There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
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. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes discover here malfunction.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. You can use mountain bikes for city cycling, but the opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
The number of gears you’ll use will also affect your choice. Traveling through flat areas requires far less gears than riding in a mountainous area. A bike isn’t better just because it has more gears than another. You may never have cause to use all the gears. Save your money for a different feature you’ll really use. Ensure you have enough gears to handle the situations in which you will be riding, especially if you bike will be your main mode of transport.
There are many different things you should consider when the time comes to buy the perfect bicycle for yourself. 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 no time.