There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking 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 are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. Not all handlebars are the same. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big 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 going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
Just exactly how many gears do you think you’ll use? Make your choice by knowing that if you ride in mountainous areas you’ll need more gears than when riding in a flat area. Many beginning cyclists think that the more gears Bonuses a bicycle has, the better it is. You may never have cause to use all the gears. Don’t spend money on something you won’t use. If your bike is going to be the main means of travel for you, you absolutely must get the number of gears you need for the situations in which you’ll ride. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. Price can also really affect your decisions. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Never jump on the first thing that is pretty, because you never know if you are making a mistake.