Some folks think there is nothing easier than picking a cycling bicycle. They have it in their minds that the only thing you need to do is choose the bike that looks the best and is a comfortable physical fit. This is wrong, the fact is there are more things to consider these days than there was a few years ago. Cycling is increasing in popularity each day, be it for fun or as a serious mode of transport, there are now more bikes to choose from than ever before. Using a bike as the main method of transport is quickly becoming popular. There are also plenty of families that cycle as a hobby. The following will explain how you choose the best bike for whatever it is you aim to use it for.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. 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 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. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This that site is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. Again this is to account for the size of tires. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a bike. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price can also really affect your decisions. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.