In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. 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! Either way you will now find the roads filled with more cyclists than ever before. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
The first thing to consider when buying a bicycle is the cost of the bike. You will also be thinking about where you plan on riding your bike, as well as how often you are going to ride, but before you think about any of that you are going to have to think about the cost.
The price ranges of good bikes go anywhere from the hundreds to the thousands. This doesn't mean you are going to have to spend thousands of dollars on a good bike, because there are ways you can find a great bike for a great price. The local auctions are some of the best ways to find wonderful deals on things like bicycles and equipment so you won't find yourself spending too much money.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. 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 you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. This is because the tires of a mountain bike are different than those on a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You should never, ever ride your bicycle unless you are wearing your helmet. You'd be surprised at how many lives have been saved from that one simple thing.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a go primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.