There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
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. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
Cost is almost always a factor when trying to choose the right bike. Of course there are going to be other things to think about, like where you plan to ride or how long you will be using this bicycle, but the price is still most important.
Good bicycles can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The beauty of all this is you can save a ton of money when purchasing your bicycle, if you just know where to look for it. Used bicycles and bicycles being sold at auction are great ways to save money while still getting the cycling bicycle that you need and want.
Before you buy any bicycle, you are going to want to take it for a test ride. Take it around the block if you can to make sure that it's worth the money and it's right for you. 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.
So why wouldn't this apply to buying a bicycle? This is especially important if you are going to be spending large sums of money for a bicycle that you are going to be riding a lot. You need to make sure the bike is a perfect fit. You should have no problem finding one that you can ride easily, but you also need to find a bike that fits your riding style. Why would you spend money on something that does not feel comfortable to ride?
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. The durability of a bike may be the most important thing depending on how you intend to use it. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. For others, price is a major factor. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision he said and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.