Many people have found reason in 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 then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. 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. For a mountain bike sites take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can use mountain bikes for city cycling, but the opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. You can tilt the seat any way you want it. Most people find a seat that is flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all.
There are lots of things to think about when you are buying a cycling bicycle. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. You can feel unsure of yourself, and a bit overwhelmed, as you attempt to purchase a new bike. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Do this research before you go shopping. You’ll be glad you did!