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. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
The first thing you should think about, which is pretty obvious, needs to be the cost. 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.
You can find bicycles that range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. You could check out bicycles that are being auctioned off and could save tons of money while getting the best bike for you.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. 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 should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you visit the website travel from one point to another.