Many reasons will push you to choose a bicycle as a new mode of transportation. Many of these reasons are not at all related with how you like to travel. Some people choose to cycle because they need the exercise. The thrill of competition draws other people to the sport of cycling. Another group of individuals take pleasure in a simple, relaxed ride through their neighborhood. Regardless of why you are taking up cycling, you are going to have to consider a variety of things when choosing the bicycle that is a perfect fit for you. Here are some hints to help you make your choice.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. Some experts, however, say that this is not a good idea. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. If your feet are on the ground and your knees are bent when you sit on the seat of the bike, it generally means that the seat is sitting too low for you and too close to the crossbar. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling.
Be cautious, however, and always be sure to test the bike out before you buy it. You should never buy something you haven't tried out for at least a few minutes. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking my website it out for a test drive?
The same rule applies to a bicycle. You need to do this especially if you are spending a lot of money on a bike that you know you will use for a long time. 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. Why would you spend money on something that does not feel comfortable to ride?
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Each type of bike requires different clearances. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. There are people who view the durability of a bike to be most important, this is especially true if you plan to use your bike a lot over rough terrain. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. Price can also be a point to consider. As long as you take your time to find out all you need to know about buying a bike, you should be good to go. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.