We have seen a change in transportation recently. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. 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. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. Some experts, however, say that this is not a good idea. 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. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. As you probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with handlebars that extend straight out. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. If you are using your bike for racing, then you want to pick some handlebars that are more slim and allow you to lean forward on your bike so you can go faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. 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 will require differing clearance amounts. A touring bike for example will require around 1", check this perhaps slightly more. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.