Choosing the Right Bike for You

In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. 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? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.

You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees home are going to come up too high.

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. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.

The number of gears you’ll use will also affect your choice. If you plan to ride in rocky or mountainous areas, you’ll need more gears than riding on flat land. You can’t evaluate the bike only by the number of gears it has. You may never have cause to use all the gears. Don't waste your money on something you won't use. If your bike is going to be the main means of travel for you, you absolutely must get the number of gears you need for the situations in which you’ll ride.

When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. Your choices range from safety issues to those of fashion. If you feel like you are being deluged by choices, you are perfectly normal. By investing a bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.

Before heading out to the store, learn a little bit about the available choices. It’s the best answer for easier shopping.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *