As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
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.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling.
Be cautious, however, and always be sure to test the bike out before you buy official source it. Don't just jump on and jump off though, take a nice little ride for at least a few minutes. This makes perfect sense because you know you'd never buy a car without test driving it first.
So why wouldn't this apply to buying a bicycle? 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. You should have no problem finding one that you can ride easily, but you also need to find a bike that fits your riding style. You wouldn't want to waste money on a bicycle you don't enjoy riding.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
If you are going to be taking your bike off road, then you need to also invest in some knee and elbow pads, as well as ankle and wrist guards. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
As you can see, there are several things you should keep in mind when you decide on a bicycle that's right for you. It can become a frustrating process at times to try and figure out exactly what bike you need and which accessories you should get to go with it. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.