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 other riders who love to do it because it's 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. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
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. 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 to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high.
You should always make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. You should never buy a bike until you have ridden it first, if only for a couple of minutes. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.
The same rule applies to a bicycle. It's even more important for you to do if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on it and will be using it a lot. Make sure the bike is perfect for you. Physical fit is easy to determine, but you also need to find a bike that “fits†your riding style. You wouldn't want to spend your hard earned money on something that isn't comfortable, would you?
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never, ever article source ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. 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. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. For others, price is a major factor. As long as you take your time to find out all you need to know about buying a bike, you should be good to go. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.