Best Cycling Tips for Beginners

Cycling is becoming more popular and so is the demand for cycling tips for beginners. According to NPD Group, bicycle and equipment sales increased by 75% in April 2020, surpassing $1 billion in a single month. Making the right decisions from the start can save you time, money, and effort. Putting yourself ahead of the pack depends on your ability to absorb information quickly and form your own opinions.

With an increasing number of riders on the trails and roads, these beginner cycling tips will help you ride better and safer. However, simply getting on a bike and going for a long ride will not help you achieve your goal. There are many factors to consider such as clothing, basic bike maintenance, nutrition, techniques, road safety, recovery, and much more. Here’s a list of best cycling tips for beginners to get you started on the right foot. Take a look at these beginner cycling tips.

Best Cycling Advice for Newbies

The following are some helpful cycling tips that will help you kickstart your cycling journey. 

Purpose:

Everyone has a reason for purchasing a bicycle. Fitness, commuting, racing, or long-distance biking. No matter what temptations you face, stay focused on your goal.

Type of bike:

Now that you’ve determined your budget and purpose, you’ll be in a much better position to narrow down your options. Determine the best type of bikes you want to purchase be it road, hybrid, or mountain bike.

Test ride:

Many of you may be considering purchasing a bicycle online. However, before purchasing one, consider taking a test ride. So, before you buy, go to your local bike shop and test it out for yourself.

Frame size:

After you’ve determined your budget, purpose, and type of bike, you can now select the appropriate frame size. Consider the type of bike you want to buy, followed by your height and body shape. 

Cycling clothing:

Consider purchasing a high-quality cycling jersey. Furthermore, the material used in cycling clothing has moisture-wicking properties that keep you dry.

Cycling glass:

Most of you may believe that cycling glasses aren’t that important. But, believe us when we say, these glasses are just as important as your cycling jersey, tights, or other accessories. 

Visit your local bike shop –

Before buying a new or used bicycle, stop by your local bike shop and ask for advice on buying a bicycle.  

Get the right size and fit –

If you want to feel as comfortable as possible while riding a bike, you must have the right size and fit. A frame size that is not perfect for you cannot be adjusted! So make sure to give more attention to the size and fit.

Purchase a comfy seat and shorts –

Many bicycles sold today don’t have saddles that are suitable for novice cyclists. Spend $40 – $60 on a decent gel saddle and approximately the exact amount on a basic pair of cycling shorts or bibs. 

Wear gloves –

Cycling gloves provide not only a significant comfort advantage but also a significant safety advantage. Gloves will protect your hands if you suddenly stop and have to brace your fall with your hands out. When you fall, your hands are likely to get in the way before your head hits the ground. This is when you are more likely to have them scraped against the floor. Choose those that include a small towel for rubbing sweat beneath your nose and a good grip.

Wear a helmet –

Helmets save lives no matter what! We’ve all known people who are still alive simply because they wore their helmets. 

Be visible –

Technology has advanced significantly when it comes to the visibility of clothing and lights that you use during biking. Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with flashing lights and that you’re wearing bright clothing!

Be self-reliant –

Get the necessary tools and an inflation device for changing a flat tire. Check your tire pressure before every ride with a floor pump!

Use gears –

Bicycles today are geared to let you find the right amount of resistance for you. Heavy gear makes pedal strokes grunt, so there’s no need to use it. You can actually benefit your knees by pedalling at a faster rotation or cadence.

Get the proper saddle –

Choosing the right saddle will make a significant difference when riding. Don’t expect the thickest padding to provide the most comfortable ride. A saddle with a longer seat and a cut-out is usually the best option. Read online reviews to see what others like, then test ride a few.

Alter your riding position –

Move your hands around the handlebars and your back end around the saddle. This will prevent your hands, arms, and back from becoming numb as a result of prolonged time in a given position.

Frequently asked questions

1. What cycling clothes for beginners are the best?

Nothing ruins a perfect bike ride faster than not dressing appropriately for the weather. Having the right clothing combination can make or break your riding experience. Consider wearing lightweight, light-coloured clothing on hot days. There are bike shorts, bike jerseys, bike socks, bike gloves, short sleeve jerseys, cycling jackets, bike shoes, and bike socks.

2. What are some cycling tips techniques for beginners to lose weight?

Bike 15 minutes daily or 30 minutes a few times a week if you’re just getting started to improve your health. To burn even more calories, once you’re comfortable riding in moderate-intensity, try high-intensity intervals. 

3. What are some indoor cycling training tips for beginners?

Consider these suggestions if you want to incorporate cycling into your fitness routine. Begin slowly, learn proper bike setup, employ adequate resistance, participate in the cycling community, stay hydrated, and cool down and stretch

4. What are some long-distance cycling tips for beginners?

Beginners should aim to cycle at an average speed of 8mph (12kph) and cover 8 miles (12km) per hour. You will travel a certain distance based on the terrain, the weather, and the type of bike you use. 

5. What should I eat prior to and during a long bike ride? 

Food is fuel, and it is critical to your training. Eat a hearty breakfast before a long bike ride, ideally with lots of carbohydrates and a little protein. This will ensure that you have enough energy before and during your ride. Make sure you eat well after a long bike ride, eating a high-protein meal with carbohydrates to replenish your energy stores and repair any damaged muscle tissue. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water. 

Conclusion

Biking is a great and versatile activity. Explore things and find out what works for you and keep doing it. Your priority should not only be to lose weight, but also to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Try out the cycling tips and techniques we summarized. If you follow these suggestions, you will have a better, safer, and more enjoyable ride.

That’s it, our list of the best cycling tips for beginners. We hope you found it useful. Did we miss any? Do share them in the comments section below.