There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. 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. Some experts, however, say that this is not a good idea. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. If your feet are on the ground and your knees are bent when you sit on the seat of the bike, it generally means that the seat is sitting too low for you and too close to the crossbar. 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.
Be cautious, however, and always be sure to test the bike out before you buy it. You should never buy a bike until you have ridden it first, if only for a couple of minutes. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.
The same rule applies to a bicycle. It's even more important for you to do if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on it and will be using it a lot. Make sure the bike is perfect for you. There shouldn't be a problem in making the decision on whether or not the bike is the right size for you, but you should also keep in mind that it needs to fit your riding style as well. You wouldn't want to spend your hard earned money on something that isn't comfortable, would you?
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. For others, price is a major factor. Research is important read what he said when purchasing anything, especially a bike. You will also want to shop around to find the best deal. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.