Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. 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. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
The first thing you should think about, which is pretty obvious, needs to be the cost. Of course you are going to need to think about how much you will ride your bike as well as where you are going to be riding it, but cost is one of the most important things.
Good bicycles can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This doesn't mean you are going to have to spend thousands of dollars on a good bike, because there informative post are ways you can find a great bike for a great price. Used bicycles and bicycles being sold at auction are great ways to save money while still getting the cycling bicycle that you need and want.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
Be sure to allow room between the crossbar and yourself. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. By investing a bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.
Do this research before you go shopping. You’ll be glad you did!