There is no shortage of reasons for choosing to cycle. 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. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And then there are those who choose to cycle because they simply love it. Whatever your reason for going cycle shopping there are some definite criteria that you need to think about before you make your choice. You will be surprised at how much more there is to a bicycle than just the looks. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
You need to make sure you pick a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. If you can check this do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
Are you going to need to accommodate extra accessories? If you are using your bicycle as your primary form of transportation you might want to consider whether you will need things like baskets to help you transport goods. Will you need to transport a child? If so, you will need to find a bicycle that can safely support a baby seat. Do you think you'll ever tow anything behind the bike? Your new bike needs to support the weight of the trailer if this is your plan.
How many gears do you need? Choose according to how you’ll ride; mountainous areas require more gears than flat land areas do. Many beginning cyclists think that the more gears a bicycle has, the better it is. You may never even get around to using all the available gears. Don't waste your money on something you won't use. Ensure you have enough gears to handle the situations in which you will be riding, especially if you bike will be your main mode of transport. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. Price can also really affect your decisions. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.