Many reasons will push you to choose a bicycle as a new mode of transportation. There are many different reasons to cycle, and some have nothing to do with being a preferred method of getting to point A to point B. Some people have decided to take up cycling as a way to exercise. The thrill of competition draws other people to the sport of cycling. And there are others who decide to take up cycling as a hobby to share with their family or friends. Regardless of your reason for needing to find a bicycle, you need to take some things into consideration when the time comes to choose the perfect bicycle for you. These tips are intended to help you along your way.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. For this you must calculate your inseam. Simply measure through your inner leg from your groin to the bottom of your foot to find out your inseam. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. You always want to change the position of the seat so that it is a few inches higher than normal, so keep this in mind when picking your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make my company for a much more comfortable ride. The best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high as it can go so that your leg is almost fully extended.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You don't even realize how important this thing can be in saving your life.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!