From vintage styles to indoor cycling, bike riding has been on the rise over the last year and, given the state of the world, it's not all that surprising. People are looking to get out and enjoy their surroundings even if it's only on a local level, and riding a bike around town is a great way to do that.
It's easy enough to think that bike riding is truly as simple as buying a bike and jumping on and, while it can be that simple for those who aren't looking to get too in-depth with their riding, there's a lot more to it. For anyone considering biking long distances or wanting to create a custom fit, which will ultimately make riding smoother and more comfortable, and efficient, there's plenty to know. For starters, cycling doesn't need to become an expensive hobby. By starting off on the right foot - or, in this case, the right pedal - you can keep your cycling budget low while still getting the most for your money.
The Emphasis Should Be On Comfortability And Your Personal Needs
Many people are under the impression that the nature of cycling automatically means that bikes need to be fully custom and decked out - and that's simply not true. While you could spend plenty of time investing in clip-in pedals and other upgrades for the bike, none of these things are actually required of the learning process.
The bike itself doesn't even need to be extravagant or the best of the best but you should consider getting it from a local bike shop. This is where you'll take your bike to have it maintained and repaired if necessary, so it's good to build a relationship within your community.
Make Sure The Seat Is In The Right Place
There are several mistakes that can be made when it comes to seat placement on a bike. If you're experiencing pain or tenderness in any joint (such as the knees) then something is probably a bit off. Cycling is a low-impact sport which means it doesn't impact the joints as much as something such as running does, which means a custom fit can do wonders to prevent unnecessary injury or discomfort.
There should be a slight bend in the knee when you pedal downwards; not enough to make the rider feel short but enough that the leg isn't fully outstretched when down pedaling. When it doubt, swing by your local bike shop! They'll know exactly what to do.
Get A Custom Bike Fit
The other aspect of a proper bike fit is the position of the handlebars. There are multiple parts to this equation and while the seat itself is a fairly easy fix, making sure that your body is in alignment with the rest of the bike might be a bit tricky.
If you plan on doing any long-distance rides or riding multiple times a week, it's definitely worth it to get every stationary part of the bike fitted to your specifications. In the long run, this will save you time and money and a few achy joints at the end of the week.
Invest In A Patch Kit For Emergencies
Bikes are not invincible machines which means if you're riding often enough, more often than not, you will run into a tire issue at some point or another.
YouTube will be a beginning cycler's best friend for this as long as you have a patch or tube kit ready to go. If your bike tires suddenly start losing air, don't panic - that's what this kit is for. It's a lot easier to be able to fix it yourself rather than calling someone to come pick you up or hiring an Uber to do the job.
Learn How To Use Gears Before Planning Big Rides
Learning how to use one's gears only sounds like a challenging process. More than anything, it just takes some time to get used to because your body and muscle memory need to be trained to turn certain gears while riding up or down certain terrains.
Once you've got it down, though, it'll become like second-nature - not to mention, it'll make cake out of all those hills you never thought you could climb.
Connect With Other Cyclists Or Join A Bike-Riding Group
While being social is something that might need to wait a few more months yet (unless everyone is wearing masks), joining a cycling group can be one of the best things for a beginning cycler.
This is where you'll get training on the go and be able to learn, in person, from those who have also been where you are. Riding in a group will also teach novice bikers about the road rules, how to make turns and stops, and they might even be able to help with your bike fit or general riding stance.