There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. 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 gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be 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 look at more info to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. Bicycles can be tilted in a number of ways. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. You could leave it as it is, but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position.
You should keep these things in mind when you go out and buy a bicycle, especially if you want to find the one that is right for you. There are so many different bicycles and accessories available that it can feel overwhelming as you try to decide which items are best for you. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know it.