Every Professional were once a beginner, right? Even in cycling, if you have just started cycling today – no matter how old you are – you will soon be an expert.
Starting cycling can be very easy, but you may ask if there is something that you have to know at first. Well, there is.
We present the ultimate cycling guide for beginners -specifically for you- which includes everything you need before going out there to the streets.
1- First Things First: Choose Your Bike Carefully!
Before going to the shop to buy a bike, you should determine the type of bicycle you need.
This can vary according to your height, how long you are going to cycle every day, the road you will often ride on, and your style in cycling.
There isn’t any wrong choice, but there is a single best choice.
After determining your needs, choose the best bike fitting these needs. Here are a couple of examples to understand better, if you are tall, pick a bike with a higher chair (choose a chair 4 cm higher than you in the standing position).
If you need to go on tough roads, pick stronger wheels. After this step, find an affordable bike depending on how much are you ready to pay, you may find some brands are cheaper than the others.
2- Buy The Essential Accessories!
After you bought the right bike, you are going to need some accessories to cycle safely and easily.
The most essential thing is the helmet. This item can save your life in a certain situation as it prevents most of the head injuries after accidents.
It is better to choose a stylish and comfortable one, this can help you to wear it every time you ride a bike.
Don’t forget! Wearing a helmet may be necessary according to the law is certain areas and certain ages in the United States.
Are you trying to lose weight? If yes, a cycling computer or monitor will be very helpful in tracking the distance you have cut cycling.
In the beginning, you won’t be restricted to a certain pedal or shoes, but it is better to start with sports shoes and flat pedal.
Once you get familiar with the bike and streets, you will be able to identify your style and change the pedal or shoes accordingly.
Get a water bottle! This isn’t a necessary item for every cyclist, but if you are cycling for a long-distance consider having at least one bottle attached to your bike.
3- Identify Your Cycling Style!
The more you ride a bike, the more you are familiar with your cycling style.
Some cyclists enjoy their way to work with a bike and that it for them, others would like to compete with other cyclists.
Others would rather ride a bike alone on a quiet night or a sunny day. You can ride your bicycle in countless ways and still have fun – Don’t worry! You will find your style very easily, just try each and every way until you find your way.
4- Don’t Rush! And Create Your Own Way!
At first, you will be very motivated and your body will be full of adrenaline, but you have to control yourself and start gradually.
Make a realistic plan to start your cycling journey step by step, you may start with selecting certain days to cycle in their mornings.
On the selected days, start preparing yourself before going to the street. Bring your cycling accessories, fill the water bottle, and wear your cycling clothes (if you have some). There isn’t any problem with planning for the long term goal, but as we told you, BE REALISTIC!
Join A Cycling Club Or Group!
Depending only on your internal motivation can lead you to procrastinate eventually, that’s why you should try joining a club.
Cycling is a versatile sport, some people prefer to do it solo, and others would like to do it in groups, but every cyclist will get benefits from joining a club (even if you like cycling solo).
You may feel like cycling clubs members are professionals only and they will be able to identify your mistakes in the very first ride. Well, such clubs are there but they aren’t for beginners.
They are specific clubs for beginners, which are designed to help you find your first steps and tell you the common mistakes beginners do (to avoid them).
You may find trainers and experienced cyclists in these clubs, and they would tell you some advice on how to be consistent with cycling and how to get better.
Conclusion
If you want to be an expert cyclist, just follow our cycling guide for beginners before hitting the road.
This guide can help you know the first steps you need to follow to begin your journey.