As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. There are those who choose to cycle because they want to do their part in helping the environment.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. If you fall into these categories or are in one of your own and you are shopping for a new bike, take the time to read up on some of the things you should know before buying. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to help you decide which bicycle you should buy.
The first thing you should think about, which is pretty obvious, needs to be the cost. 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.
If you are new to the bike buying business, you will see that the price can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. That doesn't mean all bicycles are going to cost that much, so don't worry; there is no reason why you can't find a great bicycle that is in your price range. The local auctions are some of the best ways to find wonderful deals on things like bicycles and equipment so you won't find yourself spending too much money.
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 a fantastic read with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. With a mountain bike you will need to take away around one foot from the inseam. Mountain bikes have different tires than a road bike. These tires are designed to handle rocky and jagged terrain so are therefore thicker. 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.
Children's bikes have altogether different things to consider. You will want to choose a bicycle that is sturdy with wide tires and easy to use brakes (most children’s brakes operate by moving the pedals backwards). Because children's bikes can quickly become too small for your child, you should take into consideration the price you are paying, as well as the style you are choosing. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price can also really affect your decisions. As long as you take your time to find out all you need to know about buying a bike, you should be good to go. Don’t just buy the first bicycle that looks good—you could get stuck with a lemon!