We have seen a change in transportation recently. 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! The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? If this is the case it is important you know what to look for, the following tips will help you in your quest to find a suitable bike.
We’d be lying if we tried to tell you that fashion shouldn’t play into your choice. The fact is that we all have color and style preferences. These are going to come into play when you are shopping for your bicycle. Using style and fashion preferences as your main criteria is silly, unless you are only getting a bike to look good. Safety and comfort should be considered first. But once you have found the safest and most comfortable bicycles, there is no reason you shouldn’t narrow down your choice further by how the bike appeals to you visually. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. Not all handlebars are the same. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward click to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For people who rarely use their bike they will want handlebars which allow the bike to be stored away efficiently, but which also offer some level of comfort when cycling.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. 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 your bike, no matter what. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
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. If you plan to use your bike as a sole means of transportation, buy yourself some pants clips. These are clips that keep your pants legs up and out of the way of your gears and chain. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? Which height is most comfortable for you? Do you feel more at ease with your feet just above the ground as you sit on the seat, or would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? These are some of the things you need to consider when choosing your bike.