As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. There are plenty types of handlebars to choose from. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. If you are going 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 those people who rarely use their bikes you can get away with just selecting comfortable handlebars that can be stored away easily.
You also want to make sure you leave some room this article between you and the crossbar of your bike. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Make sure you can place both feet on the ground if need be. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
The options and technologies available for biking are overwhelming as you search for a new bicycle. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. By investing a bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. You’ll be glad you did!