Most people assume picking the right bike is an easy task. They think that all they have to do is pick out which bicycle looks the prettiest to them and allows them to sit comfortably. This is wrong, the fact is there are more things to consider these days than there was a few years ago. With cycling becoming more popular in almost every area of life (transportation, lifestyle, sports, hobbies) there are more bicycles than ever to choose from. Using a bike as the main method of transport is quickly becoming popular. There are also plenty of families that cycle as a hobby. No matter why you are picking your bicycle, here are some ways to help you along.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. If you decide you want your bike for more off-roading adventures, you need a different kind of braking system that can keep up with that particular style. 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.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a 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. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Children's bikes have altogether different things to consider. You want to choose a bike that has brakes that are anchor easy to apply (like moving the pedals backward) as well as something that is nice and sturdy. Style usually is also a factor in children’s bikes as is price because a bicycle can quickly become too small for your son or daughter to ride comfortably.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.