Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. 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 others still are riding simply because they love to ride. 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. 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. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. With a mountain bike you click this link will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
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 good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. Comfort and safety are both very important.