There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. 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. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. 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.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. 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 however you will want special handlebars, ones which are thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you read here to go faster. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
Just exactly how many gears do you think you’ll use? Traveling through flat areas requires far less gears than riding in a mountainous area. A bike isn’t better just because it has more gears than another. In actuality, you may never use all the gears. Why spend extra money paying for something that you don’t need? Know how you’ll ride your bike; make sure you have the correct gears for traveling, especially when this is your main mode of transport. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Do you want to ride your bicycle every day or do you see yourself only riding it once in a while? What seat height gives you the most comfortable ride? Do you prefer your feet to rest flat on the ground or do you like to have some room between them and the ground when you are sitting on the bicycle’s seat? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.