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. 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 then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. No matter the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. When you get a bike you should be able to lay both feet flat to the ground if need be. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury. Your bicycle seat should not be at the lowest setting, which is sitting atop the crossbar. You always want to change the position of the seat so that it is a few inches higher than normal, so keep this in mind when picking your bike. 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 best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high review as it can go so that your leg is almost fully extended.
Another aspect you need to think about is the angle of the seat. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Always choose the most comfortable position for your seat. Choosing to ride with the seat flat, will likely make for a less accommodating cycling experience, as the narrow section of the seat will be bothersome when you lean forward.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. 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.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. You’ll be glad you did!