Are you considering cycling but unsure of how to start? We’re glad you clicked on this article because it will give you the tips you need to get started.
Whether it was a new year’s resolution or an impulsive desire, riding a bicycle is the greatest thing ever. It helps to change your perspective about the outside world and opens you up to new adventures. Moreover, cycling can strengthen your bones, enhance your posture, and increase your flexibility, fitness, and joint mobility.
In addition, it works wonders to burn fat, especially around the gut, and even lowers your risk of falling sick. It is also suitable for your psychological health because cycling has been proven to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.
While all this is great, learning how to cycle can be overwhelming initially because there are many rules to follow and things to know. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Below are some tips for beginner cyclists that will help you ride safer and better.
Choose Your First Bicycle Carefully
People frequently struggle when picking up their first bicycle. One should start with a comparatively tiny bike and pedal it for at least 50,000 kilometers. We strongly advise against buying larger bicycles at first. Instead, get experience on smaller bicycles before progressively moving up the ladder.
Pay Attention to Maintenance
To take care of the fundamentals, you don’t need to be an expert mechanic. However, regular maintenance, such as lubricating your chain, will save you money at the bicycle shop and increase your bike’s lifespan. In addition, you must learn how to change your bicycle’s pedals as they can lose their sturdiness with time. To know more, watch this tutorial on how to change bike pedals and ensure a smooth and effortless ride. Other than that, maintaining the proper tire pressure also simplifies riding and increases the tire’s longevity.
Find out what Inspires You as a Beginning Rider
Another piece of cycling advice for beginners is to consider what motivates them. It is a good idea to ask yourself why you want to ride in the first place, what you expect to gain from it, and what will keep you hanging.
For instance, if all you desire is more physical activity and pleasure in your life. Then social interaction and discovery using tools like a virtual riding simulator can be what motivates you. On the other side, if you want to lose some weight and get more athletic, your motivation may come from setting objectives and observing your progress.
Set the Appropriate Saddle Height and Riding Posture
A low saddle position prevents you from using your entire pedaling range and leg strength. At the same time, a saddle that is too high makes you struggle and increases your risk of injury. Your seat’s height should be set so that when your foot is near the bottom of the pedal stroke, your knee has a very tiny kink. Then take the proper stance on the bicycle. A fundamental rule of thumb is that you want the handlebar to block your sight of the front wheel hub while in your standard riding position.
If you notice that cycling is making your back hurt or any other condition worse, visit your local bike shop to get it inspected.
Wear the Right Gear
The need to plan for the cycle and the weather goes hand in hand. If you want maximum padding when riding, padded shorts are essential. It is not required to be worn with underpants. It’ll chafe your skin.
Gloves for cycling are another item you must have. Your hands and the handlebars will experience a lot of friction while you’re riding. It is best to keep them protected by wearing gloves that have padding. Naturally, it would be best if you also had a good pair of socks and shoes. Above all else, put on a helmet!
Learn How to Manage Your Gears
You need to know what your bicycle gears do to pedal with the ideal cadence. You must be able to manage your gear because it might significantly assist you. This is particularly helpful when the terrain changes. A BMX bike has just one gear and no gear-changing levers, while other bikes might have up to 21 gears. Two levers will be located on the handlebars of bikes with several gears. The front gears are regulated by the left gear lever, and the rear cogs by the right gear lever. As a general guideline, while starting, use large and medium gears.
Try Both Outdoor and Indoor Cycling as a Beginner
Our cycling advice for beginners is to experiment with outdoor and indoor cycling when you start. Although you might be more drawn to cycling outdoors, both have advantages and disadvantages for beginners, so attempting both can prove beneficial for your learning. For instance, we adore beginner-friendly indoor rides since they remove the risk of injury and let you utilize the bike whenever and wherever you like. However, outdoor rides can also be refreshing and exciting and might help you stay focused.
Extend Your Range by 10% Every Week
Challenge yourself within reason to improve your fitness and strength, with persistence being the game’s name. To decrease the chance of injury, it is best to gradually increase your range – aim for a 10% increase in the distance every week. So, if you cycle 5k in one week, attempt to expand it to but not beyond 5.5k the following week.
Keep Road Safety in Mind
Road safety is of utmost significance to every rider. However, not many people are aware of road safety. Therefore, protecting yourself and your bicycle is vital when observing traffic laws, such as stopping at stop signs, yielding at traffic lights, and obeying speed restrictions.
Have Fun with It!
An exciting new interest should be celebrated. Therefore, start by not getting too caught up in speeds and distances. Work up gradually, maintain enthusiasm, and remember how good it feels to get better at something you enjoy.
Conclusion
Cycling doesn’t have to be a problematic and challenging experience. Follow these tips and learn how you can ride a bike safely while making the most of your ride. Because cycling can mean different things for different people, it is a fantastic way to get some exercise. Continue biking till you discover what suits you and what you like about it. Identifying your “why,” developing a pattern, and then returning to it are the first steps in setting yourself up for success on the bicycle.
