There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury. You shouldn't ever sit the seat at the lowest setting, which means sitting on 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. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable 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.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. If you important source plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.