Bike Choice - What Exactly to Look For

Many people have found reason in 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. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.

Still others simply ride bicycles for 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. 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.

You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. 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.

You should always make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. You should never buy a bike until you have ridden it first, if only for a couple of minutes. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.

So you should use this same frame of mind when buying your bike. It's even more important for you to do if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on it and will be using it a lot. You need to make sure the bike is going to 'fit' you. This doesn't only mean physically fit you, this also means one that easily fits your riding styles. You don't want make an investment on a bike that isn't going to feel good to ride.

It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price can also really affect your decisions. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike find more information you come across.

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