There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. 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. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. 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 you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a check this site out couple of inches above the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. There are many different factors to take into account when finding the right bicycle. Is this a bike you are going to be riding every single day or is it a bike you are only going to ride every now and them? Which height is most comfortable for you? Are you a person who would rather your feet be flat on the ground when you are sitting or would you rather have a little room between your feet and the ground? You will need to consider each of these things when choosing your bicycle..