There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
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. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. When buying a new bike, you will see the seat is placed extremely low to the crossbar, so when you sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and are able to bend your knees, you should pick a different bike. 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. It is important that you not buy anything before you’ve had the opportunity to ride it at least for 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.
The same rule applies to a bicycle. This is especially important if you are going to be spending large sums of money for a bicycle that you are going to be riding a lot. You need to make sure the bike is a perfect fit. 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.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. If right here you plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. You can rest assured that by doing minimal research into your options, you’ll make the perfect decision for you.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. You’ll reap the benefits.