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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. These people explain that the best way to pick a bike is to ensure there is a few inches between the ground and your feet, and you will be provided with a much more comfortable ride. 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. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. As you probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard this link terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Which angle you tilt your seat at is also an important factor. Bicycles can be tilted in a number of ways. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. You could leave it as it is, but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Is this a bike you are going to be riding every single day or is it a bike you are only going to ride every now and them? At what height do you feel the most comfortable? Would you rather be able to put your feet flat on the ground or would you rather have that few inches between your feet and the ground when you are sitting down? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.