There are lots of reasons to choose a bicycle as your primary means of transportation. There are a lot of reasons to ride a bicycle that have nothing to do with your preferred method of getting places. Some people choose to cycle because they need the exercise. Some choose to cycle because they are in competitions with cycling. Another group of individuals take pleasure in a simple, relaxed ride through their neighborhood. Regardless of why you are taking up cycling, you are going to have to consider a variety of things when choosing the bicycle that is a perfect fit for you. These tips are intended to help you along your way.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. There are some bicycles that have breaks that are designed to grab onto the wheels and squeeze then in order to stop the motion, and this is great for a hobby rider. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time. 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. You want to be able to sit on the bike and place your foot on the pedal at the lowest position, and almost be able to fully extend your leg.
The number of gears you’ll use will also affect your choice. If you plan to ride in rocky or mountainous areas, you’ll need more gears than riding on flat land. The number of gears doesn’t make one bike better than another. In actuality, you may never use address all the gears. Save your money for a different feature you’ll really use. Ensure you have enough gears to handle the situations in which you will be riding, especially if you bike will be your main mode of transport.
There are many different things you should consider when the time comes to buy the perfect bicycle for yourself. There are so many different bicycles and accessories available that it can feel overwhelming as you try to decide which items are best for you. As long as you go about the process slowly and research a little before you go, you should have no problem finding the perfect bike.