There are several different reasons people choose to cycle as a mode of transportation. You may not even choose to ride a bicycle as a means of transportation at all. Some people choose to cycle because they need the exercise. The thrill of competition draws other people to the sport of cycling. And there are others that simply want a way to bond with their family, so they take up cycling. Regardless of why you are taking up cycling, you are going to have to consider a variety of things when choosing the bicycle that is a perfect fit for you. These tips are intended to help you along your way.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. 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. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high.
Are you going to need to accommodate extra accessories? If you have to move things using your bike, you’ll certainly want to add a basket. Could a child need a ride on your bike with you? Needing a child seat attachment will alter which bikes you can choose from. Do you think you'll ever tow anything behind the bike? Then you’ll need a bike that can support a trailer’s weight.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never go for a ride without putting on your helmet first. You never know when that little detail is home going to save you from an early grave.
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 good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. 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. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. 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.