There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Others choose it because riding a bike is better for the environment than travelling in a car or using public transportation.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. 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.
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 are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. 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.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
Which angle you tilt your seat at is also an important factor. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Always choose the most comfortable position for your seat. You could leave it as it is, but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can become a bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know link it.