Choosing a bicycle is tough, but putting together a complete outfit of proper cycling clothes is not easy. Here’s an introduction to cycling clothing, starting with the most important items. (You could easily spend over $1000 on cycling clothes, but you certainly don’t have to.) Helmet The most important part of your outfit is the [...]
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One of the most important lessons in cycling, if not the most important of all, is this rule: Look where you want to go. It’s simple, but easier said than done. It’s important though, because where your head and eyes go, your body will follow. Look through turns to the exit. Don’t look at obstacles [...]
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Weight training is a good idea. It doesn’t apply directly to improved cycling, but there are many benefits for cyclists. Build some upper body strength. Upper body strength helps you control the bicycle. Build bone mass. Cycling is not a weight-bearing activity and therefore does not build much bone mass. Add resistance training to help [...]
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Knowing when and how to apply your brakes for best results will help you stop safely in all conditions and avoid crashing. (Improperly applying the brakes could actually lead to a crash!) Braking isn’t that complicated, but you do need to follow some basic advice. Don’t listen to these people. Before I give you proper [...]
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Many new riders forget about pumping up their tires. They simply ride their bike until the tires get really squishy. Only then do they bother to think about adding more air. But checking your tire pressure each week is a great way to ensure a safe, comfortable ride and the longest life out of your [...]
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The most important exercises you will do as a cyclist do not focus on your quads! Instead, you need to exercise the muscles that cycling uses, but does not strengthen. Your core. But not just your abs. It’s your abs, obliques, back, and glutes and hamstrings. Do these exercises 2-3 times per week: Decline push [...]
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Most public roadways aren’t pristine stretches of asphalt. They are typically covered in obstacles and present various hazards that are quite dangerous when you’re on a bicycle. Here is a quick guide on how to navigate over or around obstacles on the road. Pot holes. The best method is to ride around a pot hole. [...]
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Cornering is an essential skill. When done properly, it is tons of fun! Here are the steps to cornering properly. Slow down. Slow before the turn. Don’t brake during the turn. Braking during a turn is dangerous, which is why you want to do all your braking before the turn. Feather the rear brake if [...]
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If you’re new to bicycling, you might want to improve quickly. While you don’t want to go too fast, here are some tips to improve quickly. Spend time on the bike. Ride lots. More time on the bike, more time to figure things out. Ride lots in a variety of conditions. Practice makes perfect. Join [...]
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If you are commuting to work, it’s likely that part of your route will put on on city streets, where you have to face downtown traffic. Here are some tips to have a safe commute. Ride like you’re invisible. Anticipate cars getting in your way like if you weren’t there, because chances are, even if [...]