Bike Choice - What Exactly to Look For

It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. They think that all they have to do is pick out which bicycle looks the prettiest to them and allows them to sit comfortably. However this is not the case, there are plenty of things you need to consider when looking for the right bike. There is more to it nowadays 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. It is popular in modern times to use a bike as a serious mode of transport. There are also plenty of people and families who love riding as a hobby. If you want to know those important things to look out for when selecting a bike, read the following.

You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your 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 want to ride a road bike, you will need to subtract about nine inches from your inseam measurement. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed go for mountainous terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.

You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!

You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road” on your bicycle. Another piece of 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. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.

The idea behind buying cycling bicycles is to make sure that you and the bicycle fit well together—physically. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.

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