There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Simply finding the bike they like the look of is all there is to it, right? As long as it is comfortable that's all you need to worry about. The truth is that there is a lot more to finding the right bicycle these days than there used to be. Now that more and more people are starting to cycle, the options have risen to an almost head-spinning variety. Some people are choosing to cycle as a means of transportation on a regular basis. Lots of families have taken up cycling as a family hobby. The following will explain how you choose the best bike for whatever it is you aim to use it 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 some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. These people explain that the best way to pick a bike is to ensure there is a few inches between the ground and your feet, and you will be provided with a much more comfortable ride. When buying a new bike, you will see the seat is placed extremely low to the crossbar, so when you sit on the bike with your feet on the ground and are able to bend your knees, you should pick a different bike. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. You want to have the comfort of the seat being higher up than the crossbar on the bike, because if the seat is sitting on the crossbar, you will not be comfortable. The goal here is to create a height with your seat so that when your pedal is at its lowest position your leg should be almost (but not quite) fully extended.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Another piece of additional hints safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode 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.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. You have innumerable decisions to make as you choose how safe a bike to buy, as well as one that is pleasing to the eye. If you feel like you are being deluged by choices, you are perfectly normal. 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 will pay off in the end.