As you know, there are numerous reasons to start 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.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. 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.
You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. As you recommended you read probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with handlebars that extend straight out. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger 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.
How many gears will you use on a regular basis? If you plan to ride in rocky or mountainous areas, you’ll need more gears than riding on flat land. The number of gears doesn’t make one bike better than another. The truth is that you might not need all of those different gears. Don’t spend money on something you won’t use. Ensure you have enough gears to handle the situations in which you will be riding, especially if you bike will be your main mode of transport.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can become a bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.