It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. They have it in their minds that the only thing you need to do is choose the bike that looks the best and is a comfortable physical fit. The truth is that there is a lot more to finding the right bicycle these days than there used to be. With cycling becoming more popular in almost every area of life (transportation, lifestyle, sports, hobbies) there are more bicycles than ever to choose from. In recent times a trend has emerged of people riding bikes as their main method of transport. There are also plenty of families that cycle as a hobby. The following will explain how you choose the best bike for whatever it is you aim to use it for.
It goes without saying that choosing the correctly sized bike is of utmost importance. To accomplish this you need know your inseam measurement. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while 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. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. You will have a much more comfortable experience when riding if you are able to get some clearance between the crossbar of the bicycle and you. The best way to adjust is this way, place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting, then extend your leg almost fully, and adjust your seat to accommodate.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. If you are directory buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. Some people have to think very seriously about the price they are paying for a bike. Research is important when purchasing anything, especially a bike. You will also want to shop around to find the best deal. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.