There are lots of reasons to take up cycling. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter your reason for choosing to take up cycling, you need to know some important things before you decide on your first bicycle. There is more to choosing the right cycling bicycle than the colors used to paint it! This article is intended to give you a head's up on what you should keep in mind when it's time to buy your bicycle.
How your bike brakes is incredibly important. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. 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. However if more helpful hints you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy 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.
For road bikes take away 9 inches from the total of your inseam. This is to account for the size of tires you will use on a road bike. Designed for cycling around the city road bike tires are thin. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Again this is to account for the size of tires. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. You can always use a mountain bike for city cycling, although this is not how they are best used.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Always choose the most comfortable position for your seat. You could leave it as it is, but the narrow part of the seat might not allow you to rest comfortably in a forward leaning position.
Your main priority is the physical fit of your bike. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.