The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. It could be down to efforts to remain green, perhaps people want to save money on high gas prices, or maybe many people just want to get in shape! The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle 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. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can use mountain bikes for city cycling, but the find out here opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
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 plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
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 bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. 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.