Many people have found reason in taking up cycling. Some folks are having a hard time keeping up with the rising cost of gasoline and maintenance bills, so they choose to ride a bike. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are some who like to cycle simply because it is fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Contained hereafter are some hints and tips you can use to pick the bicycle that is perfect for you.
The first thing to consider when buying a bicycle is the cost of the bike. Of course you are going to need to think about how much you will ride your bike as well as where you are going to be riding it, but cost is one of the most important things.
Good bicycles can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 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. Used bicycles and bicycles being sold at auction are great ways to save money while still getting the cycling bicycle that you need and want.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. Designed to work best on concrete pavements, road bikes are best suited to cycling around the city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. Mountain bike tires are thicker than road bike tires, designed for rocky terrain. 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.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. Bicycle helmets are something completely different than they once were. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. You don't even realize how important this thing can be in saving 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. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. Some people will wikipedia reference need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. 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.