As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. 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.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. These people explain that the best way to pick a bike is to ensure there is a few inches between the ground and your feet, and you will be provided with a much more comfortable ride. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar. 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. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Price can also really affect your decisions. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Buying the first bike you find dig this is not advised, in doing this you could end up with a terrible bike and miss out on one that is perfect for you.