In the last couple of decades a major shift has been happening in transportation. 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 this because the last couple of decades have seen a major shift in the popularity of “living green.†Maybe it is because the cost of gas is just too high. The fact is there are plenty more cyclists on the road now than there were just a few years ago. Have you been thinking about getting a bicycle? If you have then there are several things you should look at when you do.
The first thing to consider when buying a bicycle is the cost of the bike. Of course there are going to be other things to think about, like where you plan to ride or how long you will be using this bicycle, but the price is still most important.
If you are new to the bike buying business, you will see that the price can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Don’t worry if you do not have this much money available, there are lots of ways to cut down on the amount of money you will spend on your bicycle. You could check out bicycles that are being auctioned off and could save tons of money while getting the best bike for you. The type of handlebars you choose is also important. As you probably know, there are many different types of handlebars. Those handlebars which extend horizontally out offer great control for maneuvering. These handlebars will also evenly distribute your weight over a larger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. For those people who rarely use their bikes you can get away with just selecting comfortable handlebars that can be stored away easily.
Never leave out the safety gear, either. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. Now they offer better protection while being a little bit more stylish. You must always wear your helmet when you are riding your bike, no matter what. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as their explanation ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
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. There are tons of varieties of bicycles, as well as innumerable amounts of accessories available to you, so sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what you need, you will be pleased with the results.