We have seen a change in transportation recently. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! No matter what has caused it, the fact is there are now more cyclists on the road than in a long while. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high. What kind of handlebars you want on your bike is also a big choice. There are plenty types of handlebars to choose from. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. 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 to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. If you aren't using your bike constantly, the best thing to choose is something that is simply comfortable and allows you to store your bike easily when it isn't in use.
How many gears do you need? Traveling through flat areas requires far less gears than riding in a mountainous area. You can’t evaluate the bike only by the number of gears it has. You may never have cause to use all the gears. Don’t spend money on something you won’t use. Find out where you’ll ride your bike, especially if this is your main vehicle, and make sure you have enough gears to handle the areas through which you will travel. You need to consider several things when choosing your bicycle for the first time. Is this a bike you are going to be riding every single day or is it a bike you are only going to ride every now and them? 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 my company would you rather that your feet sit flat when you are at rest? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.