There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. As you probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears.
Your main priority is the physical fit of advice your bike. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!