There's no shortage of reasons why people are 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. 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. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
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. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling.
You should always Find Out More make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. It is important that you not buy anything before you’ve had the opportunity to ride it at least for a few minutes. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking it out for a test drive?
So why wouldn't this apply to buying a bicycle? You really need to be sure to test it if you plan to spend a good bit on the bicycle or if you are going to be spending a lot of time riding it. Choose the bicycle that you know will fit you. Not only should it be the correct size for you, but it should be easily adaptable to your lifestyle, meaning your riding style. You wouldn't want to spend your hard earned money on something that isn't comfortable, would you?
Another aspect you need to think about is the angle of the seat. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all. There are many different factors to take into account when finding the right bicycle. Do you want to ride your bicycle every day or do you see yourself only riding it once in a while? What height makes you feel the most comfortable? Would you rather be able to put your feet flat on the ground or would you rather have that few inches between your feet and the ground when you are sitting down? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.