There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. There are those who decide to take up cycling because the price of gas is too high and the cost of maintenance on a vehicle is too high. 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 the reason you want to find the perfect cycle for you, you should keep certain things in mind when you are ready to go shopping. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle is the right size. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This means that you will be able to stop your bicycle with your feet if the brakes do not work—without having to tilt the bicycle and risk doing harm to it and to yourself.
Don't ever make the purchase until you have tried the bicycle out. You should never buy something you haven't tried out for at least a few minutes. It's the same concept as buying a used car, there's no way you would take it without testing it.
It's the same thing with a used bicycle. You really need to be sure to test it if you plan to spend a good bit on the bicycle or if you are going to be spending a lot of time riding it. You need to make sure the bike is going to 'fit' you. You should have no problem finding one that you can ride easily, but you also need to find a bike that fits your riding style. You would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. 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. 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. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. There are so many different bicycles and accessories available that it can feel overwhelming as my latest blog post you try to decide which items are best for you. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know it.