There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. 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 others still are riding simply because they love to ride. 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. 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.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your 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. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. There are plenty types of handlebars to choose from. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
How many gears will you use on a regular basis? Make your choice by knowing that if you ride in mountainous areas you’ll need more gears than when riding in a flat area. Many beginning cyclists think that the more gears a bicycle has, the better it is. You may never even get around to using all the available gears. It’s a waste of money to pay for all those unused gears. Find out where you’ll ride your bike, especially if this is your main vehicle, and make sure you have enough gears to handle the areas through which you will travel. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. The durability of a bike may be the most important thing depending on how you intend to use it. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having click to read to worry about a breakdown. Price may be the biggest thing you want to consider. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.