As you know, there are numerous reasons to start 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 others still are riding simply because they love to ride. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. 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.
Always keep in mind that you want to test the bike before you buy it. Take it around the block if you can to make sure that it's worth the money and it's right for you. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking it out for a test drive?
It's the same thing with a used bicycle. You really need to do this if you are going to spend a lot of money on the bicycle, and if you are going to ride the bicycle a lot. You want to find a bike that fits you. Not only should it be the correct size for you, but it should be easily adaptable to your lifestyle, meaning your riding style. You would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When browsing for a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Make sure you can place both feet on the ground if need be. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. You need to consider several things when choosing your bicycle for the first time. Do you want to ride your bicycle every day or do you see yourself only riding it once in a while? Which height is most comfortable for you? Do you feel more at ease with your feet just above the ground as you sit on the seat, or would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? Think about all this when buying your bike, and her response you will make the right choice.