There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury.
Before you buy any bicycle, you are going to want to take it for a test ride. Take it around the block if you can to make sure that it's worth the money and it's right for you. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking it out for a test drive?
Why wouldn’t you do the same with a bicycle? You really need to be sure to test it if you plan to spend a good bit on the bicycle or if you are going to be spending a lot of time riding it. Make sure the bike is perfect for you. Not only should it be the correct size for you, but it should be easily adaptable to your lifestyle, meaning your riding style. You would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. For some folks, sturdiness and stability will be a factor because they will need a bike that can take a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. For others, price is a major factor. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear his explanation of buying the first bike you come across.