In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. 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 this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. Either way you will now find the roads filled with more cyclists than ever before. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the cost of the bike. This doesn't mean other things aren't important, like where you are going to ride or how often you will, but it does mean that the cost of the bicycle should be one of your main concerns.
You can find bicycles that range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. Auctions are one of the best places to find a great bike that will be fairly inexpensive and still have everything you need.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, link you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
The idea behind buying cycling bicycles is to make sure that you and the bicycle fit well together—physically. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!