In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. Before the car was transport of choice but recently however the use of push bikes has become increasingly popular. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Either way there are now more bikes on the road then ever before. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. Not all handlebars are the same. Common handlebars which simply extend straight out are good for regular cycling, they offer good maneuverability especially when used on hard 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.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Make sure you can place both feet on the ground if need be. Each type of bike requires different clearances. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices find out to make. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel a little overwhelmed and perhaps a little perplexed when starting out. By investing a bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.
Do this research before you go shopping. The peace it will offer during shopping makes it very worthwhile.