Before you go
The right pressure should be applied to your tires
The simplest part of maintaining your cycle is to ensure that you have the correct pressure in your tyres. How do I know the correct pressure to use? It’s easy to find out – just look at the sidewalls of your tyres.
The tyre manufacturer will have a range of recommended pressures rather than a single absolute pressure. This is so that you can adjust tyres pressures depending on the conditions.
Don’t over-inflate your tyres if you are going to a place that could be slippery and wet. Fill them up if it is dry and you’re looking to get the most out of your bike.
Your saddle height and riding position should be correct
Too low saddles make it difficult to pedal and use all your leg power. Saddles too high can cause you to strain and lead to injuries. You should set your saddle so that your knee is slightly bent when you are at the bottom pedal stroke.
Then make sure you are in the right position on your bike. When you are in your normal riding position, the handlebar should be blocking your view of your front wheel hub.
If you are experiencing backache, or any other pain, visit your local bike shop and ask them if there is anything they can do to help you adjust your position.
Dress for the weather
The old cycling saying goes: “There is no wrong weather, only the wrong clothing.” And most of the times, it’s true. Layering clothes is a great way to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions. How to ride a bike in cold weather and in the summer heat is a little more difficult.
What to Take
Water and food
Take some fluids and ride rations along with you. You can refuel yourself with snacks like bananas, flapjacks or jelly babies (for a quick boost of sugar).
Scientifically-formulated products, such as electrolyte beverages and protein bars, can help you avoid cramps or other midride problems and maximize the benefits of your efforts.
Padded shorts
It’s a common misconception that new cyclists need padded saddles with huge padding to protect their rear, but this is not true. You can increase the distance and time of your rides as you become more comfortable. Wearing underwear beneath padded shorts can rub and cause saddle sores.
Cycling gloves and mitts
New riders tend to forget about their hands. They can become tired very quickly. A pair of gloves or mitts with padding will help.
Bring a lock (just incase) and some lights.
If you plan to go out for a few hours, or even if it’s just for a couple of hours, you should still have lights on your bike.
Carrying a lock is also useful for unplanned cafe or corner shop visits. Even if your bike is left unattended, it’s not safe.
Keep a saddle pack stocked with spares, tools and cash
You can solve most mid-ride issues by keeping a few tools in your saddlebag or saddle pack. Multi-tools with different bits will allow you to adjust mechanical components. A chain tool can help you repair a broken chain. You’ll also need tyre-lever, a puncture repair kit/spare tube and a mini-pump.
It’s a good idea to keep some cash on hand and also a credit card.
Where to go
Increase your distance gradually.
A park or trail without traffic is the perfect place to gain confidence for your first ride. You should aim to cycle for five miles if you haven’t done so in a while. Then, gradually increase your distance. The best way to build strength and confidence is to exercise frequently and little.
Find some riding buddies
It’s great to cycle alone. You can clear your head, enjoy solitude and appreciate the beauty of nature without being distracted. It’s also fun to ride with others. Having a cycling buddy will make you improve in all areas of cycling much faster. You can join a Community Cycling Club or your local group to take part in rides designed for beginners.
It’s time to map it out
You can plan a challenge for your ride in advance. It is fun to explore the road or trails and see what the day brings, but it is also more rewarding to know the route ahead of time. You can use online mapping to plan a great route (or get back home if you’re lost). Our routes, journey planner and cycle area guides can also be of assistance.
What to Do
Use your gears to the fullest
Not everyone understands the workings of gears. You will learn to understand how changing gears makes you go faster or work harder. Your ultimate goal should be to maintain a steady pace by using your gears.
Keep a steady pedal rhythm
You don’t want to strain your legs to pedal or spin them like crazy. You want to aim for a pedalling pace or ‘cadence,’ of about 70-90 rotations per minute.
You will increase your endurance, improve your overall health, and work on your aerobic, cardiovascular system. Use your gears to maintain 70-90 rpm.
Confidence on the road
It is a common misconception that new riders should ride as close to the curb as possible to stay safe. This is not true. You might not be seen by other road users or they may try to squeeze through when there is not enough space. Take a confident stance on the road. Ride at least 1m away from the kerb and insist that you have the right to use the carriageway. This road positioning video should be helpful.
Inside pedal up – Learn how to corner correctly
You’ll learn more about riding techniques as you ride, but here’s a simple tip to get started: lift your inside pedal when you turn a corner so that it is at the top part of the pedal stroke. When you lean in the corner, your pedal will not hit the ground.
Be careful of other road users
You can learn a lot from cycling about the way people drive, including yourself. You should be aware that other road users make mistakes. Also, do not take anything for granted.
Do not hang your helmet from the handlebar
Avoid riding with your helmet hanging off the handlebar. It is extremely dangerous, as the straps could get caught on your front wheel.
Embrace exploration
Cycling is a great way to travel, especially with a bike that can handle different terrains. You can ride down a lane if you are unsure of its destination.
What to do when you return?
Cleaning your bike
As simple as cycling maintenance can be, cleaning your bike is also easy. All you need is some elbow grease and a few specialized lubricants. You can read our guide on how to clean your bike.
Secure your bicycle
Lock your bike in a safe place at home. Stop your bike being stolen offers advice on how to keep your bicycle safe at home.
You should be proud of your achievements
A activity monitor to keep track of your cycling distances and whereabouts without the need to manually record them in a training journal. This can be an excellent way to motivate you to continue.
Learn about cycling
How to fix a puncture
The modern puncture-resistant tires are great, but if you ride for any amount of time you will eventually get a puncture. It pays to practice changing an inner tube comfortably before you have to do it on the road.
When you fix a punctured tire, be sure to remove the original cause of the hole. Otherwise, the inner tube will also pop.
Buy a bike service book
It’s not difficult to understand how bikes work, as they are usually very simple pieces of technology.
Ask your local bike shop for help with any job you are not sure about. However, you may be surprised at how much you can do yourself at home if you have the right tools and bike maintenance books.