There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. 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 there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. 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.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are certain professionals, though, who disagree with this concept. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. If your feet are on the ground and your knees are bent when you sit on the seat of the bike, it generally means that the seat is sitting too low for you and too close to the crossbar. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high.
If you want to ride a road bike, you will need to subtract about nine inches from your inseam measurement. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. 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. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike find more for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When selecting a bike make sure you move the seat up slightly, to around a few inches above the height of the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice. When you are searching for the appropriate cycling bicycle to suit you, there are a number of factors to consider. Are you going to be riding your bicycle every day or riding it only when you feel the urge to? Which height of bike is the most comfortable fit for you? Would you rather be able to put your feet flat on the ground or would you rather have that few inches between your feet and the ground when you are sitting down? You will want to answer all of these important questions, as you make your bicycle selection.