There are many people who decide to cycle as a way to get from one place to another. Just because you are riding a bicycle from one point to another doesn't mean it's your preferred way to travel. Engaging in exercise is one of the overwhelming reasons that a large number of individuals choose to go cycling. Some people are competitors in cycling. Another group of individuals take pleasure in a simple, relaxed ride through their neighborhood. Regardless of your reason for needing to find a bicycle, you need to take some things into consideration when the time comes to choose the perfect bicycle for you. This article provides some advice to help you along your way.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This means that you will be able to stop your bicycle with your feet if the brakes do not work—without having to tilt the bicycle and risk doing harm to it and to yourself.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. The More Help tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. You can tilt the seat any way you want it. Most find that a flat seat can prove to be extremely uncomfortable, so they adjust it to their preference. Adjust your seat so that this is possible. 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 lots of things to think about when you are trying to find the right cycling bicycle to fit your needs. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.