There are many people who decide to cycle as a way to get from one place to another. Just because you are riding a bicycle from one point to another doesn't mean it's your preferred way to travel. Engaging in exercise is one of the overwhelming reasons that a large number of individuals choose to go cycling. Some people are competitors in cycling. And some people decide that they want to take up cycling as a hobby with their family and friends. No matter your reason for needing to choose a bicycle, you need to consider a number of different things in order to choose the one that is right for you. Here are some hints to help you make your choice.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. They are also better for distributing your body weight over a larger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
Don’t forget to buy your safety gear. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. You should never go for a ride without putting on your helmet first. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be check it out riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. 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.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.