In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. Before the car was transport of choice but recently however the use of push bikes has become increasingly popular. 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. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. When you get a bike you should be able to lay both feet flat to the ground if need be. 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. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. Not all handlebars are the same. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard terrain. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. If you plan to use your bike for racing you will likely want to go with a different type of handlebar, such a handlebar is thinner and allows you to lean over the bike while you ride, this makes you more streamlined and allows you to cycle 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.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. With a mountain helpful site bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can become a bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. As long as you go prepared and know what you need and are looking for, you can shed some of that frustration and find the perfect bike.