It is common to assume picking the right bike is an easy task. They have it in their minds that the only thing you need to do is choose the bike that looks the best and is a comfortable physical fit. This is wrong, the fact is there are more things to consider these days than there was a few years ago. Cycling is increasing in popularity each day, be it for fun or as a serious mode of transport, there are now more bikes to choose from than ever before. Some people are choosing to cycle as a means of transportation on a regular basis. Some people have decided to take up cycling as a hobby. No matter why you are picking your bicycle, here are some ways to help you along.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can see of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
You also need to acquire some safety gear. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. Not only do they look a little better now, they are also safer for you. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. You don't even realize how important this thing can be in saving your life.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
You will see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can become a frustrating process at times to try and figure out exactly what bike you need and which accessories you should get to go with it. As long as you go about the process slowly and research a little before you go, you should have no problem finding the perfect bike.