There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. 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 people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle 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. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for Bonuses safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.
Don't ever make the purchase until you have tried the bicycle out. It is important that you not buy anything before you’ve had the opportunity to ride it at least for a few 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 waste money on a bicycle you don't enjoy riding.
Be sure to allow room between the crossbar and yourself. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.