There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. 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.
Don't ever make the purchase until you have tried the bicycle out. Don't just jump on and jump off though, take a nice little ride for at least a few minutes. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking it out for a test drive?
Why wouldn’t you do the same with a bicycle? You really need to do this if you are going to spend a lot of money on the bicycle, and if you are going to ride the bicycle a lot. You need to make sure the bike is going to 'fit' you. Physical fit is easy to determine, but you also need to find a bike that “fits†your riding style. You wouldn't want to spend your hard earned money on something that isn't comfortable, would you?
You also need to acquire some safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple official site thing.
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. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. Some people have to think very seriously about the price they are paying for a bike. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.