Whether you’re learning to ride a bike for the first time or you’re a pro cyclist, everyone makes mistakes. It’s how we learn to become better riders. Sometimes you want to avoid making those mistakes in the first place, and that’s where this guide comes in handy.
Cyclists at Fancy Apple have been enjoying bike rides for years, and we’ve compiled a list of the more common mistakes beginners make. We want you to learn to ride comfortably, knowing everything you need to know about bike riding.
If you don’t have a bike of your own already, stop by any of our locations and browse our selection. Fancy Apple is ready to provide any bicycle you can think of, including electric bikes, which are usually a go-to for beginners as it provides an electrical assist while riding.
Cycling Essentials for Beginners
What you bring along with you during your bike rides is dependent on a lot of factors, where you’re heading, how long it will take, and what the weather’s like. No matter where you’re heading, you’ll always need to wear a helmet, a pair of sunglasses, and water bottles.
There are many quality helmets on the market nowadays, so it’s easy to find one that’s lightweight, affordable, and stylish. You don’t need to spend a ton of money on the most expensive model because all helmets on the market conform to current safety standards.
A good pair of sunglasses will keep the sunshine and insects out of your eyes during a long journey. Many sunglasses now feature interchangeable lenses so you can change them out between brighter and duller days.
Carrying at least one water bottle with you will help you stay hydrated during your journey. Regularly sipping water will also prevent lactic acid build-up that makes your muscles start to ache after use.
Cycling Tips for Beginners
One of the most common cycling mistakes beginners make is not planning for your journey. Before pedaling off, it’s helpful to ask yourself a few questions about where you’re heading. What does the path look like? Will you be cruising along the streets, a bike trail, meadows?
Will there be leaves or rocks on the ground, a hill to climb, or a slight bend in the road? How long will it take you to get there?
These questions will tell you what you need to bring along with you. Let’s talk about a few more things to know before you start riding:
Choose the Right Bike
After knowing where you’re heading, it’s time to decide on a bike that fits the journey. Cruiser bikes are great for casual riding because their large comfortable seat and wide tires allow you to glide across sand or small rocks.
If you’re riding on trails or hills, a mountain bike is a way to go as they have a low gear range to pedal up steep hills and shock absorbers to glide over anything in your path. A hybrid of these models can allow you to switch through both terrains easily.
Ride a Bike That’s Adjusted for Your Body and Style
After deciding on the type of bike, it’s good to adjust certain parts to fit your frame and riding style. You may need to adjust the fit of the bike as you develop as a cyclist, and having a friend around to help with adjustments the first few times is beneficial.
The first thing to do is place your bike on a level surface and see if your seat is level and in the center of the bike. You can then hop on the bike to see if the pedals and handlebar are comfortable. You’ll want to make sure that the balls of your feet are over the center of the pedals while your hands are comfortably holding onto the handlebars with your elbows slightly bent.
Saddle Height
Once the above is adjusted, you can focus on your seat. Adjusting the saddle height is the easiest to fix anywhere but requires a friend to help you out. Your friend can hold onto the bike from behind (or you can mount your bike in place) while you sit on the bike in a comfortable position and begin to pedal backward.
The perfect seat height is when your legs are completely extended at the bottom of the pedal strokes. As you pedal, you can ask Fancy Apple helper to assist you and tell if you’re rocking your hips from side to side as this is a tell-tale sign that the seat is too high.
Use Essential Accessories
In addition to a helmet, sunglasses, and a water bottle, there may be a few more items to carry along during bike rides: a bike lock and a repair kit.
Having a bike lock will give you the freedom to leave your bike unattended without worry. You invested in owning a bike and having a portable, the heavy-duty lock will keep it safe. A bike repair kit will come in handy when you puncture your tire miles away from your destination.
Suitable Clothing
When going on a short bike ride around your neighborhood, feel free to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable as long as it’s not too loose, so it doesn’t get caught in your chain. For longer rides, putting on a pair of bike shorts, a sweat-wicking t-shirt, and cycling shoes work great. Most days, that’s all you need, but if the weather says it may rain or get cold, it’s a good idea to bring a light, waterproof jacket along with you.
Correctly Shifting
As a beginner cyclist, you may be a little hesitant to shift gears. The gears on your bike help you glide when you’re not on level ground. You can change to a low or easy gear just before embarking on a big hill and a higher gear once you’re moving downhill. In addition to preventing wear and tear from grinding your gears, moving between gears will reduce how much power you need to put into pedaling.
Most bikes allow you to shift on both your back and front wheels providing a smoother ride. You can practice around the block, so you’re comfortable and confident when going on longer trips.
Not Grabbing Hard on the Brakes
A good rule of thumb is to use your brakes about evenly – use your front brakes about 40 percent of the time, and your back brakes 60 percent of the time. Most beginners avoid using their front brake as it can be jarring or abrupt if used forcefully.
That’s exactly why it’s essential to use them (correctly) as it can stop you immediately and safely when you need it. That said, remember to apply slightly less pressure on it, so you’re braking about the same as your rear brakes.
Not Sharing the Road
As a fellow rider, you have as much right to the road as other motorists. However, you’ll want to learn how to share the space and communicate with other people in the streets. Be confident when riding but use your hands and arms to signal when you’re changing lanes or slowing down.
Since the rules of the road also apply to you, be sure to stop at stop signs and traffic lights and let pedestrians pass. Also, be sure of blind spots behind large cars or trucks and make yourself seen by other motorists. To be aware of your surroundings, avoid having headphones in.
Riding Too Far, Too Hard, Too Soon
You may be excited to explore your surroundings with your new-found hobby. Take it slow; those places will always be there for you to find. Bike around your block, get used to the gears, your speed, and stamina, and build from there. Take as much time as you need to develop your comfort on a bike before going on long adventures.
Learning of your ability as a cyclist will keep expectations in check. It’s good to aim high, and it’s incredibly rewarding when you pass the goals you set for yourself, but it’s good to build your skill steadily.
Not Fueling For a Ride Correctly
Once you’re ready to bike far distances, make sure to pack a few snacks along with you. Your body has about 90 minutes’ worth of energy before it switches to burning fat – which is not as efficient. To prevent your body from crashing, it’s advisable to consume between 100 and 250 calories every 30 minutes.
Fancy Apple Is a Good Choice for Beginner Bike Riding for Adults and Children
There’s a ton to think about before you can enjoy bike riding. You may have a few questions or concerns, and we encourage you to stop by your local bike shop to get them answered. We’re excited to give you the tools you need to have a fun and safe biking experience.
With many bikes to choose from, we can help you find a bike that fits your frame and journey. We also offer bike tours for people of all experience levels as we want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, we also provide prepackaged picnics so you and your company can bike to your favorite spot and have a meal while enjoying each other’s time.
FAQ
Take your time learning about the bike: how to balance, how much force you need to pedal, how to brake. Learning a new skill takes time, and that’s ok.
Always wear a helmet and be aware of your surroundings. Communicate with other vehicles around you by using your arms and staying within their line of sight.
No, bikes are actually safer than most other forms of transportation.
Have your headphones on – this can prevent you from hearing what’s going on around you.
Very carefully. Remember to share the road and watch out for potholes or roadblocks.