Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. This could be because down to the prices of gas and running a car, or perhaps people are deciding to care more for the planet. Either way you will now find the roads filled with more cyclists than ever before. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. 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. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. For racing however you will want special handlebars, ones which are thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you to go faster. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When browsing for a bike see try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can be a bit tedious and frustrating to try and figure out what all you need when you are buying a bicycle. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.