The first lockdown in March saw a considerable number of people getting outdoors for exercise each day, with cycling becoming an incredibly popular choice for those people who wanted to travel just a little further from home, explore the local area and get plenty of exercise to combat the mental stresses of the pandemic. If you didn’t get bitten by the cycling bug back then, there is still plenty of time for you to do so.
If you are not sure where to start when it comes to cycling, Booicore offers some top tips to give you the push you need, from finding the right kit, such as the right bike and helmet, to some things you may not have considered.
Different types of cycling
Before you get out there and start purchasing the equipment you might need, you should look at what type of cycling you are interested in. Are you aiming to give Chris Boardman a run for his money, or do you fancy yourself as the next Rachel Atherton? If it’s the former, you will need a bike suitable for road biking, and if it’s the latter, then a mountain bike should be your bike of choice. Your location may also decide the type of cycling you want to do; if you live in the middle of the countryside, there is more opportunity for a bit of off-road cycling.
Choose an electric bike from brands like Cube to meet your exercise minutes for the day. Bike to work everyday or explore mountains and hills on weekends—ride your bike everywhere. You can be creative in finding ways to exercise with your electric bike when you have a busy schedule.
The right kit
As with any type of sport, the right kit is hugely important, so once you have decided what type of cycling you would prefer, the first thing you will need is the right bicycle. There are plenty of great independent bike shops out there, so if you are unsure which bike you need, ask them. They will be happy to help you find something suited to your needs. They can also help you to get it set up to the right heights for comfortable cycling and offer you suggestions on accessories that you might want to take with you on your adventures, such as a repair kit in case you get a puncture.
Of course, having the right kit doesn’t end there, and if you want to make sure you are as safe and comfortable as possible when you are cycling, you will want to purchase a few essential items.
Safety
The first item you need to consider is a cycle helmet. Whilst they may not look incredibly “cool”, they are a must for the protection they can offer you should you, unfortunately, be involved in an accident. Cycle helmets come in a range of styles and colours and are relatively lightweight. You will notice a wide variety in price but do not feel that you must buy the most expensive helmet as they all conform to the same standards. If you are mountain biking, you should also consider protecting your elbows and knees as accidents can and will happen.
Clothing
Cycle clothing should be comfortable. Wearing a few layers is a good way of adapting to the weather, and as you cycle further, you will inevitably warm up and need to remove a layer. Cycling gloves can also be a good idea for colder weather, and you may find a pair of cycling sunglasses an excellent investment – they will keep more out of your eyes than just the sun as you are cycling. Padded cycle shorts can be your saviour, no matter how comfortable you think your bicycle seat might be, so put these near the top of your shopping list.
Remember, if you are cycling off-road, you may get a little wet and muddy, so pack a change of clothes and perhaps a changing mat to make changing easier.
Image Credits: Munbaik Cycling Clothing
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