We have seen a change in transportation recently. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. Perhaps this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. 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. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain. There are a lot of things to think about when they are choosing which cycling bicycles are right for them. 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. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price can also really affect your decisions. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting great post to read with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.