Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. It could be down to efforts to remain green, perhaps people want to save money on high gas prices, or maybe many people just want to get in shape! The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
How your bike brakes is incredibly important. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time.
Be cautious, however, and always be sure to test the bike out before you buy it. Don't just jump on and jump off though, take a nice little ride for at least a few minutes. It's the same concept as buying a used car, there's no way you would take it without testing it.
So you should use this same frame of mind when buying your bike. It's even more important for you to do if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on it and will be using it a lot. Choose the bicycle that you know will fit you. This doesn't only mean physically fit you, this also means one that easily fits your riding styles. You would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Which bike read you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A good example is a touring bike, with 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. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. For others, price is a major factor. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Don’t just buy the first bicycle that looks good—you could get stuck with a lemon!