Cycling Tips for Beginners
If you are anything like me you probably rode a bike when you were young, but also like me you haven’t gotten on a bike for many years. However, whilst we have travelled, we’ve considered cycling tours and hiring bikes to explore a region. But, I must admit I haven’t felt overly safe or confident doing this.
So, I’ve asked Ethan Mays from ActivePedal to share some cycling tips for beginners, so that I can become more proficient at bike riding. You learn more about Ethan at the bottom of the post.
Many people think that cycling looks very simple, just sitting on the bike and riding, is that enough? However, the truth is not so, to have a safe and happy cycling trip, you need to be equipped with many things.
Let’s get you started bike riding with these cycling tips for beginners.
In this Article on Beginner Cycling Tips You will Learn:
Please share this with them
Image credit: Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
This post by Tips 4 Trips contains affiliate links*. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on these links. Learn more at the bottom of this post.
Getting the Cycling Gear
Choose the Right Bike for You
You can’t start without a great bike. Of all the bike lines, sportbikes are the most popular for novice cyclists because this model is suitable for many types of road surfaces, from flat asphalt roads to park gravel roads or dirt roads.
If your goal is further into professional racing, learners can explore aluminium-framed vehicles.
Also, to ride comfortably and avoid injury, you first need to adjust your bike to fit your height. To do this, you can ask the help of the staff at the bicycle shop to adjust it for you.
The ideal way to adjust the saddle’s height is to measure between the heel placed on the pedal at the farthest point, and straighten your legs when you pedal, your feet will bend a little is best, then the elbow should also be slightly bent.
Wear a Helmet when Pedalling
Finding the perfect bike is only half the process for the beginner. There is also some essential gear you’ll need when riding a bike.
A new helmet is a necessary preparation as a practitioner should use this accessory during cycling. One thing that few practitioners notice is that the helmet has a shelf life. Therefore, you should regularly check it and have a second helmet at home.
An ideal and safe helmet should fully meet the criteria such as meeting US safety standards, suitable for each person’s appearance, style, and budget. You should also consider choosing the best commuter bike helmets or road cycling helmets*, which depends on your riding. Don’t buy cheap ones, always make sure your head is safe.
Choose Good Cycle Shoes
Often, experts will advise beginners to start a cycling journey with standard flat pedals and sneakers. However, after cycling, trainees often switch to a pedal without a fixed gear and cycling shoes with shims attached to the pedal.
At this point, the simple mechanism is to lock the shoe back onto the pedal, keeping it in place. This combination ensures the safety of your feet for improved pedal performance and handling during running. Initially, some learners will find it a bit difficult to get used to the pedal.
So, it takes a lot of practice to master its uses.
Wear Bicycle Attire
The helmet still doesn’t make you look like a professional racer. So, to secure you have a great and safe trip, you need to have a cycling outfit.
If you want to look like a pro racer, there are many cool cycling outfits available for racers. A cycling suit consists of a jacket, padded shorts, bicycle shorts and socks.
Choose pants that are sleek and well-made, with padding and without seams at the bottom. This will prevent the practitioner from being wrinkled up or too tight, causing irritation, which can cause skin irritation.
Plus, opting for sweat-absorbent materials will help you feel better during your ride. As for pants and socks*, you can freely choose according to your purpose of use and preference.
Additional Cycling Gear
Other essential accessories to keep in mind are the:
- Tire lever
- Mini pump*
- Spare hose
- Water bottle
- Bike phone mount*
Top Trip Tip: Not sure if cycling is for you? Start by hiring a bike with a helmet and wear comfortable clothes with lace-up shoes.
How to Start Cycling
Where to Cycle
The safest place to cycle for beginners is on designated bike paths. Visit local government websites to learn where the closest is to you. Once you feel comfortable on the bike progress to paved roads and city streets.
Establish a Daily Practice Routine
Bike riding for beginners can be very challenging. The body takes time to get used to an entirely new activity. And to help your body fully get used to cycling, you need to form a daily exercise routine.
You should set appropriate goals according to your condition, such as cycling every day in the morning for 30-45 minutes. Beginners should start with small habits and develop from there to set bigger goals.
Setting long-term goals is a great way to stay engaged and keep track of your long-term cycling progress. You can search for a local charity ride or create your own long-term mileage goal.
Besides, it would help if you also remembered to prepare the necessary items for each trip. This will help you to reduce many risks on the run.
Top Trip Tip: Bikers can also use phone programs to track mileage and navigate routes
Finally, don’t forget to invite more friends to ride with you for fun because they will be the ones to help increase your excitement and motive you for cycling; helping to turn you all from beginner bike riders into seasoned cyclers.
⇓ PIN THIS ⇓
Just use the share buttons to the left of the screen
DISCLOSURE:
- Image Credits:
- Featured Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
- Main Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
- Additional PIN
- Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
- Image by Manfred Antranias Zimmer from Pixabay
- As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
- This means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using this link, however it does not cost you any extra to purchase through these links.
- For more information please visit my Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.
