Many people have found reason in 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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. 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 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. The best kind of braking system to choose for this style of riding is the disk brakes, because they are build to handle more and basics are less apt to fail under stress. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger 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 those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. You can rest assured that by doing minimal research into your options, you’ll make the perfect decision for you.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. You’ll reap the benefits.