Cycling is more than just a fun way to get around. With a bike, you can speed up your journeys without relying on fuels that harm the environment. At the same time, cycling offers you one of the most exciting and thrilling ways to get fit and healthy in a short period.
Of course, just like any other valuable investment in your life, a bike can only deliver the right results, when you know exactly how to purchase something that suits your needs. There’s more to choosing a new bike than picking something with a fun design or a funky colour.
Here’s how to choose a bike that’s right for you.
Consider Your Needs
Speak to any expert at any local bike shop and they’ll always ask you “what are you looking for?”. There are dozens of different types of bike on the marketplace today, and they’re all designed for different purposes. If you want a bike to get to work each morning and you’ll never be venturing off the beaten track, then you don’t’ need a mountain bike.
If you’re looking for something that you can use to sate your inner thrill-seeker, then you’ll need a bike that can withstand different terrains and more pressure. Think about what you actually want to accomplish with your bike and go from there. Here are a few kinds of bike you can consider:
- Cruiser: This is a casual bike designed for gentle use. You might use it to get some quick exercise around the block when you’re bored at home.
- Hybrid bikes: Crosses between road mikes and mountain bikes, they’re not as fast as typical road bikes, or as rugged as mountain bikes, but they have a bit of both designs in them.
- Mountain bikes: These bikes are designed for an off-road bike. You can use them on pavement, but you’ll have more fun on dirt roads.
- Road bikes: Specifically designed for city and road use, these bikes won’t hold up well to tough terrains.
- Electric bikes: Your standard bike with a bit of extra power. You can use these bikes to travel on some roads, but not all around the UK.
Think About Comfort
Riding a bike is a lot of fun, but it can be hard work too. If you’re going to be trying out a lot of rough-terrain biking, then you need something that’s going to cushion your bike-side when you’re riding. This means looking for a softer, more comfortable seat.
Another thing to keep in mind is your gears, and how many you need to switch between, and the suspension in your bike and how it will effect you when you’re trying out tricks or jumping from road to pavement when you’re on the way to work.
The comfort of your bike can depend on a lot of different factors, from the grip on your handles to the size of the pedals that you place your feet on. If you’re not sure exactly what you need, it might be worth visiting a local bike shop and getting a feel for some of the options before you start shopping online.
Remember Safety
A lot of people assume that once they’ve got style and comfort out of the way, they’re done planning for their perfect bike. However, before you start examining your budget, you need to think about safety too. Brakes are some of the most valuable components of any bike. However, not all bikes have the same braking experience. For instance, rim brakes are very easy to maintain, but they’re not ideal in wet and muddy environments – which are common in the UK.
Disc brakes are a little more robust in different weather conditions, but they can be a little more complicated to maintain and replace. This could mean taking some time to learn about your bike and how you can change the brakes if necessary.
Coaster brakes work when you pedal backwards, and they’re great for kids who might not have a lot of hand strength to stop their bikes with traditional methods. However, if you’re hardcore biking or traveling down hills, then coaster brakes won’t provide you with enough tension.
If you’re not sure what you need to keep you safe as you explore the wonderful world of biking, the best thing that you can do is speak to an expert. Contact someone online from your local bike store, or check out a review on YouTube to learn more!
