We have seen a change in transportation recently. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have considered buying a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
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. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. The seat will usually sit a little low and too close to the crossbar if you are able to bend your knees while your feet are on the ground and your backside is on the bicycle’s seat. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down.
For a road bike you should take away 9" from the inseam measurement you took earlier. This is because of the size of the tires on your road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what website link they are best suited for.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Adjust your seat so that this is possible. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all.
Lots and lots of different features and options are out there as you look for a new bicycle. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are lots of choices to make. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. By investing a bit of your time to look at your preferences you will make the best decision.
Do this research before you go shopping. The peace it will offer during shopping makes it very worthwhile.