In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. Perhaps this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. Either way you will now find the roads filled with more cyclists than ever before. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. 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. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent here when you are at rest with your feet down.
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. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Different bikes will need 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 have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. 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. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Some people have to think very seriously about the price they are paying for a bike. As long as you take your time to find out all you need to know about buying a bike, you should be good to go. Buying the first bike you find is not advised, in doing this you could end up with a terrible bike and miss out on one that is perfect for you.