In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Either way there are now more bikes on the road then ever before. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling.
Do you require more features on the new bike? A basket will help if you are planning to carry items on your bike. Will a child ever be transported on your bike? If this is the case, you must choose a bike that can support a child's seat. Will you be towing anything behind you? Choose a bike that can support the weight of a trailer, if this is something you’ll do.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycles of then and bicycles of now are two completely different things. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't go to the website 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. 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.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. From fashion to safety, you have a multitude of choices to make. It’s perfectly normal for you to feel a little overwhelmed and perhaps a little perplexed when starting out. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Before heading out to the store, learn a little bit about the available choices. It’s the best answer for easier shopping.