We all know that regular physical activity is important for staying healthy. We all swear we'll start working out next week or month – but this is easier said than done. Between work and responsibilities at home, it's hard to find time for exercise in our busy schedules. If you want to keep your body in shape and prevent back pain and other health problems caused by an inactive lifestyle, you need to find a solution.
Biking to work is a great way to include some physical activity in your daily routine. Instead of sitting in a car, only to get to work and sit in a chair – riding a bike will stimulate your muscles and accelerate your breathing. Muscle toning, improved circulation and increased energy levels are just some of the many health benefits that cycling can provide.
And then, there's also the fact that commuting to work with a bike costs zero money. And compared to driving to work with a car or public transportation, cycling can save you more time as you won't be stuck in traffic jams. With that being said, cycling to work can be really good for you. But if you don't own a bike already, here's how to find the perfect one for your daily commute.
Pick a Good Fit for You
A bike that doesn't fit your body can not only be uncomfortable to ride, but it can also be dangerous. It's crucial that you find a bike that's suitable for you. To do so, there are three main measurements to consider. If you plan to shop online bicycle stores usually have these dimensions listed in their products' descriptions.
Minimum standover height – When you balance the bike with your feet flat on the ground, there should be a 3-5cm clearance between your groin and the bike's top tube. The minimum standover height cannot be adjusted as it depends on the size of the bike's frame, so, make sure you have the right pick.
Saddle height – When you sit on your bike with both feet on the pedals, your knee should be able to slightly bend at the bottom of the downstroke when you push on a pedal. To do so, you need to adjust the saddle height by moving the seat up or down. However, despite being adjustable, if the bike's too small, you won't be able to raise it to the appropriate height.
Reach – The reach is the distance between the handlebars and your saddle. You want to make sure that the bike has the suitable reach for you so that you don't feel cramped or too stretched out.
The Seat – Another important factor that determines whether the bike fits you or not is the seat. There are all kinds of seats, which one is the right for you is all a matter of preference. However, the seat can be easily replaced at any time, plus it's a small investment compared to other bike accessories.
The Size and Width of the Tyres Will Affect Grip
You want your ride to and from work to be as smooth as possible without any bumps in the road, right? The types of tyres your bike has can affect the amount of impact you feel from the surface you're riding on. While a lightweight model with skinny tires might speed up your ride, it won't offer a smooth experience. Also, when riding through tram tracks, tyres that are narrow can get stuck in the rail grooves. With that being said, it's recommended to pick bikes with thicker tyres so that you won't feel tired from your ride. In addition, thicker tyres can pass through puddles and mud much easier.
Do You Need Gears?
When cycling to work, you will probably need to move through flat asphalt. This means that a fixed gear bike or a single speed will be all you need. However, some cyclists prefer to have multiple speed options that they can use.
But if the path to work also includes inclines of any grade, having a bike with gears can make overcoming them much easier. Local and online bicycle shops sell models with as few as two gears and as many as 27.
Good Brakes Are Crucial for Your Safety
In the city, you will come across many obstacles while cycling. This means you need to be able to stop on a dime. To do so, you need a bike with reliable and instantly responsive brakes. The most common type of brakes found on bikes are calliper breaks. They are easy to maintain and affordable. However, it's much better to purchase a bike with disc brakes if you're going to be using it for your commute. Disc brakes are a standard feature of mountain bikes due to being reliable and responsive. They work in all weather conditions without any problem and are easier to maintain than calliper brakes. Disc brakes can be either hydraulic or mechanical. Hydraulic brakes are the most expensive and offer the best performance.
