As you know, there are numerous reasons to start cycling. There are many that decide to ride bicycles because they are able to save a ton of money on both the price of gas and maintenance costs. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
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. Choosing the right bicycle is more than just picking the one that's the best looking. Outlined hereafter are some pointers you can take into consideration when going out to buy your bike.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. 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. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. Your knees will cause interference as you are pedaling, because they will come up higher than they should, which is a result of your knees being bent when you are at rest with your feet down. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. If you are using your bike resource for racing, then you want to pick some handlebars that are more slim and allow you to lean forward on your bike so you can go faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Another essential element in a comfortable cycling experience is the angle of the seat(also known as the saddle). The seat is designed to be tilted any way you want it to. Most people find a seat that is flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. Always choose the most comfortable position for your seat. You can always leave the seat in the position it is in, but you will most likely find it to be very uncomfortable to ride.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.