In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? 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.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. These experts say in order to have the best cycling experience you can, you should allow for a few inches between the ground and your feet. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike.
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 tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. You can always click here to find out more use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Another aspect you need to think about is the angle of the seat. The seat is designed to be tilted any way you want it to. 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 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. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.