In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. It could be down to efforts to remain green, perhaps people want to save money on high gas prices, or maybe many people just want to get in shape! No matter what has caused it, the fact is there are now more cyclists on the road than in a long while. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This means that you will be able to stop your bicycle with your feet if the brakes do not work—without having to tilt the bicycle and risk doing harm to it and to yourself.
Do you require more features on the new bike? If you have to move things using your bike, you’ll certainly want to add a basket. Will you need to transport a child? Attaching a child seat is not possible for every bike, so choose wisely. How about towing something behind the bike? If so, you will need to find a bicycle that can support the weight of a small trailer or whatever else you will be towing behind you.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When helpful resources selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Sit on it and make sure you can rest your feet flat to the ground. Each type of bike requires different clearances. For example a touring bike will require around an inch. However for a mountain bike you will need 3" between the crossbar and yourself.
You should keep these things in mind when you go out and buy a bicycle, especially if you want to find the one that is 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. As long as you go about the process slowly and research a little before you go, you should have no problem finding the perfect bike.