By: Joe McMunchrouy
Submitted: 2010-08-25 03:02:53 | Word Count: 951
Is it Time to Find The Perfect Bicycle?
There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. 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 people decide to take up cycling because it is a healthier choice for the environment.
[ advertisement ]
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. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
The first thing to consider when buying a bicycle is the cost of the bike. Of course there are going to be other things to think about, like where you plan to ride or how long you will be using this bicycle, but the price is still most important.
Good bicycles can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. The local auctions are some of the best ways to find wonderful deals on things like bicycles and equipment so you won't find yourself spending too much money. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. Not all handlebars are the same. Handlebars that extend straight out give you more control over how your bike is maneuvered over rough terrain. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. For racing bikes you will want completely different handlebars, these handlebars will curve and allow you to ride your bike in a leaning position, this is to cut down on wind resistance and allow you to cycle faster. If you aren't going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren't using it.
Don't ever make the purchase until you have tried the bicycle out. You should never buy something you haven't tried out for at least a few minutes. It's the same concept as buying a used car, there's no way you would take it without testing it.
So why wouldn't this apply to buying a bicycle? You need to do this especially if you are spending a lot of money on a bike that you know you will use for a long time. You need to make sure the bike is a perfect fit. Physical fit is easy to determine, but you also need to find a bike that "fits" your riding style. You wouldn't want to spend your hard earned money on something that isn't comfortable, would you?
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
If you are buying a cycling bicycle for your children, you have an entirely different set of criteria to think about. A little sturdy bike is needed, which has wide tires for balance and brakes that are easy to use. When getting a bike for a kid the way it looks is also incredibly important, children like to look flashy, you will also want to find a well priced bike because your child will quickly outgrow it.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. With a mountain bike a clearance of 3" will be necessary. There are lots of things to think about when you are buying a cycling bicycle. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. If you don't have a lot of experience with cycling bicycles, you will probably feel overwhelmed and insecure as you start your shopping. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Take your time to learn about your options before you shop. It will pay off in the end.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!
