Many people have found reason in taking 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. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
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. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. Be sure to consider these few necessary inches between the seat and the crossbar, when you are out bicycle shopping. 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.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Make sure you can place both feet on the ground if need be. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that informative post physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. Comfort and safety are both very important.