There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. 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. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. 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. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. The best kind of braking system to choose for this style of riding is the disk brakes, because they are build to handle more see page and are less apt to fail under stress.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. There are a lot of things to think about when they are choosing which cycling bicycles are right for them. For some folks, sturdiness and stability will be a factor because they will need a bike that can take a lot of wear and tear. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Some people have to think very seriously about the price they are paying for a bike. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Don’t just buy the first bicycle that looks good—you could get stuck with a lemon!