The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. Cars have long been the most likely mode of transport in developed countries, however bikes are beginning to rise in popularity. This could be because down to the prices of gas and running a car, or perhaps people are deciding to care more for the planet. Either way you will now find the roads filled with more cyclists than ever before. 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.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. To do this, simply run a measuring tape up the inside of your leg from the bottom of your foot to your groin. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury.
Will you need more bells and whistles for your bike to function optimally? If you will need to transport things with your bike, you’ll need a basket. Will you ever carry a child on your bike? Needing a child seat attachment will alter which bikes you can choose from. If towing something behind the bike, your need will change again. You will have to get a bike that can support the trailer's weight.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself try this out and your bikes crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
The idea behind buying cycling bicycles is to make sure that you and the bicycle fit well together—physically. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.