Cycling has such a steep learning curve for the novice cyclist.
You’ll need to know about equipment, racing, training, etiquette in the bunch rides and where to ride. Maintenance, what to buy and what not to buy etc etc.
Then there’s getting to know what licenses you need to race, overcoming the fear of racing because you’re unsure of what it takes.
So much to learn, but part of the attraction is that depth to it. I’m still learning on a daily basis, many years down the track.
Rest assured, once this sport sinks it’s teeth in there’s no going back. Very few people I know truly hang up the bike and move on from it.
So to keep you coming back for more, I written my top 8 tips for new cyclists
- Don’t get the best of everything – Your first bike and equipment should be middle of the road. You don’t need the best. For example, some of the best cyclists I know still race on Shimano Ultegra rather than Dura-ace. It’s cheaper to buy initially and when parts wear out, it’s cheap to replace. The same goes for equipment, work out what you like first. You don’t want to buy an expensive road bike, only to find out that mountain biking is much more fun.
- Bunch riding – Bunch riding is probably one of the most exciting things you’ll do in the sport. It’s a great way to meet new people and then slag them off for beating you to the cafe. Two ways to find bunch rides in your area.
- Contact Cycling Australia and they will point you in the right direct for your state.
- another option is Bunch Ride Finder
- Train very hard – NOT! – It takes at least 5 years to become an excellent racing cyclist. There are no shortcuts so why rush it? Think about your longevity in the sport and just enjoy cycling. Improvements in fitness will come over time. Find some bunch rides, learn from the pro’s, read your books and watch how others do it. Don’t smash yourself into oblivion every time you get on the bike.
- Clothing – Buy knicks with a good chamois. Only buy bib-knicks. Use chamois cream when riding to avoid saddle sores – trust me you don’t want your gooch getting all funky. Wear gloves in case you come off the bike. There’s nothing worse than skin off you hands.
- Riding locations – Stay away from main roads or roads with heavy traffic – There are alternatives and drivers hate us enough as it is. Stay in groups and use lights at all times of poor light.
- Local Bike Shops – Build a good relationship with your local bike shop. I’ve had a problem with LBS’s for a while but you’ll need them for maintenance on your bike and spares. It’s good to get discount but once you get all friendly, don’t expect any decent level of customer service.
- Racing – Don’t be scared to dip your toes in the racing scene. You don’t need to be flying like Lance or Cadel to race. In fact getting dropped and coming back for more next week is part of the fun and the process of improving. Start in the lower grades and just learn the tactics.
- Maintenance on your bike – Learning the basics – how to change a flat whilst training, keeping you bike oiled and clean, minor adjustments, truing a buckled wheel. Buy a basic toolkit.
- Take food on your rides – ALWAYS take a muesli bar or some sort of food on your rides. You don’t want to bonk out on the road hours away from home. Either that or take a wallet and some money.
- Take spares riding – A spare tube or two and a pump is essential. It’ll be an expensive taxi ride home otherwise.
There are loads more tips that I’m thinking of as I write but I’ll save them for another post.
Are there any you can think of?
Photo credit MarkDM
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