We have seen a change in transportation recently. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time. You shouldn't keep the bicycle seat at the lowest setting, either. Always consider that you are going to have to raise the seat up off the crossbar when you are shopping for your bike. You want to have the comfort of the seat being higher up than the crossbar on the bike, because if the seat is sitting on the crossbar, you will not be comfortable. The ideal seat height can be achieved, by ensuring that your leg is very close to completely extended, when your foot is at it's lowest position while on the pedal.
How many gears will you use on a regular basis? If you plan to ride in rocky or mountainous areas, you’ll need more gears than riding on flat land. A bike isn’t better just because it has more gears than another. The truth is that you might not need all of those my explanation different gears. Don't waste your money on something you won't use. Know how you’ll ride your bike; make sure you have the correct gears for traveling, especially when this is your main mode of transport.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. 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. Comfort and safety are both very important.