Many people have found reason in 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. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. 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. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going other to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. There are plenty types of handlebars to choose from. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
You also need to acquire some safety gear. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. There are so many different bicycles and accessories available that it can feel overwhelming as you try to decide which items are best for you. As long as you go about the process slowly and research a little before you go, you should have no problem finding the perfect bike.