In recent times the western world has undergone a transportation change. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. 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. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
Fashion really does affect the choice you make when purchasing a new bike. We all like one color or style more than another. These are going to come into play when you are shopping for your bicycle. If your bike is only for looks, put style elements and fashion choices as your ultimate decision-makers. Evaluating your choices according to safety and comfort will be the best first step. When you’ve assembled some bikes that are both comfortable and safe, then look to see which you like the looks of better.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a 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. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide Read Full Report greater protection. 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. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.