In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. When you get a bike you should be able to lay both feet flat to the ground if need be. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
Do you need extra gadgets for your bike? If you have to move things using your bike, you’ll certainly want to add a basket. Will a child ever be transported on your bike? If this is the case, you must choose a bike that can support a child's seat. Do you think you'll ever tow anything behind the bike? Your new bike needs to support the weight of the trailer if this is your plan.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When browsing for a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. Your choices range from safety issues to those of fashion. If you don’t have a lot of experience with cycling bicycles, you will probably feel review overwhelmed and insecure as you start your shopping. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. It will pay off in the end.