. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. For racing however you will want special handlebars, ones which are thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you to go 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 your bike easily when it isn't in use.
You also need to acquire some safety gear. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. For some folks, sturdiness and stability will be a factor because they will need a bike that can take find this a lot of wear and tear. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price may be the biggest thing you want to consider. Research is important when purchasing anything, especially a bike. You will also want to shop around to find the best deal. Don’t just buy the first bicycle that looks good—you could get stuck with a lemon!