It can seem very hard to find a new bike when you have so many choices. Take heart! Even professional cyclists struggle when choosing their next bicycle. Because there are so many choices, it is hard to buy a new bike. If you know how and when you want to ride, where you are going to ride, how comfortable and safe you must be, and what you’d like to look like as you ride, you’ll have an easier time choosing your bike. Choosing between all of the options available can be overwhelming, especially since new developments in cycling happen all the time. Take the easy road, and use the tests we suggest to choose your new ride.
The first thing you need to do is try the bicycle on for size, meaning sit on it and make sure that your feet are still flat on the floor so you will be able to 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. 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. Also, if you find that your knees are bent when sitting on the bike, your knees are going to come up too high when you are pedaling your bike. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. Be sure to consider these few necessary inches between the seat and the crossbar, when you are out bicycle shopping. The added space between you and the crossbar, afforded by raising the seat slightly, will make a positive impact on your level of comfort. The goal here next is to create a height with your seat so that when your pedal is at its lowest position your leg should be almost (but not quite) fully extended.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Most people find a seat that is flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. 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.
When purchasing a bicycle, you have tons to consider. While you shop, you must make decisions from safety issues to fashion concerns. If you don’t have a lot of experience with cycling bicycles, you will probably feel overwhelmed and insecure as you start your shopping. A little time spent looking into the choices will allow you to relax and buy the best bike for you.
Look up some of your choices before you hit the store. The peace it will offer during shopping makes it very worthwhile.