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30 Tips for Cyclists That Will Make Riding More Fun
Oct 26,2022
Is cycling the most difficult sport in the world?
No. Definitely not. However, there are quite a few variables in this difficult subject and even more unenlightened novice cyclists. Let us strive together for certainty and eradicate illiteracy in the cycling community.
We have collected tips for cyclists that we would like to share
Yes, we too may not know everything or take something into account, and with your help, the knowledge base for beginners can be filled with useful information. So we are waiting for you in our Facebook group.
We have managed to collect several tips for cyclists that we would like to share with beginners or just curious.
1. Do not get hung up on frame size
Manufacturers try to take into account the parameters of the average person when building the next frame. However, these parameters can vary from brand to brand, so do not give them too much importance. In other words: If you have ridden a bike with a 19 frame for a while, it does not mean that you will like the same size on another brand.
2. Cadence is important (one of the best tips for cyclists)
Some studies have found that a lower cadence is the father of power. However, these studies have not looked at knee health. Studies on the knees show that a higher cadence is easier on them.
The ideal cadence is 90 revolutions per minute. However, everyone has their own indicator, but for the vast majority, it stays roughly within these limits.
3. Buy a bike computer
It is quite inexpensive and allows you to track the change in the value of the average speed. And what could be better than to realize that you have become faster?
4. Try to ride in good cycling clothes
You can buy expensive helmets, lights, wheels, saddles, and grips for more comfort… but all that pales in comparison to the feeling you get with really good, well-designed cycling clothes. Namely, shorts. High-quality diapers in cycling shorts increase your comfort many times over. Words cannot even describe how cool it is to ride in such pants. Once you try ordinary clothes, you will understand that the world is not the same.
5. Do not be afraid to ride on public roads
If you follow the basic rules of the road, driving on public roads will be much smoother. That is, you should not enter the intersection first without making sure that no other vehicles complete the movement, you should not skip the flashing lights, let pedestrians pass, make eye contact with the driver whose maneuvers you are not sure of, communicate with the flow, indicate your maneuvers and you will be happy.
6. Do not strive to break all world records for speed and range right away
Still, nothing will go right the first time. Rather, relax and just have fun, progress will not be long in coming. If you ride with clenched teeth all the time, you will not get far. Even experienced cyclists have the concept of “breaking in”. They do not start the season with records.
7. Plan to spend as much money as possible on buying a bike
Later, when you have learned a little more about bikes, you’ll thank yourself many times over. Because if you buy the cheapest bike, you run the risk of depriving yourself of the joy of upgrading quality because of design features. And the desire to upgrade will come sooner or later.
8. Always use bicycle lights
Even during the day. Even when the sun is very bright! The bike light makes you much more visible in general traffic.
9. If you start your bike journey on a road bike, try a touring or a gravel
The latter has become very popular, and for good reason. These bikes are much more comfortable than a road bikes for long rides, unless you have stamina, of course. And even if that’s the case, you’ll lose a little speed, but gain a lot of comfort on a gravel road. This is ensured by fairly thick tires 36 mm and wider, as well as a special geometry. The geometry allows you to sit down not so aggressively and increases the smoothness of the ride. In addition, carbon versions of gravel contain various types of structural solutions that “flex” well in use. Well, or bend, for whom it is more comfortable. Regardless of the word used, the flexible elements of the frame are based on … that’s right, comfort! And yes, the line between touring and gravel is quite blurred for many manufacturers, keep that in mind.
10. Study the weather forecast carefully
Pay attention to the volatility of the weather and take action. It would probably be wise to bring a raincoat or a little more water than usual if the weather promises to be hot.
11. Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, it's always interesting
Friends invite you to go where you would never be? Agree. Are you afraid that the bike is not prepared well enough for such a route? Just try it. Any adventure, almost, will only fill you up. In any case, you’ll get unforgettable adventures and a cool story in your piggy bank.
12. Take care of your bike
It will thank you with proper work in all conditions and on every route. A running bike will always cause several problems and require extra effort to combat.
Taking care of an MTB bike with a good fork is especially important, it can not take any disrespect. I did not pay a little attention and the valuable coating was destroyed. It is impossible to restore it, the expensive element will begin to function poorly and will have to be replaced. It is much cheaper to maintain it in time.
13. Just ride
Always, everywhere, with friends, in splendid isolation, in the forest, in the mountains, on the beach, in the countryside, to work … just ride, every ride is not free. You will always learn something new about the bike and yourself.
14. Switch to contact shoes and pedals
It will seem scary at first. The key word here is “appear.” In reality, riding with contact shoes is very comfortable and safe. Within the first few meters, you will feel how much more efficient the contact pedal scheme is than the usual one on conventional pedals. Before the transition, try to practice a little, during the stops, the stepping of the stance leg.
15. On the incline, do not rush to do your best
Make sure your belay holds until the end of the slide. It is better to climb slowly and in a measured way, then you can give it your all at the very end when the top becomes visible.
16. Drink water, eat carbs
Replenish your supplies regularly. It is important to keep in shape, and the impressions of the tour will be much more pleasant. By the way, the mountains are also more likely to submit to a cyclist who is well-fed and does not feel thirsty.
17. On wet roads, try to avoid sharp turns
The grip of the tires will be worse, and this factor must be taken into account when making maneuvers. It is better to drive the curves as straight as possible and reduce speed. And the brakes. Be careful in wet weather and take into account the increased braking distance and the increased possibility of locking the wheels.
18. Do not strain your muscles, but use your gears
It’s cheaper to change a derailleur or shifter than your knees! Seriously, always shift before climbs, after climbs, and on the flats so that your cadence stays at a comfortable level. If you are wobbling on the saddle because you are pedaling too fast, slow down. If your whole body is swinging to turn the pedals on the incline, shift to another gear where you have a higher cadence. This will save your legs and keep them healthier. And do not think your legs get stronger the harder you pedal. They do not get stronger or bigger. And they can get sick. You need to swing your legs in the gym, there are completely different requirements for that.
19. Just relax and have fun
Once again. The Strava lots are great, but you will not be able to do all the records. A bike is not only an athletic achievement but also an exciting adventure. Explore the area around your home. Then study your city, then the surrounding area. There are so many places you have never been to.
20. Do Not Avoid inclines
They are not going to go away. You’ll always have to deal with them. Just give yourself a chance, relax, put your bike in normal gear and pedal.
21. Buy the best tires you can afford
On the road, when one puncture follows another every 5 kilometers, you will be left with few good impressions of the trip. Puncture-proof tires will save you from these unwanted adventures, even if they can not protect you 100%. In urban areas, however, people go for years without an apartment tire.
22. Use YouTube for your bike maintenance
So you’ll save a lot of money on maintenance in garages. Well, or at least you will start to operate the equipment more competently, which will also save a lot of money.
Competent and complete maintenance of a bicycle sometimes exceeds half of its cost. In some cases, maintenance costs as much as the whole bike. So learn, educate yourself, ask “stupid questions” and appreciate the technology, then it will become a source of pleasure and not a cost.
23. Take an emergency supply of money with you
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24. Get a bicycle repair kit and a spare inner tube
The first aid kit contains patching material, glue, sandpaper, and holders and is usually available at any bike shop. Of course, if you know how to deal with punctures, you’ll need it. In this case, we return to YouTube and study this process. A spare is about the size of a patch kit. Their presence will significantly speed up the process of reattachment of the wheel on the road. By the way, do not forget to find the source of the puncture and fix it on the inside of the tire.
If you also have a first aid kit with you, then you are just a bike god and it’s not clear why you are even reading these tips
25. Buy a bike that suits your real needs
If you plan to ride around town in a relaxed manner, then a full-suspension trail bike is not for you. You’ll just be carrying around 5-7 kg of extra iron. Gravel baggers are becoming more popular now as they are incredibly versatile, but they are also quite expensive. Cheap mountain bikes with knobby tires are still the most popular. But are they suitable for city use? Why carry around extra weight and spend money on maintaining an expensive fork if it does not even perform at 10% of its capacity? There are many such questions.
In general, before buying a bike, you should assess your needs and choose the appropriate technology. This way you will surely be satisfied in the long run.
26. Do not buy the first thing you see
Do not be tempted to buy a “cool and beautiful” bike at the supermarket for half the price of a bike shop. It is so low for a reason. Bicycles at a low price from the supermarket can simply be dangerous for your health.
27. A sofa-like saddle seems to be only comfortable
A thin and narrow saddle that you may think is uncomfortable is actually very comfortable. They are meant for long rides. However, it may be uncomfortable for some models in normal clothing. In that case, try the cycling shorts with diapers that we have already mentioned here. This solution will be much more comfortable than a wide and thick saddle.
28. Helmet
Buy yourself a helmet!
29. Buff
And Buff, wearing a helmet is much more comfortable and pleasant with him. Even in hot summer weather.