Have you been dying to go on a great two-wheeled adventure, but you don’t know where to start and definitely don’t want to look like an amateur? It’s okay, we’ve all been there. Heading out on your bike can be nerve-wracking, but it’s real fun once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re riding for fitness, adventure, or just for fun with your family or friends, cycling can offer much more, and it’s an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are 10 essential tips to ease you into the saddle and to get the most out of your riding from the get-go.
1. Get the right bike fit:
- Adjust the saddle height: hop on the bike and place the ball of your foot over the center of the pedal, which should be right at the bottom so your leg is almost fully extended and your knee slightly bent. If the saddle height is too low, you may feel some tension at the front of the knee, and if it’s too high, a dull ache in the back of it. Now take your bike out for a few short spins to try it out before you take on bigger challenges. This way you’ll avoid injuries and quitting altogether.
- Adjust the handlebar height: the handlebar should be as high as you need to keep your back fairly straight and avoid discomfort and pain. You can set it lower for better aerodynamics once you’re more experienced, but when you’re just starting out, it’s safer and easier to handle if it’s higher.
- Adjust the handlebar reach: you should be able to reach the handlebar without bending forward too much. Don’t keep your arms fully extended, but also don’t bend them too much. Your elbows should be at approximately a 45 degree angle with your torso.
2. Proper maintenance:
- Tire pressure: before you go out on a ride, always check your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated. Also have a look at the pressure range or maximum pressure recommended by the manufacturer, as it depends on the type of tire and the terrain.
- Brakes and gears: it’s equally important to ensure that both brakes and gears work smoothly. Take your bike to a mechanic if they don’t.
- Chain and drivetrain: every now and then, clean and lube the chain to extend the life of your drivetrain.
3. Gear up:
- ALWAYS wear a helmet: it reduces the risk of head injuries in case of an impact. Make sure the helmet is properly approved according to current legislation.
- Choose a comfortable outfit: wear clothes that are made from breathable fabrics that snugly fit your body without being too tight and allow for full range of motion. While it isn’t required to be fully equipped if you’re just starting out, the price of the Siroko Core collection for men and women makes it worthwhile to invest a little money and enjoy all the benefits of riding in clothing designed for cycling.
- Use gloves: they provide extra confidence and safety, as they protect your hands in case of a fall and help you grip the handlebars better.
- Don’t forget your sunglasses: they not only shield your eyes from the sun, but also from the wind, insects, and dust.
- Carry basic tools and spare parts: it’s advisable to bring with you a pump, 1-2 spare inner tubes, tire levers, and a multi-tool with a chain breaker. For all of that, a saddle bag can be a good idea.
4. Hydrate and fuel:
- Water is a must: hydration is essential if you want to have fun while cycling. Drink regularly even if you’re not thirsty and make sure to refill your bidon before you run out of water, particularly if your rides are becoming longer.
- Food and snacks: for routes longer than an hour, bring energy bars, fruit or nuts to keep energy levels up and avoid the dreaded “bonk”.
5. Plan your rides:
- Start progressively: it’s best to begin with short, easy routes to build confidence and endurance. Once you feel more at ease and familiar with the bike, you can gradually increase the distance and difficulty.
- Ride on bike lanes, trails and roads: bike lanes are great for beginners, as they usually allow you to ride safely away from other vehicles. That said, it’s good to shake things up once you gather some experience. Hit the road, but opt for one with limited traffic, wide shoulders and good visibility. However, if you’re riding a gravel or MTB bike, go for easy trails or tracks.
- Download an app: there are several apps available, like Strava or Komoot, that can help you discover new routes, track your rides, and analyze your performance. However, to fully maximize their potential, some prior knowledge and a bike computer are often required. For beginners, though, a smartphone paired with Google Fit makes for a great starting point.
6. Control your pace:
- Don’t overdo it at the start: you should ride at a pace that lets you talk comfortably without tiring yourself. Then, a couple times on each ride, increase the intensity slightly to get used to it and mix things up a bit.
- Keep at it: it’s better to ride regularly at a moderate pace than to push yourself hard one day, end up with aches and soreness, and then not get back on the bike again for weeks.
7. Practice your pedaling technique:
- Start lightly: focus on pulling and pushing your pedals with your feet in a circular motion. This will be easier if you use clipless pedals and cleats, but you can still work on your technique with flat pedals by mimicking the motion of scraping dog poop off the sole of your shoe.
- Find your cadence: the optimum cadence range is between 80 and 100 RPM (pedal revolutions per minute), so practice until you find the pace that is manageable and works for you. Beginners should avoid pushing their cadence too high at first, but they should also steer clear of chugging along too slowly.
8. Learn to stop your bike effectively:
- Use both brakes: it might seem obvious, but make sure to engage both the front and rear brakes.
- Do it gently: don’t brake abruptly, especially with the front brake, to avoid losing control. To learn how to control your braking, you should practice on flat, straight terrain during your first rides.
9. Be mindful and visible on the road:
- Keep your lights on: whether riding early in the morning or in the evening, always have your bike lights on so others can see you.
- Signal your moves: use your arms clearly to indicate your turns and direction changes.
- Obey traffic rules: be sure to follow all traffic rules diligently like all other vehicles.
10. Have fun:
- Cycling is a rewarding activity: enjoy the view, the fresh air and the freedom that comes with riding your bike.
- Don’t bother comparing yourself to others: focus on staying consistent, improving yourself, and celebrating your own accomplishments — what your friends, coworkers or relatives do is their business. Everyone has their own journey, physical condition, and personal way of enjoying cycling.
- Choose group outings: once you have gathered enough experience and become more confident, try going out in a group. Beyond the obvious social angle, riding as a pack is hard to beat: chatting while practicing is fun and triggers motivation, something most sports can’t offer.
These 10 tips serve as a solid foundation to start cycling without burning yourself out, or at least to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes beginners make. The key is to enjoy the ride and not get discouraged if it feels challenging at first. You’ll get better and more confident each time you head out, so grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and start pedaling.
