We have seen a change in transportation recently. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. 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. Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. 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.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury.
Always keep in mind that you want to test the bike before you buy it. Take it around the block if you can to make sure that it's worth the money and it's right for you. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.
So you should use this same frame of mind when buying your bike. You need to do this especially if you are spending a lot of money on a bike that you know you will use for a long time. You need to make sure the bike is going to 'fit' you. This doesn't only mean physically fit you, this also means one that easily fits your riding styles. You don't want make an investment on a bike that isn't going to feel good to ride.
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. You should be read this able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price can also really affect your decisions. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.