New to the cycling party? Whether you have just learnt how to ride a bike, or haven’t touched one since you first learnt, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you go out of your first ride.
Comfort is key
There is nothing worse when you are cycling than getting pain in your legs and back. To avoid this, you should try adjusting your seat height. When in the correct position, you should be able to have your pedal 6 o’clock and still be able reach it when sat down. You should also try moving your handlebars to alleviate any unnecessary pressure on your wrists, neck and back. When adjusting your handlebars, they should be at least the same height as your seat, but it just depends on what is comfortable for you.
If you struggle with a numb bum, you should also think about your actual seat. You can get extra padding to add to the saddle, or even get a completely new, bigger seat. Both of these are a great way to prevent a numb bum.
Choose a suitable route
The last thing you need when you are new to biking is a really difficult route that has lots of people on it. The best thing to do is research different routes before you go to find the one that will best suit you. We recommend a flatter, quieter route with a wide track for beginners. That way, you won’t need to worry about cycling around people and other cyclists, especially on narrow trails.
Learn how to repair a puncture
Especially if you are going out on a solo ride, you should learn how to repair a puncture before you go, and make sure to pack a puncture repair kit. You never know whether you are going to puncture a tire, so you are best to be safe than sorry. Especially as it is dangerous to ride with a deflated tire.
Invest in good quality equipment
Whilst biking equipment can be expensive, you are better off investing in something that will last. And even if you lose interest in biking after a while, you can always sell it on. We recommend that you invest in:
- A helmet – to protect your head of you fall off
- A bike lock – for when you want to leave your bike somewhere
- Front, back, and helmet lights – if you fancy night riding
- Clothing – padded shorts, waterproof jacket, bright coloured clothes so you are seen
- Shoes – something comfortable.
Know your limits
If you’re new to biking, one of the last things you should do is be pushing yourself to be like an experienced rider. If you have low stamina, don’t go for incredibly long rides that you’ll struggle with. Instead, gradually build yourself up to be able to tackle longer routes. If you know you struggle with going up hills, stick to flatter routes (Monsal Trail in Bakewell is a good one!)
Knowing your limits means you’ll not over-exert yourself and make you less prone to straining.
