If you’re one of the more and more people who want to try cycling, you might need a little help getting started.
You might not have ridden a bike in a while, or you might be a complete beginner. Whether you want to start riding to work, get in shape, or just ride for fun, one thing is for sure: you’ll have a lot of questions to ask, and gear and equipment will be right up there. So here are some helpful tips to get you started…
What bike should I pick?
First, you have to pick a bike that’s right for the kind of riding you want to do. As time goes on and you fall in love with cycling more and more, your focus may change and become broader, but at first you need a place to start. The bikes that get used and sold the most are: Road; used on the road; fast and light. Mountain bikes, called MTBs, are made for trails and rough terrain. Hybrid bikes are a mix of road bikes, mountain bikes, and town bikes. They are best for short, flat rides in cities. So, choose a bike that fits your needs and your budget.
Make sure the bike fits well.
After you decide what kind of bike you want, you need to get the right size. It’s hard to say enough about how important this is. If you do it right, you’ll be comfortable and fast while riding, and you’ll also be as stable as possible, which will keep you safe. Most bike shops have experts who can help you with this, so if you order your bike online, be very careful and make sure you’ve done your research first.
While we’re talking about this, make sure you get a saddle that fits you. Don’t forget about this, because it could make for a rough ride. The pedals are the other main “point of contact” on a bike. There are three types of pedals: flat, toe clips (or cage), and clipless. Beginners should start with flats and then move on to toe clips and maybe even clipless shoes as their skills and confidence improve. We hope it won’t take too long!
How to Choose the Right Helmet
Okay, this is a bit of a political hot potato, and the choice is yours, but a helmet is a must for any ride, for obvious safety reasons. Helmet design has changed a lot in the last 20 years, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll look good and stay safe. Prices vary, but what matters most is how it fits. Make sure you get one that fits well and isn’t too tight or too loose.
Clothing Cycles
What you wear on your bike will depend on the type of bike you ride and how often you ride, as well as how much money you have. But, like most things related to cycling, you have a lot of options and don’t have to spend a lot of money. As a general rule, if you’re commuting for more than half an hour or riding for longer than that, you should try to wear clothes that fit you well. Almost all cycling gear is made this way, and the ergonomic design, breathability, and protection from the elements make it more comfortable.
Easy-to-Do Repairs
The good news is that you don’t have to be a mechanic to do this.
Chain: Your chain will wear out quickly if you don’t keep it clean and lubricated. Give it a wipe down every week or so, especially after a ride in the rain, and then apply a suitable lubricant. There are a lot of options on the market, but 3 in 1 oil will do the job. Just make sure to get rid of any extra.
Brakes: Make sure they work well before every ride by keeping them oiled and checking how much the brake pads have worn down.
Gears: Again, keep the gears clean and oiled, and they will last a long time. If you let your gears dry out and leave them out in the weather and on the road, they will stop working and eventually break.
If you’re not sure how to take care of your bike, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, take it to a bike shop.
Insurance
Most home insurance policies offer some protection, but make sure to read the fine print carefully. They might not cover the bike while it’s being shipped, and they might also have a limit above which the more expensive mountain and road bikes won’t be covered. You should also make sure you have insurance in case you cause an accident while riding.
Keep your tyres inflated.
I see a lot of people riding around with flat tyres or tyres that are only half full. Don’t do the same thing! If you keep them inflated between the minimum and maximum pressures written on the side of your tyre, you will help yourself in many ways. First, it will be easier to ride because there will be less resistance to rolling. Second, you’ll cut down on the chance of “pinch punctures” and damage to your tyres, and you’ll be less likely to crash on corners. As a general rule, you need more pressure in your tyres when cycling on the road and less pressure when cycling on tracks or off the road.
Spares
If you plan to ride for more than a few minutes to the store and back, you should bring a few spares to make sure you can get home if something goes wrong. A pump, a spare tube (two is better), tyre levers, instant patches, and a small multi-tool are all things you need. Before you go too far, you should practise changing an inner tube if you don’t already know how.
Join a group
This is a great way to make the most of your cycling time. no matter how much you know about riding or how new you are. What better way to learn than to ride with other people who like to bike?
Slowly Getting Better
It’s easy to get carried away by the excitement of your goals and the shine of your new bike and gear. But don’t dive right in. Can you really get to work 30 km away every day for a whole week? Take stock. Make sure your goals are reasonable and that you give yourself enough time to rest in between rides. This way, you won’t lose interest and burn out, and the benefits of training, no matter how small, will be felt much more quickly. So, you’re all set to go! Have fun.
