There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. 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. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
Fashion really does get involved when you make a choice. The color we like best, or the style we like least, all influence our choices. These preferences must be listened to when getting your next bike. Looking good will be a great benefit of getting your new bike, but don’t let fashion choices be the guiding decisions factors. Evaluating your choices according to safety and comfort will be the best first step. When you’ve assembled some bikes that are both comfortable and safe, then look to see which you like the looks of better.
Do you require more features on the new bike? If you are using your bicycle as your primary form of transportation you might want to consider whether you will need things like baskets to help you transport goods. Will you need to transport a child? If so, you will need to find a bicycle that can safely support a baby seat. How about towing something behind the bike? You will check this have to get a bike that can support the trailer's weight.
Be sure to allow room between the crossbar and yourself. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. There are many different factors to take into account when finding the right bicycle. Do you want to ride your bicycle every day or do you see yourself only riding it once in a while? Which height of bike is the most comfortable fit for you? Would you rather have room between your feet and the ground or would you rather be able to touch the ground with your feet when you come to a stop? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.