It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. Simply finding the bike they like the look of is all there is to it, right? As long as it is comfortable that's all you need to worry about. Wrong, there is more to it these days than simply looks and comfort. With cycling becoming more popular in almost every area of life (transportation, lifestyle, sports, hobbies) there are more bicycles than ever to choose from. Today more people are choosing to ride a bicycle as their primary forms of transportation. Lots of families have taken up cycling as a family hobby. Here is how you choose the right cycling bicycle for your needs.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. For those who use their bike for serious riding and over heavy terrain better brakes may be needed. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction.
Do you require more features on the new bike? If you are using your bicycle as your primary form of transportation you might want to consider whether you will need things like baskets to help you transport goods. Will you be travelling with a child? Needing a child seat attachment will alter which bikes you can choose from. Do you think you'll ever tow anything behind the bike? Your new bike needs to from this source support the weight of the trailer if this is your plan.
Be sure to allow room between the crossbar and yourself. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. Do your research and then you’ll feel better prepared to choose your new bike.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. You’ll be glad you did!