Many differing options are available to you as you look to purchase a bicycle. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. Considering the various factors makes purchasing a bike tough. Imagine the future: how safe, comfy and stylish do you need the bike to be. How far will you ride and where will you be riding? Trying to keep yourself informed of all the new choices, as well those just about to be released, can make it really hard to finally choose the bike for you. It’s easy to just use our criteria to pick the best bike for you.
How your bike brakes is incredibly important. Be sure you know how your brakes work and which type you will likely need. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. However if you use your bike regularly and on serious terrain you should go with more sturdy brakes. For such cycling you should look to disc brakes, these are located within the wheel itself and are less likely to be weakened over time or worse, fail. Some individuals may be surprised at the recommendation that the seat not be adjusted to the lowest setting available, which causes it to contact the crossbar. You always want to bring the seat up at least a few inches when you begin to ride, so keep this in mind when you are picking your bike. You want to have the comfort of the seat being higher up than the crossbar on the bike, because if the seat is sitting on the crossbar, you will not be comfortable. The best way to adjust your seat to the correct height is to place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting and bring the seat up as high as it can go so that your leg is almost fully informative post extended.
The angle of your seat (also called the saddle) is also important. There are several angles you can tilt your seat at. You might find that a perfectly flat seat is a little uncomfortable and that you prefer to lean forward a little bit. Find the position that will be most comfortable to you, and stick with it. You may find that if you leave the seat in the flat position, the narrow part of the seat will not allow you to comfortably bend forward.
How well you fit physically with your bike is what is most important. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.