Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. Some people choose to ride bicycles because they cannot afford the cost of gas and automobile maintenance. Some are 'going green' and taking an active part in trying to help our environment by choosing to ride a bike over a car.
And others still are riding simply because they love to ride. 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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. 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. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. If you decide you want your bike for more off-roading adventures, you need a different kind of braking system that can keep up with that particular style. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. If you are using your bike for racing, then you want to pick some handlebars that are more slim and allow you to lean forward on your bike so you can go faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Which angle you tilt your seat at is also an important factor. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. You could leave it as it is, pop over to these guys but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.