The preferred mode of transport has taken an unlikely turn in recent years. More and more people are leaving the car behind in favor of the bicycle, in the west the car reigned supreme but we are now seeing a growth in popularity of the bike. This trend can be attributed to the idea of keeping things 'green' in a bid to take care of our planet. It doesn't hurt that gas is increasing in price either! Whatever the reason, there are more cyclists on the road than ever. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. There are some bicycles that have breaks that are designed to grab onto the wheels and squeeze then in order to stop the motion, and this is great for a hobby rider. For more hardcore cycling on tough terrain you may want some better brakes. These disk brakes are perfect for serious bike use, they sit inside the wheel and will be able to handle heavy use without malfunction. You will also need to consider which handlebars you want on your bike. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. It's easier to handle a bike over rough terrain with have a peek here handlebars that extend straight out. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger 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. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. It is important that you never ride your bicycle without also wearing your helmet. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
It wouldn't hurt to also get some elbow and knee pads, and some wrist and ankle guards if you are going to take your bike off-road. Another piece of safety equipment that you should think about getting are pants clips, especially if you are going to be using your bike as a primary mode of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain.
You should keep these things in mind when you go out and buy a bicycle, especially if you want to find the one that is right for you. It can be a bit tedious and frustrating to try and figure out what all you need when you are buying a bicycle. Take your time and do some research and you’ll find the right bike before you know it.