Cycling Tips: 12 Essential Tips on Cycling for Beginners

Just bought a bike or are you planning to do it? Much is still not clear? In this article, you will find tips to help you get started with cycling.

Cycling for Beginners: 12 Essential Cycling Tips

1. Buy your bike from your local store

You may be able to save a lot of money when you buy a bike in an online store. But in a regular store, a shop assistant will help you find a bike for your height and make adjustments. If your bike breaks during the warranty period, the store will repair it for free. So in the long run, it’s beneficial. Also, local stores have discounts and promotions. But don’t buy from the first one you come across, compare a few.

Not sure which bike you need? For most beginners, a road bike will work. If you have to ride off-road, off-road bicycles are suitable, such as a gravel bike, cyclocross bike. A hybrid bike is an option that is ideal if you are intimidated by a racing-style handlebar with the grips down. Well, if your goal is professional cycling and racing, look for a lightweight racing bike.

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2. Get comfortable on your bike

The optimal saddle height is determined by placing your heel on the downward pedal to rest firmly on it. The leg will be fully extended.

Now move your foot back a little so that the forefoot, which is just pedaling, rests on the pedal. In this case, the leg at the knee should be slightly bent. The hands on the handlebars should also be slightly bent at the elbows.

In addition, while being a beginner, riding a motorized bike is a helpful tip for your cycling activity.

3. Learn to fix punctures

It would be terrible to find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire and no tools or knowledge to deal with the problem. Find out how to make repairs ahead of time and practice at home until you get it easy.

4. Buy a few of the essentials

Don’t pack too much. Here’s what you need: helmet, bike lock, gloves (for winter), bike lights, bike shorts with diapers, bike shirt with long sleeves, waterproof windbreaker, or membrane jacket.

Additionally for the cold season: thermal underwear, tights, helmet hat, shoes and pedals, floor pump (for home), handheld mini pump for travel, puncture repair kit. Enough to get you started.

5. Join a cycling club

A good cycling club can help you with technical questions, cycling routes, and other puzzles. You will find like-minded people there and will be able to participate in public events.

6. Switch to clipless pedals

The clipless pedal consists of two parts, the pedal itself and the cleats that attach to the shoe. The shoe gets firm contact with the pedal, you can not only push down but also pull up. The clipless pedals allow you to ride at a high cadence (high pedaling speed) with a light foot load. Also, your feet will not slip off the pedals on bumpy roads.

Learn to unfasten and buckle. It is convenient to do this at home: place your bike in the doorway and hold your hand against the wall. And train at low speed on the grass.

7. Don’t put up with an uncomfortable saddle

When choosing a bicycle saddle, first of all, listen to your body, determine where the problem area is. Cycling shorts with a diaper and special cream will also help, but choosing the right saddle is the most important thing!

8. Master the classic shifter

To ride on different surfaces, you need to choose different combinations of front and rear sprockets. Let’s say a bike has 3 front and 8 rear sprockets. Switch to the small drive (front) sprocket and one of the three largest sprockets in the rear cassette – this will make it easier to climb the hill. Use the large guide sprocket and the rear (6th to 8th) sprocket downhill.

With a middle guide sprocket, choose rear sprockets 3 through 7 if driving on flat terrain.

Practice on a flat road. Over time, shifting into the correct gear will work itself out. If the chain is incorrectly positioned, severe discomfort will be felt.

9. Drive confidently on the road

A cyclist must know the rules of the road.

10. Train basic skills

Do not climb a mountain bike with zero experience and race down a steep slope. First, bring the elementary things to automatism.

Remember, on dry roads, it is more effective to use the front brake, and to slow down slightly with the rear when the front wheel is almost blocked but continues to roll. Train on a large, level area.

Be sure to slow down before turning so you don’t need to use the brakes. Slightly tilt your torso together with the bike in the direction of the turn, and take your knee. The lower the speed when cornering, the lower the angle of inclination of the bike (at high speed and strong slope there is a risk of falling).

Pedal steadily as you approach a climb. Sometimes the climb is so steep that you have to get off the saddle and pedal while standing.

11. Eat and drink while riding

If you’ve played other sports, the idea of ​​eating on the go will seem wild to you. But cyclists also have many hours of trips.

If the travel time is more than 1.5 hours, take, for example, cereal bars and try to eat every hour. Dehydration is very dangerous! Cyclists usually carry water in a bottle attached to a frame. Removing the bottle while you’re pedaling takes practice, but it’s worth it.

12. Don’t force the effort

Riding a bicycle is not very stressful on the joints, it is equally useful for those who want to lose weight, and those who want to be in good physical shape.

However, do not strain yourself too much, otherwise, you may overexert yourself or get injured. Increase the load gradually, and if you want to take up cycling professionally, follow a training plan.

Make sure to recover properly and become a healthier and happier person over time.