There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. 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.
It’s okay for fashion to affect the decision you make about your new bicycle. Our preferences are reflected in color and style choices. Your new bike should reflect your favorites. Unless you are just buying a bike for the sheer look of it, style and fashion options shouldn't be the ultimate priorities. Excellent safety and comfort should be the first criteria met by your new bike. Then, when safety and comfort have been secured, choose your favorites according to their visual appearance.
If you want to ride a road bike, you will need to subtract about nine inches from your inseam measurement. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. 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. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee a fantastic read guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. If 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.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.