There are many people who decide to cycle as a way to get from one place to another. Just because you are riding a bicycle from one point to another doesn't mean it's your preferred way to travel. Some people take up cycling in order to exercise. Others go cycling because they compete in it as a sport. Still others ride bicycles as a hobby because they enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle around their neighborhood. When deciding to purchase a cycling bicycle, there will be a number of elements that need to be taken into account, and this is true for those wishing to enjoy cycling as a hobby, sport, or a means of getting from point A to point B. These tips are intended to help you along your way.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. When you get a bike you should be able to lay both feet flat to the ground if need be. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. The size additional resources of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. 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 take away 12 inches from your inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. The seat is designed to be tilted any way you want it to. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. Choosing to ride with the seat flat, will likely make for a less accommodating cycling experience, as the narrow section of the seat will be bothersome when you lean forward.
There are lots of things to think about when you are buying a cycling bicycle. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. If you feel like you are being deluged by choices, you are perfectly normal. You can rest assured that by doing minimal research into your options, you’ll make the perfect decision for you.
Before heading out to the store, learn a little bit about the available choices. The peace it will offer during shopping makes it very worthwhile.