Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. All the varieties and options make it really hard to buy a new bike. Planning ahead for things like bike use, safety and comfort, as well as where it will be ridden, and what it looks like, will help you make a better decision. How can you make a decision when there are so many different choices available, and new options being released every day? It’s easy to just use our criteria to pick the best bike for you.
One way to choose the bike that fits you is to sit on the bike and see if your feet will rest flat on the floor, in case you need to stop yourself. There are experts who state that this isn't a good way to choose a bike, however. These experts say in order to have the best cycling experience you can, you should allow for a few inches between the ground and your feet. If your feet are sitting flat on the ground while your butt is on the seat, this usually means that the seat is too close to the crossbar and will need to be adjusted for comfort. If this is happening, when you start to pedal the bike then your knees are going to come up too high. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. You may think all handlebars are the same, but they're not. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. These handlebars will also distribute your weight over a big area. If you are using your bike for racing, then you want to pick some handlebars that are more slim and allow you to lean forward on your bike so you can go faster. For those of us who only plan to use our bikes sporadically, you may wish to go with a handlebar style that is comfortable and yet easily stored away.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. There have been many advancements on bicycle helmets since they first were introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. You never know when that little detail is going to save you from an early grave.
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Another good idea is to buy some pants clips if you are going to be riding your bike as your primary form of transportation. These things are little clips that clip the pants leg up so they don't get tangled in the chain or the gears.
So many options are available to you as you shop for a new bike. From how safe the bicycle is to what it looks like, there are other lots of choices to make. Feeling a little defeated at the outset of choosing your new bike is normal. The good news is that, with a little research, you can make a very informed decision about which bicycle is best for you.
Before heading out to the store, learn a little bit about the available choices. It’s the best answer for easier shopping.