Cycling - how to get started and what you need to know.
Cycling is designed for everyone, and there are many disciplines in it that meet a wide range of interests, not just stereotypes.
Getting started is very simple. All you need is a bike and helmet, as well as some basic cycling tips to help you move in the right direction. In a short time you will turn from a novice cyclist into an experienced rider. Here's what you need to know to start cycling.
What you will need
Cycling requires some gear to get started. Choosing the right bike, helmet and gear can change your cycling experience.
As with any new activity, you won't buy the perfect gear the first time. Get the equipment that suits you now, knowing that you will be able to upgrade it later when your cycling skills improve.
Bicycle
There are many types of bikes to choose from and you should think about where you plan to ride your bike to determine which type of bike is perfect for you. A road bike is designed for driving on paved streets, whereas a mountain bike is designed for rough terrain.
Consider a hybrid bike if you want to ride a bike in a wide variety of conditions. When searching for bicycles, experts suggest shopping in person.
Go to your local bike shop instead of buying online. The staff can protect you from such novice mistakes as buying a bike of the wrong size.
Helmet
Helmets are a necessary part of protective equipment that must be put on before getting on a bike. The helmet minimizes head injuries in the event of a bicycle accident or a fall from an icy road or slippery sidewalk. Wear a helmet that fits well and snugly on your head.
The helmet should not move much when you shake your head from side to side. Make sure that there is a width of two fingers between your helmet and your eyebrows.
To find a helmet that suits you, you may need to try on different sizes and brands until you find a suitable one. Some people find it useful to start with the smallest size and gradually increase it until they find a suitable helmet.
It may also be helpful to have a professional at the bike shop help you pick up a helmet. They can also talk to you about MIPS helmets (or a multi-directional shock protection system). Although these helmets are a bit more expensive, they can better protect your head in an accident. Simply put, they contain a sliding plane or sliding pad that allows the helmet to move around your head during an accident, which means that less impact force is transmitted to your brain.
Equipment
Wearing clothes and shoes designed for cycling can also be beneficial. When you are just starting out, you can use casual clothes as you are still looking for what suits you best.
Pick up used equipment and buy clothes from cheaper stores, or just use what you have and start with that. You don't need to be dressed from head to toe in the latest cycling T-shirt, a T-shirt will do just fine.
Keep in mind, however, that cycling clothes are designed to make you feel more comfortable while riding, and they can give you the pleasure of cycling. For example, soft cycling shorts for maximum comfort. Meanwhile, there are jerseys that have moisture-wicking properties and also have back pockets for things like a phone, ID card and money.
Footwear
Bicycle shoes have a rigid sole and are designed to be mounted on a bicycle pedal. If you're just starting out, you can wear sneakers until you feel more comfortable wearing bike shoes.
Some bikes even offer two—way pedals, which have a clamp on one side and a standard platform on the other. This feature allows the rider to use both bicycle shoes and standard sneakers.
Keep in mind that wearing bicycle shoes requires training, as they are attached to the pedals of the bike, so it is important to train in places where you can fall with minimal injuries, scratches or abrasions. But the subjective opinion of the majority says that bicycle shoes are really effective in powerful races, and in calm and low-intensity almost does not change anything.
Tips for novice cyclists
Although it is relatively easy to start cycling, it is still important to be prepared, especially if you are new to cycling. Make sure you have a bike that works properly and fits you. Here are some other things to consider before embarking on a long bike ride.
Get setup and inspection
Although you may already have a bike that is gathering dust in the basement or garage, it is important to make sure that it is suitable for use on the road. Before getting on the bike, ask an expert to make sure that it is in good working condition.
They can make sure that your tires are inflated and have no cuts or slits, and that the brakes and gears are working correctly.
Practice first before you hit the road
Cycling may seem easy. But if you haven't ridden a bike for a long time, think first about working out in a safe place where there are no cars.
Test your skills in an empty parking lot. You may have forgotten the subtleties of gear shifting, braking and turning.
It is very important to feel confident on a bike. You need to be able to ride comfortably and maneuver quickly when needed.
Know your points of contact
The points of contact are your arms, legs and back. Make sure your points of contact are in the right shape and it will change your cycling experience.
The most important factor affecting your points of contact is your position on the bike. A bike that is too big or too small can put your body in an uncomfortable position and cause problems with contact points, as well as other typical pain points of cyclists, such as the spine and knees.
Join a local bike club
Finding a local bike club can be a good way to get to know other cyclists in your area. A club or group gives you the opportunity to communicate with like-minded people who share your hobby and find others for cycling. You will also find experienced cyclists who can give you advice.
You will learn a lot by riding with others. In addition, socializing with friends in your new hobby doubles the fun and helps you stay motivated.
Nutrition and hydration for novice cyclists
Maintaining water balance and proper nutrition will directly affect your cycling experience. It's important to make sure you drink water well and have snacks while riding.
Pre-hydration is key, which means that the night before, drink a couple of glasses of water at dinner.
Drink water at least 1 hour before starting the trip, because this gives your body time to absorb the liquid before you start sweating. There are also differences in what men and women need when it comes to nutrition, especially with regard to carbohydrates.
You should also always bring full bicycle water bottles and an energy bar or snack. During the trip, you should also focus on eating before you get hungry and on drinking before you feel thirsty.
Safety Tips
As with any sport or physical activity, there is a risk of injury. While this shouldn't prevent you from participating in cycling — unless a doctor recommends it — there are some things you should do to stay safe while cycling. Here are a few things you can consider.
Wear reflective gear and flashlights
Don't forget to turn on the lights on your bike, especially if you are driving at night, so that drivers and pedestrians can see you. Consider wearing a reflective vest or reflective gear so that drivers can spot you from a distance, and don't wear dark or black clothing.
It is very important to have headlights on your bike and wear bright clothes.
Follow the rules
A bicycle is another type of vehicle; and it is important to follow the rules of the road as if you were driving a car. Be sure to pay attention to traffic lights and stop signs and be vigilant.
Do not drive past the stop signs, assuming that drivers or pedestrians will give way to you. Don't think that drivers always see you. Cycling does not mean that you are exempt from the rules of the road.
Wear a helmet
A bicycle helmet that fits your head should be worn regardless of whether you plan to go on a long bike ride or ride around the block.
Talk to your doctor
Despite the fact that cycling is a low—impact sport that most people can do, it is still important to talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise regime. They can evaluate your medical history and your fitness level and make recommendations about what is right for you.
