In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. Either way there are now more bikes on the road then ever before. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are those who say that this isn't the best way, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. When buying a new bike, you will see the seat is placed extremely low to the crossbar, so when you sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and are able to bend your knees, you should pick a different bike. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. 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. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
There are many different things you should consider when the time comes to buy the perfect bicycle for yourself. It can be a bit tedious and try this frustrating to try and figure out what all you need when you are buying a bicycle. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know it.