We have seen a change in transportation recently. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. It could be down to efforts to remain green, perhaps people want to save money on high gas prices, or maybe many people just want to get in shape! No matter what has caused it, the fact is there are now more cyclists on the road than in a long while. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. Begin by measuring your inseam. Simply measure the distance from your groin to the bottom of your foot, down the inside of your leg. You should ideally be able to place both feet on the ground when sitting in on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. This is due to the type of tires you this link will be using for a road bike. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. You can use mountain bikes for city cycling, but the opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
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. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. Choosing to ride with the seat flat, will likely make for a less accommodating cycling experience, as the narrow section of the seat will be bothersome when you lean forward. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. The durability of a bike may be the most important thing depending on how you intend to use it. These folks are looking to find a bike that allows them to get where they are going without having to worry about a breakdown. Price can also really affect your decisions. It is important to do your research and to shop around before you buy a bicycle. Never jump on the first thing that is pretty, because you never know if you are making a mistake.