Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. 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. 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! Either way there are now more bikes on the road then ever before. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? Here are some hints to help you choose the cycling bicycle that is right for you.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. If you are choosing a bicycle for sporadic hobby riding, you can get by with the brakes that are little more than pads that squeeze your tires to keep them from moving. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail.
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. Road bikes are meant for city cycling—the tires are thinner and work best on concrete paving. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You also need to acquire some safety gear. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only are they made to better protect you, but they are also made to appeal a bit more aesthetically. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding look at here your bike, no matter what. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
It wouldn't hurt to invest in some knee pads and elbow pads, as well as wrist and ankle guards if you plan to do some off-roading. 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.
When looking for a bike your main goal is to find one that suits you physically. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.