Many differing options are available to you as you look to purchase a bicycle. Take heart! Even professional cyclists struggle when choosing their next bicycle. The fact of the matter is that getting a bike involves many different choices. 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. Here are some of the criteria you should use when you are buying your next cycling bicycle.
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. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress.
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 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. The tires on a mountain bike are not the same as a road bike. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. You can use mountain bikes for city my response cycling, but the opposite is not true and they are nowhere near as good on city streets as road bikes.
If the bike you are buying is for your child, then you are going to have to think of something completely different than outlined here. You will want to choose a bicycle that is sturdy with wide tires and easy to use brakes (most children’s brakes operate by moving the pedals backwards). You will want to find a reasonably priced bike because children will grow quickly, and it will also have to look good because looks are everything to the young.
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. If you will not jump into things and try and educate yourself on what you need, you will be pleased with the results.