We have seen a change in transportation recently. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. Either way there are now more bikes on the road then ever before. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
The first thing you should think about, which is pretty obvious, needs to be the cost. This doesn't mean other things aren't important, like where you are going to ride or how often you will, but it does mean that the cost of the bicycle should be one of your main concerns.
You can find bicycles that range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. Auctions are one of the best places to find a great bike that will be fairly inexpensive and still have everything you need.
What kind of add-ons must you have? If you are using your bicycle as your primary form of transportation you might want to consider additional hints whether you will need things like baskets to help you transport goods. Could a child need a ride on your bike with you? Attaching a child seat is not possible for every bike, so choose wisely. If towing something behind the bike, your need will change again. Then you’ll need a bike that can support a trailer’s weight.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. You don't even realize how important this thing can be in saving your life.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. They work by clipping your pants out of the way so they can't get tangled in the chain or gears. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price may be the biggest thing you want to consider. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Don’t just buy the first bicycle that looks good—you could get stuck with a lemon!