Whether you’ve been a committed cyclist since childhood, or you’re a Sunday bike ride kind of girl, the time might have come where you need to purchase a new bike to replace your old one - or purchase a brand new one for the first time! However, before embarking on the hunt for a new set of wheels, there are a few considerations that you need to take into account before splashing the cash.
Protect Yourself
No matter how often or how far you are going to be riding your bike, you need to protect yourself from serious harm should you fall off your bike. First and foremost, invest in a firm and well-made helmet that covers your whole head. If you’re purchasing in-store, ask the shop assistants and cycle specialists to fit the helmet for you, so that you know you will be wearing it correctly when you set off for your next bike ride.
They should be able to recommend to you the best helmet that will best suit how you will be riding your bike, and they can ensure that you purchase the correct size for your head. However, if you’re looking online for a helmet, check out the reviews from other people who have used the same one that you’re interested in. This will give you an idea of whether the helmet is suited for your needs, and whether it has been made to a high standard.
Insuring Your Bike
Given that a bike can be a hefty investment for some people, especially if you’re purchasing a high-end racing, electric or mountain bike, it’s important that you insure it just like you would insure a car. With so many different insurance providers out there, it can seem like a minefield when deciding which is the right policy for you and your bike.
Consider purchasing bike insurance with a trusted and reliable provider who specializes in bike cover, like velosurance.com. Velosurance was founded by two cyclists who wanted a no-fuss insurance policy that would cover their bikes for just about anything that could happen. When you opt for this type of insurance, you are guaranteed to be insured by the people who know their stuff, not only about insurance but also about bikes too!
Bike Etiquette and Safety
To protect you and other people, you’ll still need to stop at red traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings whilst cycling. It is bad etiquette and dangerous to cycle on pavements instead of the road, as is cycling on the road when there is a designated cycle lane. If you are cycling on the road, you need to keep towards the inside edge of your lane, and at a safe distance away from other cars, lorries and motorbikes.
There are plenty of other obligations and safety precautions that you need to look into too when purchasing a new bike, which could influence your ultimate decision on what bike you purchase and how you actually will use your bike once it arrives! However long and difficult the research, it will be worth it in the end when the day comes that you can finally hop outdoors on the bike of your dreams.
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MoJoManuals addressing the wide range of issues which teenage girls face as they engage in competitive sport. Predicated on 'Physical Literacy' but also cover a range of other emotive issues such as: body image, diet, fit or thin, social media, training with menstruation, coaching style etc. – which impact how girls engage/drop out of sport – and potentially go on to be elite athletes and confident, mature young women outside of sport.