It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. Many people just think finding a bike that looks good and is comfortable is all there is to picking the right bike. Wrong, there is more to it these days than simply looks and comfort. With cycling becoming more popular in almost every area of life (transportation, lifestyle, sports, hobbies) there are more bicycles than ever to choose from. It is popular in modern times to use a bike as a serious mode of transport. Lots of families have taken up cycling as a family hobby. No matter why you are picking your bicycle, here are some ways to help you along.
How your cycling bicycle stops is very important. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. Mountain bike top article tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Find the position that will be most comfortable to you, and stick with it. You could leave it as it is, but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position.
There are many different things you should consider when the time comes to buy the perfect bicycle for yourself. It can become a frustrating process at times to try and figure out exactly what bike you need and which accessories you should get to go with it. As long as you go prepared and know what you need and are looking for, you can shed some of that frustration and find the perfect bike.