Most people assume picking the right bike is an easy task. Many people think they simply find the bike that looks good and feels comfortable. Wrong, there is more to it these days than simply looks and comfort. Now that more and more people are starting to cycle, the options have risen to an almost head-spinning variety. Some people are choosing to cycle as a means of transportation on a regular basis. There are also plenty of people and families who love riding as a hobby. The following will explain how you find the best bike to suit your needs.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This is for safety more than anything else, if your brakes should fail you will not be able to easily stop the bike otherwise.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. If you are looking for a mountain bike, you will want to subtract about a foot (twelve inches) from your inseam measurement. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. You will find them to be much bigger and designed to handle rocky terrain. You can of course use a mountain bike for road cycling but this isn't supposed to be their primary use.
Another aspect you need to think about is the angle of the seat. You can tilt the seat any way you want it. Most find that a flat seat can prove to be extremely uncomfortable, so they adjust it to their preference. Continue to adjust your seat until it feels the best for you. You can always leave the seat in the position it is in, but you will most likely find it to be very uncomfortable to ride. You will need to think about many different things when choosing a bike for them. Some people will need a bicycle that can stand up under a lot of wear and tear. While other people just want a bike that is comfortable and will get them from one place to another without risk of breaking down. Price discover here can also be a point to consider. 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.