There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. 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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
Still others simply ride bicycles for 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. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.
Before you buy any bicycle, you are going to want to take it for a test ride. Don't just blog jump on and jump off though, take a nice little ride for at least a few minutes. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.
It's the same thing with a used 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. You want to find a bike that fits you. You should have no problem finding one that you can ride easily, but you also need to find a bike that fits your riding style. You would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode 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.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.