As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total 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 of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. 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.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. Another piece of 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.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. It can be a bit tedious and frustrating to try and figure out what all you need when you are buying a bicycle. As long as you go prepared and official source know what you need and are looking for, you can shed some of that frustration and find the perfect bike.