Popular methods of transport have altered in recent times. 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! No matter what has caused it, the fact is there are now more cyclists on the road than in a long while. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? If so the following is some handy advice on what to look out for.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. They say that it is better to give yourself a few inches between your feet and the ground to create a more comfortable cycling experience. 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 too high. You shouldn't keep the bicycle seat at the lowest setting, either. You always want to bring the seat up at least a few inches when you begin to ride, so keep this in mind when you are picking 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 best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high as it can go so that your leg is almost fully extended.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. 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. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a over here bike for them. You may want an incredibly durable bike that can handle being thrown around a bit. You may simply what the most reliable bike for getting you around the city. Price can also really affect your decisions. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. If you just get the first one you find it may not be the best suited for you and could even be a bad bike.