There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
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. 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.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. There are some bicycles that have breaks that are designed to grab onto the wheels and squeeze then in order to stop the motion, and this is great for a hobby rider. If you decide you want your bike for more off-roading adventures, you need a different kind of braking system that can keep up with that particular style. The best kind of braking system to choose for this style of riding is the disk brakes, because they are build to handle more and are less apt to fail under stress. Your bicycle seat should not be at the lowest setting, which is sitting atop the crossbar. Be sure to consider top article these few necessary inches between the seat and the crossbar, when you are out bicycle shopping. You will have a much more comfortable experience when riding if you are able to get some clearance between the crossbar of the bicycle and you. The ideal seat height can be achieved, by ensuring that your leg is very close to completely extended, when your foot is at it's lowest position while on the pedal.
The number of gears you’ll use will also affect your choice. If you plan to ride in rocky or mountainous areas, you’ll need more gears than riding on flat land. You can’t evaluate the bike only by the number of gears it has. You may never have cause to use all the gears. Don't waste your money on something you won't use. If your bike is going to be the main means of travel for you, you absolutely must get the number of gears you need for the situations in which you’ll ride. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? What seat height gives you the most comfortable ride? Are you a person who would rather your feet be flat on the ground when you are sitting or would you rather have a little room between your feet and the ground? You will want to answer all of these important questions, as you make your bicycle selection.