Choosing a bike is never an easy task. There are so many things to consider: what type of bike do you want? What size? What kind of bike tires will you need? Whether you're mountain biking or looking for a new triathlon bike, there are some general guidelines you should follow. Here is what to consider the next time you're choosing a bike.
The first thing that you need to do when choosing a bike is to determine what kind of bike you need. The surface that you will be riding on is one of the primary factors in deciding this. If you will be mainly riding on hard pavement, you'll probably want a road bike. A road bike can be used for commuting as well as getting exercise. If you plan on using a bike recreational and for the occasional sprint triathlon, a road bike can be a great option. The biggest consideration to take into account with a road bike is the handlebars. Road bikes can come with either drop-bar or flat-bar handlebars. Drop-bar handlebars are preferred for racing, but they are not as comfortable as flat-bar handlebars.
Those who will be riding mostly on trails in the woods should look for a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are designed to make riding on bumpy trails of uneven terrain more comfortable. They have a shock system which makes them better equipped to handle a rough ride. If you plan on using your mountain bike for both commuting and mountain biking, consider opting for the hardtail bike, which has just front suspension. A full-suspension bike should be chosen if you will be doing a lot of trail riding, since it will be able to handle it better.
If you will be participating in triathlons, it is a good idea to go with a triathlon bike, which is specifically designed to handle the changing course of the race. Triathlon bikes range in price from expensive to very expensive. A triathlon bike is for the triathlon enthusiast. If you can, test out some triathlon bikes to see what you like about various brands before you buy. If you do not know anybody to borrow a bike from, see if you can rent one from a local shop.
If you are a woman, you may want to consider purchasing a women's bike. These bikes are designed specifically for a woman's proportions, featuring an allowance for longer legs and a shorter torso, meaning you won't have to reach to touch the handlebars and your legs won't be scrunched up when you pedal.
Besides the type of bicycle, there are other things to consider: seat position and height are two major considerations. These are generally matters of personal preference. To determine whether a bike seat is the right height, sit on the seat and let one leg hang free. Place the other on the opposite pedal. It should be able to touch when the pedal is at the lowest point, but your leg shouldn't be too bent. Many people choose to purchase new bicycle seats, since the ones that come with most bikes aren't very comfortable. Either way, adjust the seat so that your pelvis is level with the ground. You will probably have to sit on and maybe ride a variety of bikes before you find one that suits you well.
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