5 Tips To Help New Cyclists
Thanks to safer cycle routes, there are millions of cyclists on the roads, and those numbers are increasing. More and more people are choosing to make the swap from cars to bikes, helping to save the environment and cut emissions while staying fit and keeping in shape.
For new cyclists, cycling can be somewhat daunting. Especially, if you have never cycled on the road before. However, there is no need to worry, with a bit of practice and the right equipment, cycling on the road can be both safe and enjoyable.
Here are five tips to help cycling newbies get to grips with cycling:
- Get a bike that fits
The most important thing you can do to ensure that you are as safe and comfortable as possible when riding, is to get a bike that fits your body properly. Having a bike that’s the right size for you will make cycling so much easier.
If you aren’t sure whether your bike is the right fit for you, head to your nearest bike store and ask them to adjust your bike for you. If they say that your bike is the wrong fit for your body, you might want to consider investing in a new bike. If you ride the wrong size bike, you could end up pulling a muscle and causing yourself an injury.
- Always wear a helmet
It might not be a legal requirement, but wearing a helmet is an absolute must. Of all the cycling related deaths that occur, around 60% could be prevented if the cyclist was wearing a helmet – that’s a lot of lives that could be saved.
Many cyclists refuse to wear a helmet because they say that wearing a helmet makes them too hot and causes their head to sweat, irritating their skin. However, this isn’t an excuse not to wear a helmet. Make sure that wherever you are cycling, be it on the roads or a cycling path, always wear your helmet.
If you find that your head sweats a lot when you are cycling and irritates your skin, it is a good idea to invest in neon sweat bands. These are fantastic for soaking up sweat, can be worn under a helmet, and best of all, the material they are made of means that they won’t irritate your skin.
- Get the right saddle
You might think that all saddles are the same, but each saddle is different and is tailored to different needs. Believe it or not, getting the right seat will make a massive difference when you are cycling.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that padded or gel saddles are the most comfortable; they’re not. The best type of saddles are long in length and have a small cut out area within them, these tend to be the most comfortable.
- Use your gears
Far too many new cyclists don’t use their gears when cycling – don’t make the same mistake. The gears on your bike are there to make cycling easier and safer, so it is important that you use them.
- Never ride with headphones on
It is extremely dangerous to be oblivious to everything that is going on around you. If you are wearing headphones while cycling you will be unable to hear an emergency vehicle or another form of transport coming up behind you.
To be a safe cyclist, you must be aware of what is going on around you and be ready to react to any dangers or situations that might occur.
As long as you know how to stay safe and ride properly, cycling can be a lot of fun. To make your first few rides as easy as possible for yourself, make sure to follow these tips, and you should be just fine.
Photo c/o https://www.flickr.com/photos/dahlstroms/2483469537/sizes/m/
