There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. These experts say in order to have the best cycling experience you can, you should allow for a few inches between the ground and your feet. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. Not all handlebars are the same. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. For racing however you will want special handlebars, ones which are try this out thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you to go faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When browsing for a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.