Many reasons will push you to choose a bicycle as a new mode of transportation. There are a lot of reasons to ride a bicycle that have nothing to do with your preferred method of getting places. Engaging in exercise is one of the overwhelming reasons that a large number of individuals choose to go cycling. Some people cycle as a competitive sport. And some people decide that they want to take up cycling as a hobby with their family and friends. Regardless of your reason for needing to find a bicycle, you need to take some things into consideration when the time comes to choose the perfect bicycle for you. This article provides some advice to help you along your way.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. 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. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy 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.
You should always make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. You should never buy a bike until you have ridden it first, if only for a couple of minutes. It's exactly the same as buying a used car; you would never find yourself buying a used car without taking it out for a ride.
So you should use this same frame of mind when buying your bike. It's even more important for you to do if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on it and will be using it a lot. You want to find a bike that fits you. There shouldn't be a problem in making the decision on whether or not the bike is the right size for you, but you should also keep in mind that it needs to fit your riding style as well. Why would you spend money on something that does not feel comfortable to ride?
Be sure to allow room between the crossbar and yourself. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
You should keep these things in mind when you go out and buy a bicycle, especially if you want to find the one that is right for you. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be sites a bit overwhelming. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what you need, you will be pleased with the results.