Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. The truth is that there are a lot of things to think about when buying a bicycle. Planning ahead for things like bike use, safety and comfort, as well as where it will be ridden, and what it looks like, will help you make a better decision. Choosing between all of the options available can be overwhelming, especially since new developments in cycling happen all the time. Take the easy road, and use the tests we suggest to choose your new ride.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. Some experts, however, say that this is not a good idea. 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. If your feet are on the ground and your knees are bent when you sit on the seat of the bike, it generally means that the seat is sitting too low for you and too close to the crossbar. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be find here using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. Price can also really affect your decisions. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.