We have seen a change in transportation recently. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. Perhaps this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. If you decide you want your bike for more off-roading adventures, you need a different kind of braking system that can keep up with that particular style. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against the crossbar. You always want to change the position of the seat so that it is a few inches higher than normal, so keep this in mind when picking your bike. Adjusting your seat up a few inches will give you more clearance between you and the crossbar of your bicycle, which can add quite a bit of comfort to your ride. You want to be able to sit on the bike and place your foot on the pedal at the lowest position, and almost be able to fully extend your leg.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When browsing for their website a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel a little overwhelmed and perhaps a little perplexed when starting out. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Before heading out to the store, learn a little bit about the available choices. It’s the best answer for easier shopping.