There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. 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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
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. 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.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to original site your groin. 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.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Bikes bought for children have their own set of criteria to contemplate. You will want to choose a bicycle that is sturdy with wide tires and easy to use brakes (most children’s brakes operate by moving the pedals backwards). Style usually is also a factor in children’s bikes as is price because a bicycle can quickly become too small for your son or daughter to ride comfortably.
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. Comfort and safety are both very important.