The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. 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! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Maybe you have been pondering purchasing a bike? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
We’d be misleading you if we didn’t admit that fashion does impact your decision. Our preferences are reflected in color and style choices. You’d be silly not to pay attention to these factors when getting your new bike. Using style and fashion preferences as your main criteria is silly, unless you are only getting a bike to look good. Check to see how your bicycle choices rate for both safety and comfort at the very beginning of your search. Then, when safety and comfort have been secured, choose your favorites according to their visual appearance. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with handlebars that extend straight out. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. If you aren't using your bike constantly, the best thing to choose is something that is simply comfortable and allows you to store your bike easily when it isn't in use.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Some cyclists are more comfortable in a slightly forward position, and therefore, find a completely flat seat inappropriate for them. Adjust your seat so that this is possible. Choosing to ride with the seat flat, will likely make for a less accommodating cycling experience, as the narrow section of the seat will be bothersome when you lean explanation forward.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. That is the primary goal of anyone who chooses cycling as their primary form of transportation. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides will soon grow tiresome.