Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that 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 be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. If you aren't using your bike constantly, the best thing to choose is something that is simply comfortable and allows you to store your bike easily when it isn't in use.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with this article these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.