Many reasons will push you to choose a bicycle as a new mode of transportation. There are a lot of reasons to ride a bicycle that have nothing to do with your preferred method of getting places. Lots of people go cycling as a form of exercise. Some people are competitors in cycling. And there are others who decide to take up cycling as a hobby to share with their family or friends. No matter your reason for needing to choose a bicycle, you need to consider a number of different things in order to choose the one that is right for you. Try these tips out to see if they can be of help.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. 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 mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. Always consider that you are going to have to raise the seat up off the crossbar when you are shopping for your bike. You will have a much more comfortable experience when riding if you are able to get some clearance between the crossbar of the bicycle and you. The goal here is to create a height with your seat so that when your pedal is at its lowest position your leg should be almost (but not quite) fully extended.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. 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. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
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. If you 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.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. It can become a frustrating process at times to try and figure out exactly what bike you need and which accessories you should get to go with it. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in her explanation no time.