The top road cycling tips for beginners to get you riding your bike today
Have you begun your research into cycling but have gotten overwhelmed by all the road cycling tips for beginners?
What bike do I need to start cycling?
Why is there so much cycling gear and do I really need all these cycling accessories?
How often should I ride my bike?
You’ll find answers to those questions and more here.
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Go to your local bike shop to test ride a few road bikes
Visiting a local bike shop gives you a chance to ask questions, and test ride a few bikes in various sizes.
Try a few bikes in different sizes and sitting positions to pin down what’s comfortable for you.
You may have even more questions while you’re at the bike shop, so look for a bike shop that makes you feel comfortable and encourages you to ask questions.
You’re investing a good chunk of change on a bike (and future repairs), so a salesperson should not make you feel silly for asking questions.
Get comfortable riding your road bike
Get a bike fit. Much like tailoring a suit to fit you, a bike fit does the same—fits your bike to your body.
Some people may need a lower saddle height (or an entirely different saddle), while others may need to move the brake levers closer to fit small hands.
Whatever your proportions are, a bike fit makes riding your bike feel comfortable and more like a natural extension of your body.
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Get padded bike shorts
If you plan on riding regularly (or notice that you’re highly uncomfortable while cycling), a pair of padded bike shorts can help, making it much more enjoyable to ride.
Bike shorts come in many lengths and cuts but look for ones that don’t squeeze your waist, especially when you’re hunched over on your bike. Wear bike shorts without underwear, to reduce chafing.
Find bike only paths
So you can focus on riding your bike away from traffic.
And if you’re riding your bike alone, you’ll find cycling alone tips here.
Practicing cycling skills may probably be low on your list of fun things to do on your bike, but these two cycling skills can help you prevent unnecessary accidents.
Sighting. Did you know that your bike goes where you look? If you’re looking at a huge rock that’s in your way, your bike will, unfortunately, run into that rock. Look ahead at where you want to go, and your bike will follow.
Braking. Practice using your brakes so that you can become comfortable and adept at stopping your bike without tipping over or crashing.
Your bike has two brakes—a front brake and a rear brake. Get to know which brake lever controls the front and which lever controls the back.
Your rear brake slows your speed gradually.
Your front brakes bring you to a complete stop.
You have to be prepared to come to a sudden stop if you pull hard on your front brakes.