There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This means that you will be able to stop your bicycle with your feet if the brakes do not work—without having to tilt the bicycle and risk doing harm to it and to yourself.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is see this website due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. 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. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
You also need to acquire some safety gear. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. Price can also really affect your decisions. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Never jump on the first thing that is pretty, because you never know if you are making a mistake.