Every year (especially in the spring) a large number of people begin to catch themselves thinking: “I need a bicycle”! At the same time, the motivation for this action can be very different - “to ride like in childhood”, “to save money against the backdrop of high fuel prices”, “to go in for sports”, etc... However, all newly-minted cycling enthusiasts have one thing in common - they are almost all , when choosing for the first time, they are faced with a lot of “misunderstandings”: starting from the variety of design options for two-wheeled vehicles, and ending with its technical parameters.
In fact, it’s not that difficult to navigate, the main thing is to understand why you need it and what you need to pay attention to / what to follow... it’s something like when buying shoes (when not only appearance is important, but also comfort, size, purpose ).
First of all, before purchasing, you should decide in what conditions and on what terrain you plan to ride (since bikes, like other types of transport, in this regard are divided into different categories).
For adults (and older teenagers), gender should be taken into account (although there are quite a few “unisex” models, but they, like any “compromise option”, will not provide maximum comfort). Therefore, if you are looking for an “iron horse” exclusively for yourself, take into account “his sexual orientation.”
Male models, as a rule, have a “high” frame (but this is not a prerequisite), and can also “boast” of better adaptability of the design to the anatomy of the male body: i.e. are equipped with a lower and “shorter” steering wheel, elongated connecting rods, a narrowed seat, etc.
However, when purchasing, a man should rely, first of all, on his preferences/feelings - since most models “by default” are still aimed specifically at the “stronger sex”.
But women's bicycles appeared relatively recently - this is a separate type of modern “iron horses”, which are designed taking into account the anatomical features of the female body and the specifics of the wardrobe (for recreational models). They have: a different frame structure (usually with a lowered top tube), a special “anatomy” of the saddle and steering column design, as well as other components...
All this was done with one goal - to provide maximum comfort for women (since, as noted above, even “unisex” models are created “with an eye” on the male half of cycling enthusiasts).
In addition, it would be a good idea to consider the following tips:
For an extreme/sports style of riding, it is best to choose a bike with a smaller frame - such a “machine” will be more nimble, and will also provide more clearance between the frame and the groin, which will add a certain confidence to the rider.
If you are planning mostly measured trips on good roads, you can lean in favor of a “butt” frame or one with a larger size, which will have a positive effect on the level of comfort.
People with a thin build can buy a model with a slightly larger frame size, while “obese” cyclists should take a “two-wheeler” with a slightly smaller frame size (not forgetting about durability) - this approach will make it easier for them to sit and control.
It is also worth clarifying the range of adjustments for the height/position of the saddle and the height/steering of the steering wheel (especially for a beginner) - they allow, if necessary, to “adjust” the bike to your anthropometric data for a more comfortable fit.
In addition to all of the above, when looking for a bicycle (especially the first one in your life), it is worth remembering a number of important points:
It is best to purchase a bike in large sports or specialized stores, since in this case the possibility of purchasing a “baseless” or low-quality model is eliminated (as can happen, for example, in a hypermarket or at the market).
Even after carefully studying the model (or several) you like on the Internet, upon arrival at the store you should at least sit (and compare the sensations) on the selected models, and at maximum, take them for a ride.
If the bike is delivered in a packaged state (that is, in a box), its assembly and initial setup is best left to a specialist. But even if the bike is already assembled at the place of purchase, before the trip you need to “tighten all the nuts” and adjust it “for yourself.”
It is most profitable to purchase two-wheeled vehicles at the end of summer or autumn - serious discounts can be provided during this period of time. Although, of course, if the decision to purchase was made, for example, in May, then you should not wait until September, thus postponing skiing for a year. Just keep this in mind in case you decide to change the “iron horse”.
It would also be a good idea to purchase additional accessories, such as: a helmet, knee and elbow pads, lighting elements (all this will have a positive effect on the safety of cycling).