There is a misconception that picking the right bike is easy. Simply finding the bike they like the look of is all there is to it, right? As long as it is comfortable that's all you need to worry about. Wrong, there is more to it these days than simply looks and comfort. Cycling is increasing in popularity in many areas of life, such as sports, hobbies, transport etc. we now have many different bikes to choose from. Today more people are choosing to ride a bicycle as their primary forms of transportation. Some people have decided to take up cycling as a hobby. Here is how you choose the right cycling bicycle for your needs.
The brakes on your bike are of utmost importance. You need to make sure you understand how your brakes work and what kind of brakes you need your bike to have. If you only want a bike to use occasionally as a hobby, you can go with normal brakes which are just small pads designed to clasp the wheel when used. 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.
You should always make sure to give the bike a test run before committing to buying it, though. You should never buy something you haven't tried out for at least a few minutes. It's the same concept as buying a used car, there's no way you would take it without testing it.
It's the same thing with a used bicycle. You need to do this especially if you are spending a lot of money on a bike that you know you will use for a long time. You need to make sure the bike is a perfect fit. Not only should it be the correct size for you, but it should be easily adaptable to your lifestyle, meaning your riding style. Why would you spend money on something that does not feel comfortable to ride?
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from more helpful hints the crossbar. You should be able to still rest your feet flat on the floor. Different bikes will need differing clearance amounts. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. If you intend to use your bike a lot, perhaps as your main method of transport, it is important you keep this in mind. Comfort and safety are both very important.