Compared to other endurance sports like marathon running, cycling is a relatively low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here are 5 cycling tips that will prepare you for your first ride so you can keep injuries at bay and enjoy the experience!
5 things you need to know before you start cycling
Safety first
One of the most important cycling safety tips is to get yourself a helmet.
Even though there is no helmet law in India for cyclists, it goes without saying that protecting your head from injuries should be your topmost priority. You can also get other protective gear like knee pads and elbow pads for added safety.
Adjust your saddle
Having the wrong saddle height can increase your chances of injury.
A saddle that is too low will put extra pressure on your knees, whereas one that is too high can strain your legs. A general rule of thumb is to have your saddle at a height where your knee only has a slight bend at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Play around with the saddle’s height till you find what works best for you.
Ease into it
One of the biggest cycling tips we can give you is to avoid doing too much too soon.
Gradually build up your stamina and endurance by cycling shorter distances in the beginning. Let your body get accustomed to this new form of exercise before increasing your riding time and distance. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down before and after your bike ride to prevent the risk of injuries. You can keep a track of your cycling progress over time with apps like StepSetGo. StepSetGo (SSG) not only helps you measure and analyze your cycling metrics but also rewards you with in-app coins for every ride you complete!
Understand proper cycling technique
Cycling is a fairly easy sport to learn and master.
With the right cycling technique and road cycling tips, you will feel confident and enjoy the ride more. Learn to use your cycle gears, pedal at a comfortable and steady rhythm, keep a slight bend at your elbows to avoid shoulder and neck pain, understand the difference between front and back brakes, and know all the street and traffic rules to have a safe ride.
Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance
Your bicycle probably won’t need its first maintenance until much later.
However, it is a good practice to learn to identify and fix some basic wear and tear. You should know how to clean and lubricate your bicycle chains and check the tyre pressure. Learning to fix a puncture is also an important cycling safety tip that will take you a long way.
