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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
Still others simply ride bicycles for fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. When buying a new bike, you will see the seat is placed extremely low to the crossbar, so when you sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and are able to bend your knees, you should pick a different bike. 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. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you more helpful hints ride over a bigger area. For racing however you will want special handlebars, ones which are thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you to go faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
If the bike you are buying is for your child, then you are going to have to think of something completely different than outlined here. You will want to choose a bicycle that is sturdy with wide tires and easy to use brakes (most children’s brakes operate by moving the pedals backwards). When getting a bike for a kid the way it looks is also incredibly important, children like to look flashy, you will also want to find a well priced bike because your child will quickly outgrow it. You need to consider several things when choosing your bicycle for the first time. Are you going to be riding your bicycle every day or riding it only when you feel the urge to? What height makes you feel the most comfortable? Do you prefer your feet to rest flat on the ground or do you like to have some room between them and the ground when you are sitting on the bicycle’s seat? Think about all this when buying your bike, and you will make the right choice.