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. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is 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. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. When you get a bike you should be able to lay both feet flat to the ground if need be. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.
Do you require more features on the new bike? A basket will help if you are planning to carry items on your bike. Could a child need a ride on your bike with you? Attaching a child seat is not possible for every bike, so choose wisely. If basics towing something behind the bike, your need will change again. Then you’ll need a bike that can support a trailer’s weight.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain. There are a lot of criteria to use when deciding which cycling bicycle is right for you. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? What seat height gives you the most comfortable ride? 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? You will need to consider each of these things when choosing your bicycle..