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. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. 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. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. Adjusting your seat up a few inches will give you more clearance between you and the crossbar of your bicycle, which can add quite a bit of comfort to your ride. 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 adjust your seat to accommodate.
Which angle you tilt your seat at is also an important factor. 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. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. You may find that if you leave the seat in the flat position, the narrow part of the seat will not allow you to comfortably bend forward. There are plenty Recommended Reading of things to consider when choosing a bike. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price can also be a point to consider. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Never jump on the first thing that is pretty, because you never know if you are making a mistake.