There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. If you really want to choose the perfect cycling bicycle, you need to think about more than just what it looks like. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. For those who use their bike for serious riding and over heavy terrain better brakes may be needed. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time. You shouldn't ever sit the seat at the lowest setting, which means sitting on the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. Adjusting your seat up a few inches will give you more clearance between you and the crossbar of your bicycle, which can add quite a bit of comfort to your ride. The best way to adjust is this way, place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting, then extend your leg almost fully, and adjust your seat to accommodate.
Just exactly how many gears do you think you’ll use? If you are going to be travelling in relatively flat places, you will not need as many gears as you would need in rockier terrain or a terrain with lots of hills. Just because a bike has more gears doesn't make it better. Sometimes bike riders don’t ever use all the gears on their bike. Don't waste your money on something you won't use. Of course, if your cycling bicycle is going to be your primary mode of transportation you might need to make sure you have enough gears to handle rough situations. You need to consider several things like it when choosing your bicycle for the first time. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? Which height is most comfortable for you? Do you prefer your feet to rest flat on the ground or do you like to have some room between them and the ground when you are sitting on the bicycle’s seat? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.