Gas prices are at an all-time high. Public transportation is not exactly cheap. All of these and more are reasons why so many people have turned to bicycles as a means of daily commuting.
Unfortunately, these bicycles are not immune to the risks that other forms of transportation face. Accidents still happen, and victims still suffer consequences that require them to seek legal representation.
When choosing a bicycle accident attorney should do your due diligence and settle for a lawyer who has the right type of expertise needed for your case.
With all of that said, let’s move on to the primary aim of the article. We’ll be discussing how to choose the right type of bike for day-to-day transportation.
How to Choose a Bike You Can Use Daily
Here are steps for choosing the right bicycle for your daily commute:
Consider Your Needs
Before you head out to the store, you have to plan and take a few things into consideration. First, consider the terrain. Are you mostly on smooth streets or bumpy paths? This will help decide what kind of tires you'll need.
Next, think about distance. A shorter commute might be fine on a cruiser bike, but for longer rides, a comfy hybrid or road bike might be better.
Knowing all of these things will help you pick a bike that's comfortable for the distance, sturdy for any hills, and has features like racks or baskets to carry your stuff.
Set a Budget
Assess your finances and figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend on a bicycle right now. there's more to consider than just the bike itself. You might need a helmet, lights, a lock, and maybe even a rack or panniers.
Factor those extra accessories into your budget to avoid any surprises. If you're on a tight budget, you might look for a good used bike to start with.
Decide on Whether to Buy, Build, or Rent a Bike
This depends on your preferences and budget. Buying a new bike gives you the most options and lets you customize it. Building your own lets you get exactly what you want, but requires some mechanical know-how.
Renting is a great way to try out bike commuting before committing. It’s also a great idea if you only need it to use the bike for a short time.
Assess your situation and then go with whichever one best suit your preference and budget.
Select the Right Size and Frame
You should know that size matters when you’re picking out a bike, you’d be using daily. The wrong-size bike can lead to aches, pains, and inefficiency.
Measure your inseam and use a sizing chart (available online or at bike shops) to find your recommended frame size.
When you straddle the bike, you should have at least 2 inches of clearance between you and the top tube for safety. If possible, you should test-ride different sizes to see which feels most comfortable for you.
A good bike shop can help you find the perfect size and adjust the bike for your ideal riding position.
Ensure You Understand the Bike You Eventually Choose
Before you start using the bike fully, take some time to understand its parts and dynamics. This will make you a more confident and prepared rider.
Learn the basic parts: brakes, shifters, derailleurs, etc. Also, learn how to adjust your seat height and pump your tires. Then, practice shifting gears and braking safely in a controlled environment.
You should also familiarize yourself with basic maintenance tasks like fixing a flat tire. All of these might take a while, but your effort will come in handy when you begin to use the bike as a means of daily commuting.
Wrapping Up
There’s so much planning and precision that goes into picking out a bike. It makes the most sense to do due diligence since you’d be using this bike on a daily basis.
This extra effort goes a long way in ensuring your safety, comfort, and the long-term efficiency of the bike itself.
