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. Perhaps the trend can be put down to 'green' thinking, or maybe just the prices of gas are starting to get to people. Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Perhaps you have been giving some thought to getting a bike yourself? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
The basic key to choosing a bicycle is to buy a bicycle that you can sit on and rest your feet flat on the floor so that you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They state the best way to choose a bike is to leave a few inches between your feet and the ground so you can have a more comfortable ride. 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. This is because when you are pedaling with this bike, your knees are going to come up too high. Your bicycle seat should not be at the lowest setting, which is sitting atop the crossbar. Always consider that you are going to have to raise the seat up off the crossbar when you are shopping for your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable ride. The ideal seat height can be achieved, by ensuring that your leg is very close to completely extended, when your foot is at it's lowest position while on the pedal.
Another essential element in a comfortable cycling experience is the angle of the seat(also known as the saddle). The seat is designed to be tilted any go now way you want it to. What angle you tilt your seat at is solely going to depend on what position you find most comfortable. Find the position that will be most comfortable to you, and stick with it. You may not want to adjust the seat at all in the beginning, then after a ride realize that the way it was positioned is not the way you want it at all. There are a lot of criteria to use when deciding which cycling bicycle is right for you. Are you going to be riding your bicycle every day or riding it only when you feel the urge to? Which height is most comfortable for you? Are you a person who would rather your feet be flat on the ground when you are sitting or would you rather have a little room between your feet and the ground? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.