As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. 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.
Still others simply ride bicycles for 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. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. There are plenty types of handlebars to choose from. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. 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 official source your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Make sure you can place both feet on the ground if need be. Each type of bike requires different clearances. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.