As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. 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. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. For those who use their bike for serious riding and over heavy terrain better brakes may be needed. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. The added space between you and the crossbar, afforded by raising the seat slightly, will make a positive impact on your level of comfort. The best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high as it can go so that your leg is almost fully extended.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. What angle you tilt your seat at is solely going to depend on what position you find most comfortable. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all.
There are lots of things to think about when you are trying to find the right cycling bicycle to fit your needs. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what official website you need, you will be pleased with the results.