Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Choosing their next bicycle is difficult, even for professional riders. All the varieties and options make it really hard to buy a new bike. Evaluate the safety, comfort, and use of the future bike. You also need to see how the bike looks, and how frequently you’ll ride and the location of those rides. How can you make a decision when there are so many different choices available, and new options being released every day? Simply apply this test as you go to get your new bike.
One thing you can consider when choosing a bike is whether or not your feet can rest flat on the floor while you are sitting so you can stop yourself. There are some people that say this isn't the best way to choose, though. It is their belief, that your time on your bicycle will be much more comfortable, if you allow your feet to remain several inches off the ground. You will likely find that the seat will rest too near the crossbar, if, when you sit on the seat, your knees are bent with your feet flat on the ground, which is an indication that the seat needs to be raised. If you can bend your knees, your knees will come up too high when you are pedaling. Believe it or not, your bicycle seat should not sit at its lowest setting, resting against the crossbar. You want to adjust it up a few inches and take those inches into account when you are choosing your bike. When you bring the seat up a few inches, you are going linked here to have more room between the crossbar and you, and this will make for a much more comfortable ride. The ideal seat height can be achieved, by ensuring that your leg is very close to completely extended, when your foot is at it's lowest position while on the pedal.
Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing safety gear. Bicycle helmets have come a long way since they were first introduced. They are now designed to offer better protection while looking a bit better, as well. You should never go for a ride without putting on your helmet first. This little thing can mean the difference between life and death.
It wouldn't hurt to also grab some elbow and knee guards, as well as ankle and wrist guards, just in case you decide to take your bike off the road. If you are going to be using your bicycle as your sole means of transportation, you should think of investing in some pants clips as well. Pants clips are designed to hold your pants in place so they don't get caught up in the chain or the gears of the bike.
When you get a bike your main goal should be to find one that physically suits you. Selecting a bike with a good fit for you is of the utmost importance, when using a bike as the main way to get from A to B. You want to feel comfortable and safe as you travel from one point to another.