The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. Cars were the king of the road, however we can now see a growing trend in the popularity of cycling as a main method of transport. 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 you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
You want to first and foremost, ensure that you are able to come to a stop on your bicycle, and the key to that is selecting a bicycle that allows you to rest your feet flat on the ground, when you are sitting on the seat. There are those who say that this isn't the best way, though. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up check out here too high. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against 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 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.
It is important you allow for 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. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". With a mountain bike however you will need some more, 3 inches should suffice. As you can see, there are many things to take into consideration when deciding on the perfect bicycle for you. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. For others, price is a major factor. Be sure to shop around before taking the final decision and parting with your cash. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.