In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. It could be down to efforts to remain green, perhaps people want to save money on high gas prices, or maybe many people just want to get in shape! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. These people explain that the best way to pick a bike is to ensure there is a few inches between the ground and your feet, and you will be provided with a much more comfortable ride. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike.
You should always make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. It is important that you not buy anything before you’ve had the opportunity to ride it at least for a few minutes. Do you know of anyone that would buy a used car without taking it out for a test drive?
The same rule applies to a bicycle. You really need to do this if you are going to spend a lot of money on the bicycle, and if you are going to ride the bicycle a lot. 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 would never want to ride a bicycle that was uncomfortable for you.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly more. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches more helpful hints or so between you and the crossbar.
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. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.