There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Simply finding the bike they like the look of is all there is to it, right? As long as it is comfortable that's all you need to worry about. This is wrong, the fact is there are more things to consider these days than there was a few years ago. Now that more and more people are starting to cycle, the options have risen to an almost head-spinning variety. It is popular in modern times to use a bike as a serious mode of transport. Some people have decided to take up cycling as a hobby. The following will explain how you find the best bike to suit your needs.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky 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. What angle you tilt your seat at is solely going to depend on what position you find most comfortable. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. You can always leave the seat in the position it is in, but you will most likely find it to be very uncomfortable to ride. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up this content under a lot of wear and tear. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price can also be a point to consider. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. 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.