How to Choose a Bicycle for an Adult
Bike riding can be a healthy form of exercise, an efficient way to get to work and a friendly way to help preserve the environment. Before you choose an adult bicycle, consider how you will use the bike, how much you want to spend, how to pick the right size bike and which accessories are important to you.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of bike will best suit your needs. Choose a road bike if you want to ride on paved roads or paths on a nimble, lightweight machine. Pick a mountain bike if you intend to ride off road on rough terrain with steep hills and winding paths. Select a hybrid when you want to combine modified features of a road bike and a mountain bike.
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Determine your budget. You can spend less than $500 for an entry-level adult bike to well over $1000 for a high-end model. Lower-end bicycles are usually made of steel and are heavier than pricier aluminum and titanium bikes. Consider the cost of any additional gear you want to buy when assessing your budget.
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Size your bike. Adults should stand over the top tube of the bicycle. On a mountain bike, you want to have at least 3 inches of clearance between you and the tube. Add a couple of more inches if you expect to ride aggressively. On a road bike, the clearance should be 1 or 2 inches. For the hybrid, give yourself 2 to 4 inches of space.
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Test ride a few bicycles. Once you choose the type of bike you want to buy, test different brands. Take a long enough ride to run through the gears. Be sure you can comfortably adjust the seat height and handlebars. Unless you are buying a road bike, see that your back and arms are at about a 45 degree angle. On a road bike, because the handlebars are dropped, the angle can be up to 90 degrees to improve aerodynamics.
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Choose necessary bicycling equipment. At a minimum, buy a helmet if you do not already own one. Purchase a tire pump and tire repair kit that you can mount on the bike. For toting personal items, such as your wallet, keys and phone, a saddle pack is necessary. Add a frame-mounted water bottle and consider a pair of padded biking shorts for riding comfort.
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