Starting with cycling is a fantastic way to improve your fitness, see new places, and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re new to this sport, there’s a lot to learn, but don’t worry—I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can feel confident and excited to start. From choosing the right bike to staying safe, here’s everything you need to know about cycling for beginners.
Picking the right bike is the first step in your cycling journey. There are several types of bikes, each designed for a different style of riding. Here’s a breakdown:
Road Bikes
Road bikes are perfect if you plan to stick to smooth pavement and ride faster. They’re lightweight, have thinner tires, and are great for covering longer distances on roads. Road bikes often have “drop” handlebars, which curve down, allowing for an aerodynamic riding position. If you’re interested in speed and covering miles on paved roads, a road bike could be your best choice.
A great option to consider is the Vilano Shadow 3.0 Road Bike, which is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for beginners exploring road biking.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are built for off-road trails, rough paths, and hilly terrain. They have thicker tires with a lot of grip, so you won’t slip on uneven surfaces. These bikes often come with suspension (either on the front or both front and rear), which absorbs shock from bumpy trails, making your ride smoother and safer on rough ground.
If you’re looking for a bike that can handle a bit of everything, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike is a fun choice for beginners who want to explore nature and trails.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes combine features of both road and mountain bikes. They work well on both paved roads and light trails, making them perfect for beginners who want to try different terrains. They often have flat handlebars for a comfortable, upright position and slightly thicker tires than road bikes, offering stability on various surfaces.
If you’re uncertain about your main riding style, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike is an excellent option. It’s comfortable and versatile, so you can ride in the city, on bike paths, or even on a few light trails.
Once you have your bike, getting the right gear will make your rides safer and more comfortable. Here are a few essentials to consider:
Helmet
Your helmet is the most crucial piece of gear for protecting your head. A helmet should fit snugly but comfortably on your head, covering your forehead and sitting level without tilting. Look for one that meets safety standards and has features like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which provides extra safety in the event of a crash.
For a reliable helmet option, check out the Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet, which offers added protection and comfort.
Clothing
Wearing the right clothing makes a big difference, especially on longer rides. Cycling clothes are made from moisture-wicking fabrics, which help keep you dry and cool. Padded shorts can reduce the discomfort of sitting on the bike saddle for extended periods, and bright-colored jerseys can make you more visible to drivers and other cyclists.
To make your ride more comfortable, try the sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts with Padding, which reduces saddle discomfort and allows for a smoother experience.
Shoes
The shoes you wear can affect your pedaling efficiency and comfort. While any sturdy athletic shoes work for beginners, there are specialized cycling shoes that clip into your pedals, offering a more secure connection. This helps you use your energy more efficiently while pedaling. If clip-in shoes sound complicated, you can also use flat pedals and regular shoes as you start out.
Gloves
Choosing the right biking gloves is crucial for comfort and control during your rides. Gloves protect your hands from the elements and improve grip, which is vital for both safety and performance. Features to consider include material that offers shock absorption to minimize road vibration and fatigue. Gloves with a good grip enhance handlebar control, particularly in wet conditions.
For summer riding, opt for gloves with breathable fabric like the Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 Gloves, which prevent overheating while providing cushioning. In colder weather, Pearl Izumi – Ride Pro AMFIB Lobster Gloves offer warmth and flexibility, ensuring your hands stay protected and agile. Properly fitting biking gloves reduce the risk of blisters and improve overall comfort, making your cycling experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Understanding basic maintenance will keep your bike running smoothly and prevent any unexpected problems while you’re out riding.
Check Tire Pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated is crucial. Low tire pressure can make pedaling harder and increase the chance of getting a flat. A bike pump with a pressure gauge makes it easy to check and inflate your tires. Look at the side of your tire for the recommended pressure, and pump it up before each ride.
Chain Care
Your bike’s chain needs regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure smooth gear shifting. A dirty or dry chain can wear out quickly and make your ride less smooth. Wipe down your chain occasionally and apply a small amount of chain lubricant.
For a straightforward solution, the Park Tool CG-2.4 Bicycle Chain and Drivetrain Cleaning Kit is an easy way to keep your chain in top shape.
Brake Check
Brakes are one of the most critical parts of your bike. Before each ride, squeeze the brake levers to make sure they’re responsive. Check the brake pads, which are the rubber parts that press against the wheel to stop it. If they look worn out, it’s time to replace them.
As a beginner, it’s important to build up your cycling skills gradually. Don’t rush into long or challenging rides—start small and build up your confidence.
Practice Balance and Control
Before you hit the roads or trails, spend some time practicing basic skills in a quiet area, like an empty parking lot or a park path. Practice starting, stopping, and turning. Get a feel for using your brakes smoothly, especially the front brake, which is more powerful.
Short Rides First
Start with shorter rides and gradually increase the distance as you get comfortable. This way, you’ll build strength and stamina without feeling too tired or overwhelmed. A 10–15 minute ride is a great start. As you feel stronger, add a few more minutes each time you go out.
Stick to Flat Roads
Begin on flat, easy roads or bike paths. Hills can be challenging, especially for beginners, so save those for later when you’re feeling stronger and more confident. Riding on flat roads lets you focus on getting comfortable without the added difficulty of inclines.
Gears are there to make cycling easier, especially on different types of terrain. But they can be a little confusing at first! Here’s a quick breakdown:
Lower Gears
Lower gears make pedaling easier, which is helpful for climbing hills or riding against the wind. To shift to a lower gear, change to a bigger cog on the back wheel or a smaller chainring at the front.
Higher Gears
Higher gears make pedaling harder but help you go faster on flat or downhill roads. For these, you’ll use a smaller cog on the back wheel or a larger chainring in the front.
A bike computer like the CAT EYE Velo 7 Bike Computer can track your speed, distance, and time, which helps you gauge how gears affect your performance and improve over time.
Cycling safely is key to enjoying your ride, especially when you’re sharing roads or paths with others.
Stay Alert
Always stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re riding on a road, keep an eye out for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Avoid using headphones, so you can hear traffic and people around you.
Use Hand Signals
When riding on the road, using hand signals to indicate turns and stops helps communicate your intentions to others. Extend your left hand out for a left turn, your right hand for a right turn, and raise your hand up to signal a stop.
Ride Predictably
Avoid sudden moves and stick to a straight line. If you need to pass someone, give a quick “On your left!” so they know you’re approaching.
For added safety during low-light rides, the Ascher USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set provides bright front and rear lights, helping you stay visible to others on the road.
Cycling can be a great workout, so staying hydrated and fueled is essential.
Bring Water
Always have a water bottle on your bike, especially for longer rides. Dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish, so it’s essential to drink regularly.
Light Snacks
If you’re planning a ride over an hour, bring along some snacks for a quick energy boost. Energy bars, bananas, or trail mix are easy to carry and eat on the go.
The Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle keeps your water cool, perfect for hot days or long rides.
Tracking your progress can be motivating, especially when you’re starting. Apps like Strava or MapMyRide allow you to log your rides, track your speed, distance, and routes, and see how you improve over time.
For more detailed tracking, the Garmin Edge 130 Plus GPS Cycling/Bike Computer is a fantastic option, helping you monitor your distance, speed, and route, and encouraging you to set and achieve new goals.
Learning more about cycling techniques and maintenance can boost your confidence and make your rides more enjoyable.
For a deeper dive into bike care, consider reading *“The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance & Repair”*, which offers helpful advice for beginners looking to learn the basics of bike maintenance.
Cycling for beginners is an exciting journey. With the right bike, gear, and tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying the open road or trail. Remember to take things at your own pace, focus on safety, and most importantly, have fun as you discover the joys of cycling!