There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Many people think they simply find the bike that looks good and feels comfortable. However this is not the case, there are plenty of things you need to consider when looking for the right bike. There is more to it nowadays than there used to be. With cycling becoming more popular in almost every area of life (transportation, lifestyle, sports, hobbies) there are more bicycles than ever to choose from. Some people are choosing to cycle as a means of transportation on a regular basis. There are also plenty of people and families who love riding as a hobby. The following will explain how you choose the best bike for whatever it is you aim to use it for.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never go for a ride without putting on your helmet first. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another piece of straight from the source safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears. You need to consider several things when choosing your bicycle for the first time. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? Which height of bike is the most comfortable fit for you? Would you rather have room between your feet and the ground or would you rather be able to touch the ground with your feet when you come to a stop? Think about all this when buying your bike, and you will make the right choice.