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. 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 there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. 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. This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. These kinds of handlebars are also great in distributing your weight evenly. 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. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. The seat is designed to be tilted any way you want it to. What angle you tilt your seat at is solely going to depend on what position you find most comfortable. Find the position that will be most comfortable to you, and stick with it. You may find that if you leave the seat in the flat position, the narrow part of the seat will not allow go to my blog you to comfortably bend forward. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Are you going to be riding your bicycle every day or riding it only when you feel the urge to? What height makes you feel the most comfortable? Do you feel more at ease with your feet just above the ground as you sit on the seat, or would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.