Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. 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. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your read more feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. Others need a bicycle that will help get them from point to point with very little chance of breaking down. Price can also be a point to consider. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Buying the first bike you find is not advised, in doing this you could end up with a terrible bike and miss out on one that is perfect for you.