Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your why not try this out bike. This is mainly for safety and will allow you to use your feet to stop the bike without the brakes if needed.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can use mountain bikes for city cycling, but the opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". However for a mountain bike you will need 3" between the crossbar and yourself.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!