There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. 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. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. There are those who say that this isn't the best way, though. 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. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. Your bicycle seat should not be at the lowest setting, which is sitting atop the crossbar. You always want to bring the seat up at least a few inches when you begin to ride, so keep this in mind when you are picking your bike. The added space between you and the crossbar, afforded by raising the seat slightly, will make a positive impact on your level of comfort. The goal here is to create a height with your seat so that when your pedal is at its lowest position your leg should be almost (but not quite) fully extended.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You don't even realize how important this thing can be in saving your life.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are discover here going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know it.