In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. 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! 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 thinking about getting a bicycle? 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.
Cost is almost always a factor when trying to choose the right bike. Sure you should also consider things like where you will be riding and how often you will be riding, but your other major criteria will almost always be the price of the bicycle.
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. It's not going to matter if you don't have thousands of dollars to put on a bike, because there is a way you can find a great bike for a runaway price. You could check out bicycles that are being auctioned off and could save tons of money while getting the best bike for you.
Do you require more features on the new bike? If you will need to transport things with your bike, you’ll need a basket. Will you be travelling with a child? Then you have to choose a bike that will allow for a child seat attachment. Do you think you'll ever tow anything behind the bike? Choose a bike that can support the weight of a trailer, if this is something you’ll do.
It is important that you allow adequate room between you and the crossbar. When choosing a bike move the seat so it is a couple of inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. A good example is a touring bike, with these bikes you will only need around 1" difference. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. That why not try this out is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. You need to feel safe but also comfortable on your bike, otherwise you won't enjoy riding it!