Knowing what to look for in your new bicycle is of paramount importance. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. The truth is that there are a lot of things to think about when buying a bicycle. Evaluate the safety, comfort, and use of the future bike. You also need to see how the bike looks, and how frequently you’ll ride and the location of those rides. How can you make a decision when there are so many different choices available, and new options being released every day? Opting for the correct bike for you is as easy as using these simple criteria.
One of the major parts of choosing the right cycling bicycle for you is making sure that the bicycle is the right size. For this you must calculate your inseam. This is accomplished by measuring from your groin to your foot down the inside of your leg. The goal is to be able to sit on the seat of the bike and still rest your feet flat on the ground. This means that you will be able to stop your bicycle with your feet if the brakes do not work—without having to tilt the bicycle and risk doing harm to it and to yourself.
If you intend to get a road bike then take 9" away from your total inseam. This is due to the type of tires you will be using for a road bike. City riding is done with thin tires, designed to work perfectly with the smooth concrete roads and sidewalks you find in a city. You will want to subtract 12" for a mountain bike. Again this is to account for the type of tires you will be using. They are thicker and meant for a rockier terrain. Mountain bikes can travel on city pavement but that is not what they are designed to do.
It is important you allow for room between you and the crossbar. When you choose your bike, adjust the seat up a few inches from the crossbar and then sit on the bike. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. You will want to leave different clearance lengths depending on the type of bicycle you are buying. see this If you are buying a touring bike, for example, you only need an inch or so of clearance. If you are buying a mountain bike you’ll want more—three inches or so between you and the crossbar.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. When deciding upon using a bike for transportation you need to keep this in mind. Comfort and saftey are the two most important aspects of riding a bike.