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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. 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. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. 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 when you are at rest with your feet down. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For those people who rarely use their bikes you can get away with just selecting comfortable handlebars that can be stored away easily.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. 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.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides check out here will soon grow tiresome.