Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Choosing their next bicycle is difficult, even for professional riders. All the varieties and options make it really hard to buy a new bike. If you know how and when you want to ride, where you are going to ride, how comfortable and safe you must be, and what you’d like to look like as you ride, you’ll have an easier time choosing your bike. Choosing between all of the options available can be overwhelming, especially since new developments in cycling happen all the time. Opting for the correct bike for you is as easy as using these simple criteria.
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. Some experts, however, say that this is not a good idea. 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.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. The size of the tires a road bike uses are the reason for this. These tires will go now be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike you will need to take 12" away from your total inseam. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
Where you set the angle of your seat is also something to consider. There are a variety of options for tilting the bicycle seat. Most people find a seat that is flat to be a bit too uncomfortable, so they tilt it the way that feels the best. The seat allows you to make this adjustment to conform to your desired riding position. 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 see there are many things you should consider when you are finding the bike that's right for you. It can become a bit overwhelming when going shopping for a bike and accessories because there is just so much to choose from. Don't become discouraged; map out what you need for your bike and you'll be on your way in no time.