We have seen a change in transportation recently. Before the car was transport of choice but recently however the use of push bikes has become increasingly popular. Perhaps this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
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 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. 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. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. Always consider that you are going to have to raise the seat up off the crossbar when you are shopping for your bike. Adjusting your seat up a few inches will give you more clearance between you and the crossbar of your bicycle, which can add quite a bit of comfort to your ride. The ideal seat height can be achieved, by ensuring that your leg is very close to completely extended, when your foot is at it's lowest position while on the pedal.
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. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on you can try this out the type of bicycle you are buying. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice. There are many different factors to take into account when finding the right bicycle. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? Which height of bike is the most comfortable fit for you? Would you rather be able to put your feet flat on the ground or would you rather have that few inches between your feet and the ground when you are sitting down? These are some of the things you need to consider when choosing your bike.