Are you thinking of taking up cycling? When you know how to ride a bike, you’ll gain a fun and healthy way to spend your time outside the office. Cycling offers a lot of opportunities to build community and set goals, too.
But what do you need to know before you hit the pavement? Read on to learn 5 cycling tips for beginners!
1. Make Sure Your Bike Fits Your Body
Find a bike that fits your unique body shape. You should find a frame size that matches your height, and consider the type of bike. An optimal mountain bike size may differ from that of a road bike, for example.
You can adjust the seat height so that your legs bend at a 90-degree angle when cycling. If your knees come up too high, you should lower the seat. Try to stay away from slouching, too, and keep your back straight.
You also need to know how to ride a bike properly. This translates to knowing how to use the gears so you can be easier on your body. After all, you don’t want to be using your highest gears all the time since doing so will stress your knees.
Avoid setting the bar too high on early outings, too. Stick with rides on level pavement and avoid roads with narrow shoulders. Lastly, make sure that your body weight is evenly spread over both the front and back wheels.
2. Get the Best Cycling Gear
Invest in a lock, water bottle, and bike lights, especially if you cycle at night. Get cycling shorts or tights that won’t get bunched up when riding. And find shoes that will work with clips to complete your cycling wardrobes.
Gear also needs to include a mount for a water bottle and a pack for food. After all, if you’re on a ride that lasts for several hours, you’ll need to be diligent about getting enough water.
You want to be comfortable during your ride, so add the best mens body powder to your list of necessities. When you use it, you won’t have to deal with as much sweat or chafing, or unpleasant odors.
And finally, one of the key cycling tips is to invest in the right saddle for the job. You spend most of your time seated when cycling, so find one with enough support. Try out options and talk to your local bike shop for suggestions.
3. Cycling Tips for Beginners Include Wearing the Right Protection
When it comes to cycling gear, there is one essential. You need a breathable helmet that can keep your head safe from injuries. You don’t have to break your budget to get a secure helmet, either.
Many excellent helmets can be found for under $50. Foam construction will provide protection and keep the helmet from feeling too heavy. Most helmets are adjustable, too, so make sure you get a fit that is snug without being uncomfortable.
As you get more experienced, you may want to spend a little more on an even lighter-weight helmet. Additionally, you may want to prioritize a shape that is more aerodynamic, especially if you participate in road races. Just be sure that the helmet sits low enough to cover your forehead and offer protection.
What’s one item you might want to avoid for safety’s sake? Headphones. While listening to tunes can fuel your energy, it also can make you oblivious to your surroundings.
4. Learn How to Manage Your Cycling Equipment
It’s wise to spend time learning how to care for your cycling equipment. When you do this, your equipment should last longer. In fact, you might just find yourself doing seasonal tune-ups!
Additionally, you won’t have as many rides derailed by punctured tires or other issues. For instance, if a nail gets stuck in your tire, would you know how to make the repair? Building your knowledge base means that you should be able to make some minor repairs without going into a cycling shop.
Learn how to swap out a flat tire for a new one. Learn how to fix issues with your bike’s chain using a multi-tool. You’ll avoid kinks that can keep things from running smoothly.
And learn how to change brake pads. You just need a screwdriver to remove the pads. Replacing them ensures that you’ll have a better stopping distance, as well as less road noise.
5. Find a Cycling Community
When the weather gets warmer, be on the lookout for cycling clubs in your community. These are great ways to build rapport and learn tips on how to become a cyclist. If you’re in a new city, you’ll learn about the best bike routes and local rules on sharing the road.
A friendly community will be a great source of cycling tips for beginners. For instance, they’ll remind you to shift your hands and back position periodically when riding. This will help keep you from fatiguing certain muscles too much.
They may have recommendations on which bike shops have the best technicians, too. Further, cycling clubs offer ways to do team bike races if you want to explore your competitive side.
Learn How to Become a Cyclist
When you follow these cycling tips for beginners, you set yourself up for a safe and comfortable ride. You’ll know how to keep your bike in top shape to handle longer excursions. And you’ll be able to find a cycling community to gain friends and cycling savvy.
For more tips to stay active, check back for new and informative articles.