Whether you want to ride for leisure or have decided to take up cycling at a more competitive level, this article will have all the tips to get you started.
You always hear that you never forget to ride a bike. While that may be true, what most people do not know is how to ride a bike efficiently and effectively. Throughout the summer I ride local bike trailers often. Every 4 or 5 minutes I grimace at the sight of a rider working way too hard or riding in such a way that the strain on their knees will inevitably lead to back pain or knee problems.
At the simplest level, it is really very easy; find a position that is comfortable. To do this, you have to be able to listen to your body and know what to look for. If you seat is too high, you may have pain in your hips (you'll know your seat is too high if your hips are rocking from side to side as you pedal). If you have pain in your knee, your seat may be to low or to far forward/backward (if you have that adjustment). If that is the case try putting the seat at a height that allows your leg to be bent at approx 30 degrees. Lower back pain can be attributed in some cases to putting too much pressure/strain on the lower back, so try sitting up a bit in such a way that you aren't stretching out to reach the handle bars.
After you find a comfortable position, getting the proper bike fit is important. Some bike shops simply "eyeball" you and recommend a size while others will put you (at your expense) through a series of fit tests to find the "perfect" fit. If all you are doing is leisurely riding, them simply following the directions above will ensure that you have a fun and enjoyable experience.
If you are going on longer trail rides (paved or un-paved) ensuring that you have the proper tools is a very good idea. Getting a small bag that fits under your seat will hold everything you may need. Spare tube, tire changing kit, repair kit, small cloth to wipe your hands on, multi-tool specifically for bikes, some will even fit 2 or 3 CO2 cartridges for quick tire filling after a repair/replacement. While frame mounted mini hand pumps are handing, it could easily take 10+ minutes to fill an empty tire! CO2 is the quickest way to get back on the road; just ensure that you have more than 1 in case you mess the first one up!
As we head towards the middle of winter, find a gym that offers indoor spin classes so that you are geared up for the first spring time ride! Men sometimes have pre-conceived notions about spin class being for those of the opposite sex, but I can guarantee that it will be one of the hardest aerobic workouts you ever encounter. The beauty of it is that everyone can set their tension individually and work as hard as their body will allow them, so you will see men and women of all different ages, shapes and sizes working out at the same time.
That's about it! Follow this "quick guide" to get out there on the road safely, effectively, and efficiently. Happy cycling!
You always hear that you never forget to ride a bike. While that may be true, what most people do not know is how to ride a bike efficiently and effectively. Throughout the summer I ride local bike trailers often. Every 4 or 5 minutes I grimace at the sight of a rider working way too hard or riding in such a way that the strain on their knees will inevitably lead to back pain or knee problems.
At the simplest level, it is really very easy; find a position that is comfortable. To do this, you have to be able to listen to your body and know what to look for. If you seat is too high, you may have pain in your hips (you'll know your seat is too high if your hips are rocking from side to side as you pedal). If you have pain in your knee, your seat may be to low or to far forward/backward (if you have that adjustment). If that is the case try putting the seat at a height that allows your leg to be bent at approx 30 degrees. Lower back pain can be attributed in some cases to putting too much pressure/strain on the lower back, so try sitting up a bit in such a way that you aren't stretching out to reach the handle bars.
After you find a comfortable position, getting the proper bike fit is important. Some bike shops simply "eyeball" you and recommend a size while others will put you (at your expense) through a series of fit tests to find the "perfect" fit. If all you are doing is leisurely riding, them simply following the directions above will ensure that you have a fun and enjoyable experience.
If you are going on longer trail rides (paved or un-paved) ensuring that you have the proper tools is a very good idea. Getting a small bag that fits under your seat will hold everything you may need. Spare tube, tire changing kit, repair kit, small cloth to wipe your hands on, multi-tool specifically for bikes, some will even fit 2 or 3 CO2 cartridges for quick tire filling after a repair/replacement. While frame mounted mini hand pumps are handing, it could easily take 10+ minutes to fill an empty tire! CO2 is the quickest way to get back on the road; just ensure that you have more than 1 in case you mess the first one up!
As we head towards the middle of winter, find a gym that offers indoor spin classes so that you are geared up for the first spring time ride! Men sometimes have pre-conceived notions about spin class being for those of the opposite sex, but I can guarantee that it will be one of the hardest aerobic workouts you ever encounter. The beauty of it is that everyone can set their tension individually and work as hard as their body will allow them, so you will see men and women of all different ages, shapes and sizes working out at the same time.
That's about it! Follow this "quick guide" to get out there on the road safely, effectively, and efficiently. Happy cycling!
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