There are tons of mistakes people make when cycling. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vet, everybody makes mistakes. The only true way to learn is to try. However, the list below may help people not make as many mistakes.
1. Make sure the saddle height of the bicycle is just right for you.
As a guide for the saddle height, check the following:
- Step 1: Ride along with your heel on the pedal. When your leg is on the bottom pedal heel stroke, your leg should be almost straight, but very slightly bent. Set your saddle at this height.
- Step 2: Then, riding with your foot in the correct position, you should be riding in the most efficient way possible and it should feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to adjust, if necessary.
- Step 3: You should be able to touch the ground with at least your tip toes, while you are seated. If not, then readjust or get a smaller bicycle.
2. Not fueling for a ride correctly.
You have to eat correctly in order to get the maximum effect out of the ride. Running out of steam is generally referred to as the “bonk”. It’s a great idea to have food and drink with you, just in case.
3. Braking around corners is harder than you think.
Braking incorrectly can cause problems. To eliminate this problem, try to brake before you enter the corner or turn, to avoid losing your footing or complete control of the bike.
4. If you are going on a longer ride, it’s important to pack spare tools and inner tubes.
Get a saddle bag or a small backpack to put your tools and spares in. Some of the things you should keep with you are 2 inner tubes, tire levers, instant patches, mini pumps, and multi-tools.
5. Grabbing the brakes too hard.
This is a common, but dangerous mistake. You can destabilize your bike and quite possibly lose control of the bike, causing you to wreck. To avoid this mess, brake slowly before you need to stop. Slow down first, to ensure stability.
6. Riding too far, too fast.
One of the biggest mistakes that cyclists make is overdoing it. Going too far, too fast. Slow down and map out your way before you go. Try to start out slow. If you have never ridden before, then don’t go as far as you would if you were an expert. Otherwise, make sure you bring a mobile phone with you, in case you can’t get back to where you started and you need to call someone to pick you up. You should also have a bike lock with you, in case your ride doesn’t have room to pack your bike.
7. Poor bike maintenance.
This mistake happens all the time. Take the time to inspect your bike and make sure that it is in proper working condition. Make your own checklist and stick to it. Get into the habit of checking the bike every time you are about to go out for a ride. Pay particular attention to the brakes, handlebars, and tires. Make sure the tires are properly aired up and the brake cables are working.
8. Avoid tight clothing.
This is a big one. You see advertising with cyclists wearing tight bike shorts and tight-fitting t-shirts. Avoid this. Wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Make sure to check the weather where you are riding. Check for the duration of your ride. For the colder climates, overdress slightly. It’s better to dress in layers. This will make it easier to get comfortable during your ride. It is wise to have an extra shirt to change into if you sweat a lot. You don’t want to catch a chill. This can lead to many health problems. Pack a wind and waterproof jacket, so you can stay dry. This is especially important for hilly terrain and mountainous regions. Climate changes are to be expected in these areas. Plan ahead.
9. Not using gears appropriately.
Gears help the whole ride. They make it a more efficient ride. Most brand name bikes have upwards of twenty gears. Learn every gear and what they should be properly used for. Use higher gears with less resistance on inclines and use lower gears on straight and flat stretches of road. It is common if you are weight training your legs, to use lower gears most of the time. The key is to use a gear that is most comfortable for you.
10. Squeaking Chain.
Not only is this incredibly annoying, but it can cause major damage to a bike. A squeaking chain means that there is rust at play. Rust is not good for your gears at all. You can grind down the teeth of the gears if left in disrepair. This is not a good thing if you are on a long ride and your bike breaks down.
Hopefully, this list will help you avoid many of the pitfalls of cycling, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride, or power through an aggressive climb.
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