Cycling for Beginners: 8 Helpful Tips

If you want to buy a bike and master cycling, but there is still a lot you don’t understand, you’ve come to the right place. Here we have collected the most useful tips for beginners.

1. Buy your bike at a local store

Chances are that most likely, by buying a bike online, you can save money. But in a conventional store you will have the benefit of having experts match the bike to your height and customize it for you. In addition to this, during the warranty period if there is any sort of problem with it, you can have it repaired for free in the same store.

You should also be aware of any promotions and discounts, because these will make the purchase more profitable. That said, you should not buy a bike thoughtlessly, as it’s always best to compare between several models.

Don’t know what kind of bike you need? To begin, it is better to choose a road bike, since it is the most versatile. If you want to ride on the road, choose a model with a good cross-country ability (gravel bike, cyclocrosser). If you aim to participate in professional competitions in the future, then look for a lightweight racing bike instead.

If you’re also interested in international cycling competitions, you can make bets in one of the major bookmaker companies, the list of which you can find on the website Bookmaker Ratings India.

2. Sit comfortably

To choose the best saddle height, lower the pedal and put your heel firmly on it so that you can lean comfortably on it. This will keep your foot completely straight. Then, move your foot back slightly so that the pedal supports the front part of the foot, which is the part that pedals. Your leg should now bend slightly at the knee. The hands resting on the handlebars should also be slightly bent at the elbows to ensure the best posture for you.

3. Learn how to fix a puncture

No one would like to find himself in a deserted place with a flat tire, without any tools or knowledge to solve the problem. Learn how to repair a tire in advance, get a set of necessary supplies, and hone your puncture repair skills at home before venturing on your own.

4. Buy only the things you need most

There is no need to buy unnecessary items. You will need a helmet, bike lock, bike lights, bike shorts with padding, long-sleeved cycling shirt, waterproof windbreaker or membrane jacket. If you do not plan to part with the bike even in winter, buy gloves, thermal underwear, tights, a hat for under the helmet, appropriate shoes, and pedals. You also can’t do without a floor pump (for home), a mini hand pump (for travel), and the puncture repair kit we talked about earlier.

5. Join a cycling club

This type of club will tell you how to solve various technical issues, show you the best bicycle routes in your city, and give useful tips. You can meet like-minded people and get a chance to participate in interesting sporting events.

6. Study the rules

It is a cyclist’s responsibility to know the rules of the road to keep yourself and others safe.

7. Practice basic skills

There are some things you should learn until they’re second nature to you. For example, on dry roads, it’s more effective to apply the front brake first and apply the rear brake additionally when the front wheel is not yet completely blocked. Find a flat area to train on this.

Slow down before turning so that you do not apply the brake. Tilt your body slightly and cycle in the direction of the turn, moving your knee to the side. The lower your speed on the turn, the lower your bicycle angle should be (otherwise you risk falling).

As you approach a hill, pedal rhythmically and nonstop. If the hill’s too steep, sometimes you have to get up from the saddle and pedal standing up.

8. Don’t force it

Riding a bike does not put a lot of stress on your joints. Cycling is good for those who want to lose weight, as well as those who just want to keep their body toned. However, it is important not to overexert yourself, otherwise you risk exhaustion and even injuries. Increase the load in stages; do not forget to recover and rest. And in professional cycling, you can’t do without a well-thought-out training plan.