There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for 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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. 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.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress. You shouldn't keep the bicycle seat at the lowest setting, either. You always want to bring the seat up at least a few inches when you begin to ride, so keep this in mind when you are picking your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going official source to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable ride. 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.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to 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. However for a mountain bike you will need 3" between the crossbar and yourself. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price can also be a point to consider. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.