Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is 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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the cost of the bike. You will also be thinking about where you plan on riding your bike, as well as how often you are going to ride, but before you think about any of that you are going to have to think about the cost.
If you are new to the bike buying business, you will see that the price can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Don’t worry if you do not have this much money available, there are lots of ways to cut down on the amount of money you will spend on your bicycle. Auctions are one of the best places to find a great bike that will be fairly inexpensive and still have everything you need.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. 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. Each type of bike requires different clearances. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so official source between you and the crossbar.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. It can become a bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. As long as you go about the process slowly and research a little before you go, you should have no problem finding the perfect bike.