The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
Don't ever make the purchase until you have tried the bicycle out. Take it around the block if you can to make sure that it's worth the money and it's right for you. This makes perfect sense because you know you'd never buy a car without test driving it first.
So why wouldn't this apply to buying a bicycle? You need to do this especially if you are spending a lot of money on a bike that you know you will use for a long time. You need to make sure the bike is going to 'fit' you. This doesn't only mean physically fit you, this also means one that easily fits your riding styles. You don't want make an investment on a bike that isn't going to feel good to ride.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the you could check here height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
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. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.