Many people have found reason in 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. 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. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. Brakes are very important on a bike, you need to understand how they work and what type you will most likely need for your bike. There are some bicycles that have breaks that are designed to grab onto the wheels and squeeze then in order to stop the motion, and this is great for a hobby rider. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. 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.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. 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 always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were 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!
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain. There are a lot check my reference of criteria to use when deciding which cycling bicycle is right for you. 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 of bike is the most comfortable fit for you? Do you feel more at ease with your feet just above the ground as you sit on the seat, or would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.