How To Get Into Cycling (Easy Guide)

Cycling is an excellent way to get fit, save money and help the environment. All you need is a bicycle, which can be bought for as little as £100 (sometimes less).

How To Ride A Bike From Scratch!

Sure, here’s a single column takeaway table for “How to Get into Cycling – Easy Guide”:

Takeaways
Cycling is a great low-impact workout that can benefit both physical and mental health.
If you’re new to cycling, start with short, easy rides to build your confidence and endurance.
Make sure you have the right equipment, including a well-fitting bike and helmet, before you start cycling.
Set goals and track your progress to stay motivated and continue improving.
Don’t forget to stretch before and after rides to prevent injury and improve flexibility.

Get A Bike

The most important thing to do is to get a bicycle that fits you. Bikes come in all different sizes, so it’s important to find one that fits your body size and shape (and desired riding style).

When looking for a bike, make sure it’s the right size for you.

If everything else is right but it doesn’t fit, there won’t be any point in buying the bike at all because then it won’t feel good while riding or look nice when parked in your living room.

The next step is making sure that the bike fits your riding style and personality. Some people like biking because they enjoy being outdoors; others like biking because they want exercise; still others enjoy the speed and adrenaline rush of racing other cyclists on open roads or trails.

Nearly everyone enjoys biking for recreation, which means that there are thousands of types of bicycles available from road bikes with skinny tires designed for pavement use to mountain bikes with thick treads meant for dirt paths through forests that cater perfectly to each rider’s needs!

The best thing about this process is discovering what kind of cycling works best for YOU!

To lose weight through cycling, you need to make sure you’re fueling your body properly. Check out our easy guide for tips on how to create a nutrition plan that supports your cycling goals.

Dress For The Occasion

Dress for the occasion. Cycling is a sport that requires clothing that is comfortable and fit for cycling, but you don’t have to wear lycra to be a cyclist.

Wearing loose clothes with too much fabric bunched up around your legs can become annoying as you’re pedaling and moving about on your bike.

Conversely, wearing anything too tight might restrict your range of motion and make riding uncomfortable or even painful. When choosing what to wear while riding, it’s important not only that you think about how comfortable it will be but also how safe it will be:

You want pants or shorts that aren’t too long so they don’t get caught in the chain or gears; if they’re too short, they could ride up when you’re pedaling hard and we all know what happens when something rides up!

For tops (either shirts or jerseys), make sure they’re not too big: You don’t want them getting caught in gears since this could cause injury over time as well as damage equipment beyond repair!

Learn How To Fix A Puncture

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, it’s always a good idea to learn how to fix your own punctures.

If you do get a flat tyre, especially on the side of the road in rough terrain, it can be very difficult to find someone who can help you.

In fact, even if there are lots of vehicles around and someone offers their help, they may not have any tire repair equipment with them!

You’ll need two things: time and patience. The task is simple enough but repairing a tire is best done slowly and methodically so that no mistakes are made.

Luckily for us puncture repairs don’t require any special tools; just some basic supplies that all cyclists should carry at all times (such as extra tubes or patches).

Want to get faster at cycling? Incorporating interval training into your routine can help. Learn more about this technique and other easy tips for improving your speed with our guide.

Make Sure Your Bike Fits You

If it’s too big, you can’t sit on it, and if it’s too small, it’ll hurt your back muscles.

Your knees should be bent at more than 90 degrees when pedaling. If they aren’t, the seat is too low; if they’re over 90 degrees, the seat is too high.

Make sure there’s no toe overlap (where one foot hits the front wheel). To remedy this problem if there is some toe overlap, adjust the pedals until both feet are flat on the floor while sitting down with feet in their proper positions for riding a bike

Invest In A Helmet

A helmet should be worn any time you are on a bicycle. It is an important piece of equipment that can save your life if you fall off of your bike and hit the ground.

If you don’t wear a helmet, there is a good chance that it will be too late to do anything about it when something bad happens.

It is also important that your helmet fits properly and is replaced every five years because they degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat or cold extremes for extended periods of time.

You don’t want a helmet that is too large or small either because this can cause pain in different areas depending on what type of head shape yours is – round heads tend towards tighter fitting helmets while oval shaped heads tend towards looser fitting ones (although everyone’s head shape varies).

Cycling can be a great workout for your glutes, but you need to make sure you’re activating these muscles properly. Check out our expert tips for engaging your glutes and maximizing your efforts on the bike.

Don’t Be An Anti-Social Cyclist

This can mean a few different things, but the core idea is that you shouldn’t isolate yourself from other cyclists. This can include:

Asking for help when you need it (e.g., asking for directions if you get lost)

Asking other cyclists about their favorite places to ride (or, even better—asking them to come along with you!)
Letting someone else know that they should try cycling as well (if they’re interested in trying)

Learn Some Basic Mechanics

If you know nothing about bikes, it’s a good idea to learn some basic mechanics. There are lots of things that can go wrong with a bike and knowing how to fix them will save you money in the long run. Here are some things that every cyclist should know:

How to change the tyre on their own (this is key).
How to fix a puncture (you might need more than one tube).
How to tighten loose bolts and nuts. If something feels like it might fall off, chances are it will fall off if you don’t tighten those bolts! That goes for pedals too. Be sure they’re tight!

Howesver, if all else fails…you’ll need to learn how adjust gears properly so that your chain doesn’t fall off when riding fast downhill at high speeds (and also because it’s fun as hell).

If you’re looking to lower your heart rate while cycling, you may need to slow down and focus on your breathing. Our guide offers some simple strategies and other tips to manage your heart rate during a ride.

Buy A Decent Lock And Use It

If you’re planning on locking your bike up, don’t skimp. Use a high-quality U-lock to secure your frame, rear wheel and front wheel to something sturdy (ideally an immovable object like a bike rack or a signpost).

If possible, avoid locking your bike to anything that can be easily cut through with boltcutters or sawed through with wirecutters, such as trees and fences.

If you need to leave your bike for any length of time during the day and know it will be safe where it is left unattended, lock it up anyway.

This might mean taking off the pedals or removing one of the wheels if they don’t spin freely enough when locked together.

Don’t attach your locks directly around the frame; this makes them more susceptible to being broken off by thieves looking for quick access. Instead attach them loosely so they can still turn but not come loose easily.

This way potential thieves will have to spend more time trying different methods while they’re working on getting into your bike and less time just cutting through everything else in sight like normal people do when they want something bad enough!

Start Small

Now that you know the basics of cycling, it’s time to get started. But before you go out and buy a fancy road bike or even a cheap one, start small.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Start with a short ride no more than 10 miles at first. If that feels good and doesn’t leave you exhausted or sore, then try building up from there until you’re able to comfortably ride 20 miles in one day. Then increase your distance again (but not too quickly).

Try riding at least once a week for the first month of doing this activity regularly. You may want to make it part of your routine so that going for a ride becomes something natural for you instead of something that requires planning!

Lactic acid buildup can be a major challenge for cyclists, but there are ways to help reduce it. Learn more about the science behind lactic acid and get some easy tips for managing it with our guide.

Kick It Up A Notch Every Month Or So

The best way to get into cycling is to start with a short ride and then add distance, hills, speed and so on. Just like in running, you don’t want to do too much too soon.

If you’re new to cycling, it takes a while for your body to adapt. Go slow at first and build up your endurance over time (I’m talking months here).

Start with something easy: all you need is a bike that fits properly and some flat terrain where there aren’t any cars around; this will allow you to find out whether or not cycling is right for you without risking injury or getting into trouble with the law!

Once that’s done we can move onto more difficult challenges like adding hills or heading out on unfamiliar roads where there are no sidewalks (this requires more skill).

Finally we’ll discuss how different types of bikes affect how fast one can go and what kinds of routes they should be ridden on – these details will help determine which type might suit someone best based on their fitness level as well as personal preferences!

Ride With Friends Who Are Also Learning How To Cycle

It’s a good idea to ride with someone who is learning how to cycle, too. You can share tips and tricks, motivate each other and help each other out if there is a problem.

Riding with Friends – The Benefits of Learning with a Buddy

Benefits
You can share tips and tricks with each other on how to improve your cycling skills.
Having a friend to cycle with can help motivate you and keep you accountable in reaching your goals.
If you encounter any problems, you can help each other out, making your cycling journey safer and less daunting.
You can explore new routes together and have someone to share the cycling experience with.
Cycling with a friend can be a fun and enjoyable way to stay active and improve your physical and mental health.

Remember That Cycling Is Back-Breaking Work At First

One of the most important things to remember when starting out cycling is that it is hard work at first. It’s okay if you don’t get it right away, because riding a bike is an entirely new skill and takes time to develop.

If you have never ridden a bike before, then definitely start off with learning how to ride one. That way, once you’ve learned how to ride a bike safely and efficiently (which can take several days), then cycling will be much easier for you.

Cycling is good for your health and can improve your mental health as well! You’ll be getting fresh air while burning calories at the same time! Cycling also reduces stress levels and boosts energy levels in those who do it regularly enough (usually 2-3 times per week).

Don’t Just Ride On Smooth Roads And Flat Pavements

One of the biggest benefits to cycling is that it’s a great way to get in shape, but not every ride you do should be done on smooth roads and flat pavements.

Variety is important when it comes to training for a sport, so if you want an effective workout, make sure that you’re mixing in some hill climbs or off-road cycling into your routine.

The term “mountain biking” refers to off-road riding – meaning riding over obstacles like rocks and roots – while “enduro” refers specifically to long-distance endurance races.

These two types of bikes vary greatly from road bikes because they have wider tires and are built for maximum stability over rough terrain.

You don’t need these types of specialized bicycles unless you plan on doing lots of mountain or enduro riding (and even then, there are other options), but adding some variety can definitely spice up any type of bike ride!

Vary Your Routes – The Benefits of Mixing Up Your Terrain

Benefits
Cycling on different terrain can challenge your abilities and help you build more strength and endurance.
Mixing up your routes can prevent boredom and motivate you to keep cycling.
Cycling on dirt or gravel paths adds an element of adventure to your ride and allows you to explore new areas that may not be accessible by road.
Riding uphill can build strength in your legs and improve your cardiovascular system, while downhill cycling can improve your bike handling skills.
Exploring different routes can also help you avoid crowded and busy roads, making your cycling more enjoyable and less stressful.

Conclusion

I hope that you’ve found this article helpful when starting your cycling journey. I know how daunting it can be, but don’t worry – with a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be a pro!

FAQs

What kind of bike should I buy as a beginner?

The type of bike you should buy depends on the kind of cycling you want to do. If you’re just getting started, a hybrid bike or a road bike with flat handlebars are great options for riding on paved roads or bike paths. Mountain bikes are better for rough terrain or off-road trails.

How do I know what size bike to buy?

The best way to determine the right size bike for you is to try a few different models and sizes. You can also use a bike size calculator or consult with a bike fitting specialist to ensure you get the right fit.

What should I wear when cycling?

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement, such as padded shorts and a moisture-wicking shirt. Don’t forget a helmet and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes, respectively. It’s also a good idea to wear cycling gloves to protect your hands and improve your grip on the handlebars.

How can I stay safe while cycling?

Always wear a helmet, obey traffic laws, and stay visible to other road users by using lights and reflective gear. It’s also important to use hand signals to indicate turns and avoid distractions while riding.

How often should I maintain my bike?

Regular bike maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking tire pressure, and inspecting the brakes, can help ensure your bike is safe and running smoothly. How often you need to perform these tasks depends on how often you ride, as well as the weather and conditions you encounter while cycling.

Hellen James

Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.