There are lots of reasons to choose a bicycle as your primary means of transportation. There are a lot of reasons to ride a bicycle that have nothing to do with your preferred method of getting places. Lots of people go cycling as a form of exercise. The thrill of competition draws other people to the sport of cycling. And there are others who decide to take up cycling as a hobby to share with their family or friends. Regardless of why you are taking up cycling, you are going to have to consider a variety of things when choosing the bicycle that is a perfect fit for you. Here are some hints to help you make your choice.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed. Your bicycle seat should not be at the lowest setting, which is sitting atop the crossbar. You always want to bring the seat up at least a few inches when you begin to ride, so keep this in mind when you are picking your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable ride. The best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high as it can go so that your leg is almost fully extended.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You should never go for a ride without putting on your helmet first. You don't even realize how important click here for info this thing can be in saving your life.
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. If you plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. If you feel like you are being deluged by choices, you are perfectly normal. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Try to understand your choices before you go shopping. It will pay off in the end.