There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking 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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam find out this here measurement. Again this is to account for the size of tires. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. However for a mountain bike you will need 3" between the crossbar and yourself. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. For others, price is a major factor. 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.