The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. While the majority of people in the western world seemed most interested in travelling via automobile, in the last couple of decades many people have been choosing the bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. 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. Have you been tempted to use a bike for your everyday transport needs? If you have been thinking about using a bike as your main mode of transportation, or just thinking about getting one for fun, there are a few things you need to think about.
How your bike brakes is incredibly important. It is vital you understand how your brakes work and what brakes will be best suited for your style of cycling. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail. Which handlebars to go with is also a serious decision. Not all handlebars are the same. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with handlebars that extend straight out. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. For racing however you will want special handlebars, ones which are thinner and are positioned in such a way you can lean over them as you cycle. This is to lower wind resistance and will allow you to go faster. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style see this site that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. You can tilt the seat any way you want it. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Adjust your seat so that this is possible. You may find that if you leave the seat in the flat position, the narrow part of the seat will not allow you to comfortably bend forward. You have many things to consider when getting a bicycle. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. You may simply be looking for the bike least likely to malfunction because you rely on it to get around. Price may be the biggest thing you want to consider. Research bikes before you decide which you want, then shop around before purchasing. Do some research and steer clear of buying the first bike you come across.