There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
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. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. Not all handlebars are the same. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. If you are going Read Full Article to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Find the position that will be most comfortable to you, and stick with it. You can always leave the seat in the position it is in, but you will most likely find it to be very uncomfortable to ride.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.