Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. The fact of the matter is that getting a bike involves many different choices. Planning ahead for things like bike use, safety and comfort, as well as where it will be ridden, and what it looks like, will help you make a better decision. Keeping on top of all the new ideas coming out with bicycling, as well as choosing between the old options, makes choosing a bike hard. Take the easy road, and use the tests we suggest to choose your new ride.
The first thing to ensure is you get a bike that is the right size. To do this, you will need to measure your inseam. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. Ideally you should be able to place both feet on the ground while on your bike. This is for saftey reasons and will allow you to stop the bike if your brakes fail, avoiding any injury. You shouldn't keep the bicycle seat at the lowest setting, either. 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. Adjusting your seat up a few inches will give you more clearance between you and the crossbar of your bicycle, which can add quite a bit of comfort to your ride. The best way to adjust is this way, place your foot on the pedal at the lowest setting, then extend your leg almost fully, and adjust your seat to accommodate.
Bikes bought for children have their own set of criteria to contemplate. You want to choose a bike that has brakes that are easy to apply (like moving the pedals backward) as well as something that is nice and sturdy. Because children's bikes can quickly become too small for your child, you should take into consideration the price you are paying, as well as the style you are choosing.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. This is the most important thing to consider when looking into using a bike to get around. Safety is important when on a bike but do not overlook comfort, otherwise those long rides see this site will soon grow tiresome.