There are several different reasons people choose to cycle as a mode of transportation. There are a lot of reasons to ride a bicycle that have nothing to do with your preferred method of getting places. Lots of people go cycling as a form of exercise. The thrill of competition draws other people to the sport of cycling. And there are others who decide to take up cycling as a hobby to share with their family or friends. Regardless of your reason for needing to find a bicycle, you need to take some things into consideration when the time comes to choose the perfect bicycle for you. This article provides some advice to help you along your way.
You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. If your feet are on the ground and your knees are bent when you sit on the seat of the bike, it generally means that the seat is sitting too low for you and too close to the crossbar. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against 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 is this way, place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting, then extend your leg almost fully, and wikipedia reference adjust your seat to accommodate.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. 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. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.