There's no shortage of reasons why people are 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 what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. 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. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. 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. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. As you probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with handlebars that extend straight out. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. If you aren't using your bike constantly, the best thing to choose is something that is simply comfortable and allows you to store your bike easily when it isn't in use.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. As an example, with a browse around these guys touring bike you will only require around 1". With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. There are people who view the durability of a bike to be most important, this is especially true if you plan to use your bike a lot over rough terrain. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Some people have to think very seriously about the price they are paying for a bike. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.