It can seem very hard to find a new bike when you have so many choices. Even for pro bicyclists, deciding on their next bicycle can be a challenge. Considering the various factors makes purchasing a bike tough. 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. Trying to keep yourself informed of all the new choices, as well those just about to be released, can make it really hard to finally choose the bike for you. Simply apply this test as you go to get your new bike.
You must make sure you get a bike that is the appropriate size for you. The measurement of your inseam is needed for this. Your inseam is the amount of inches from the bottom of your foot, up the inside of your leg to your groin. You should be able to sit on your bike while keeping both feet flat on the ground. If you can do this you need not worry about stopping in an emergency if your brakes malfunction.
Take 9" away from the total of your inseam if you plan to get a road bike. This is down to the tires a road bike equips. These tires will be thinner and designed for efficiency on concrete roads or pavements. For a mountain bike take away 12 inches from your inseam. Again this is to account for the size of tires. Mountain bike tires will be thick and designed for mountainous terrain. It is possible to use mountain bikes for city cycling although this is not what they are best suited for.
You also want to make sure you leave some room between you and the crossbar of your bike. When browsing for a bike try some out, make sure the seat is a few inches above the crossbar. Your feet should still comfortably rest on the ground. Which bike you get will greatly alter the clearance you will require. A touring bike for example will require around 1", perhaps slightly go right here more. For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. There are a lot of criteria to use when deciding which cycling bicycle is right for you. Are you going to be riding your bicycle every day or riding it only when you feel the urge to? At what height do you feel the most comfortable? Do you prefer your feet to rest flat on the ground or do you like to have some room between them and the ground when you are sitting on the bicycle’s seat? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.