Many different means of evaluating a bike make purchasing a new one difficult. Even for those people who are paid to ride, buying a new bike is hard. Because there are so many choices, it is hard to buy a new bike. Imagine the future: how safe, comfy and stylish do you need the bike to be. How far will you ride and where will you be riding? Trying to keep yourself informed of all the new choices, as well those just about to be released, can make it really hard to finally choose the bike for you. Simply apply this test as you go to get your new bike.
Consider how the bicycle brakes, for one. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. For light use you can get a bike with traditional brakes, ones which simply squeeze the tires with small pads. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. Disc brakes sit within the wheels themselves and work are less likely to give out under stress.
What kind of add-ons must you have? Perhaps a basket to help you carry items will be helpful, should your bike be what you'll be using most. Will you ever carry a child on your bike? If so, you will need to find a bicycle important source that can safely support a baby seat. If towing something behind the bike, your need will change again. If so, you will need to find a bicycle that can support the weight of a small trailer or whatever else you will be towing behind you.
Be certain to leave adequate room between yourself and your bikes crossbar. When you get a bike be sure to move the seat up a couple of inches from the crossbar. Make certain you can still place both feet flatly on the ground. Each type of bike will require differing clearance amounts. As an example, with a touring bike you will only require around 1". For mountain bikes you will require somewhere around 3 inches. There are a lot of criteria to use when deciding which cycling bicycle is right for you. Are you going to be using your bike every day or will you only be riding every so often? What seat height gives you the most comfortable ride? Are you a person who would rather your feet be flat on the ground when you are sitting or would you rather have a little room between your feet and the ground? These are some of the things you need to consider when choosing your bike.