Before leaving
your tires to the appropriate pressure
Setting the proper tire pressure is arguably the most straightforward part of cycle maintenance. What pressure is appropriate? It’s printed on the sidewall of your tyres, so have a look; it’s also really straightforward.
You’ll see the tire manufacturer recommends a variety of pressures rather than just one. That enables you to modify the tire pressures following the circumstances.
Don’t overinflate your tires if you’re traveling somewhere that might be wet and slick. Fill them up if the weather is dry and you want to ride as effectively as possible.
Set the appropriate saddle height and riding posture.
A saddle that is too low prevents you from using your entire pedaling range and leg strength, while a harness that is too high makes you strain and increases your risk of injury. Your seat height should be fixed so that when your foot is near the bottom of the pedal stroke, your knee has a very tiny kink.
Then take the proper position on the bike. A basic rule of thumb is that you want the handlebar to block your view of the front wheel hub while in your standard riding position.
Cycling shouldn’t hurt, so visit your local bike shop to see if they can assist you in altering your position if you notice that you’re starting to get backache or any other ailment.
Dress according to the weather
The old saying among cyclists goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes,” and for the most part, it’s true. Learn the technique of layering your clothing so you can swiftly cool down or warm up because the weather can change quickly. It can be more challenging to choose what to wear for cycling in the winter or the summer heat.
what to bring
food and drink
Dehydration or total energy exhaustion is the worst thing you can experience while riding a bike, so bring some liquids and ride rations with you. You can replenish yourself with snacks like bananas, flapjacks, or jelly babies (for a fast sugar rush).
If you are traveling a long distance, scientifically developed items can help you avoid cramps or other mid-ride problems and maximize the benefits of all your efforts. Examples include protein snacks and electrolyte beverages.
Cushioned shorts
In reality, new riders frequently believe they need enormously padded saddles to protect their posteriors. You can survive your first rides with a nice pair of cushioned cycling shorts and increase the time and distance as your tolerance allows. Wearing underwear below padded shorts could cause them to rub and cause saddle sores.
cycling mitts and gloves
However, inexperienced riders frequently overlook the importance of their hands. These can quickly become worn out. Therefore a decent set of padded gloves or mittens will be pretty helpful.
Get a lock and some lights (just in case)
If there’s any danger that you might be delayed past nightfall, even if you only want to go out for a couple of hours, install lights on your bike.
Likewise, a lock on hand is helpful for impromptu stops at corner stores or cafés. Even if you left your bike unattended for a short while, you should never assume it is secure.
Keep money, spare parts, and tools in your saddlebag.
You may deal with typical mid-ride issues by carrying a few valuable tools and an extra inner tube in a saddleback or saddlebag. You’ll need a chain tool to fix a broken chain, a multi-tool with various bits to adjust most mechanical parts, some tyre levers, a puncture repair kit/spare inner tube, and a mini pump.
We believe that having some emergency cash and a card is valid.
What to do?
Start short and gradually increase your cycling mileage.
A park or trail without traffic is an excellent place to gain confidence before taking your first bike ride. To avoid overdoing it, if you haven’t cycled in a while, aim to cover about five miles before increasing your distance. The best approach to building strength and confidence is little and often.
Find some riding companions.
Cycling alone is a terrific way to unwind, enjoy the quietness, and appreciate the planet’s beauty. However, riding with others is also enjoyable, and having some cycling partners will speed up the development of all elements of your cycling. Your local cycling club may offer beginner rides, or you may sign up for one of our Community Cycling Clubs.
Make a plan.
Although it’s fantastic to set out on the open road or trail and see where the day takes you, preparing a riding challenge in advance is equally gratifying. Online mapping will assist you in creating an ideal route for your trip (or navigate your way home if you get lost in the wilderness). Our course, riding area guides, and journey planners should also be helpful.
Things to do
Recognize and use your tools
Although gears are designed to make life easier, not everyone knows how they operate. As you ride more, you’ll notice how switching gears makes you spin more easily while moving more slowly or labor harder while moving quickly. The final objective is to maintain a consistent rhythm by using your gears.
pedal with consistency
When cycling, you don’t want to push the pedals with all your might or spin your legs around like crazy. The ideal pedaling cadence is between 70 and 90 revolutions per minute.
This will increase your endurance and general health by working your circulatory and aerobic systems, which are more effective than your muscular and anaerobic systems. Determine how it feels to cycle between 70 and 90 rpm, then use your gears to keep it going.
Be self-assured when driving.
New riders frequently believe that staying as far to the side of the road as possible near the curb is the safest option, but this is highly incorrect. It’s possible that other drivers won’t spot you or will try to squeeze past you if there isn’t enough room. Assume a strong stance on the pavement, ride at least one meter from the curb, and declare your right to use the carriageway. Our road location video should be of assistance.
To corner correctly, put your inner pedal up.
You’ll learn many riding techniques as you ride more, but here’s one quick tip to get you going: when you turn, elevate the inside pedal, so it’s at the top of your pedal stroke. In this manner, the pedal won’t contact the ground when you lean into a turn.
Drive carefully around other motorists.
You learn a lot about how people, including you, drive from cycling. Remember not to take anything for granted, even if you believe a driver or pedestrian has noticed you. Recognize that other road users occasionally make mistakes.
Never attach a helmet to your handlebars.
Ride without hanging your helmet from the handlebars. Due to the possibility of the straps getting tangled in your front tire, this is quite risky.
Accept exploration
One of the most delicate things about cycling is that you can travel anywhere, mainly using a bike with multi-terrain capability. Take a journey down a lane if you notice one and are unsure of its direction.