6 Mistakes Rookie Cyclists Do and How To Avoid Them

Cycling began for many people as a child, with handlebar streamers and training wheels. As we progress from cautiously practising on three-wheelers in parking lots to grown-up roads and trails, the opportunity for fun—and mistakes—increases. Here are common rookie mistakes to avoid while getting started on two wheels.

Choosing The Incorrect Bicycle

First, consider where you intend to ride. Will you be riding on city streets, dirt roads, bike paths, or a combination? If you want a fast, sleek, and aerodynamic trip to the coast through asphalt streets, look into a road bike. Thanks to the narrow tires, fast speeds are possible, ideal for racing, commuting, and fitness.

Riding A Bike That Isn't Fitted To Your Body And Riding Style

Make sure you're comfy on your bike before going out for the first time. Adjust the saddle height by putting your foot on the pedal at the furthest point—your leg should be straight, and your knee should bend slightly when you pedal. It's also a good idea to keep your elbows slightly bent. You'll put forth less effort and avoid unneeded injuries in this position. 

What feels good to you may alter when you begin long-distance cycling so that these modifications may be fluid and ever-changing. After a ride, pay attention to aches and pains to see whether you need to make a change.

Essential Items Are Missing

If you ride a bike in your state, you may be required to wear a helmet. Different riding disciplines necessitate different helmets—a road bicycle helmet isn't appropriate for downhill mountain biking. A local bike store can assist you in selecting the appropriate helmet for your riding style.

Other items include a bike lock if you plan to leave your bike unattended and a bike light to increase your visibility to vehicles. If you plan to ride at twilight or during rush hour, you'll need the best bike lights for front lights when traffic is greater than usual.

If you're planning a long bike trip, you might want to look into tire repair supplies. These flexible tubes hold the air within the rubber of the wheel. After punctures, you can fix them yourself with some practice.

Other items you'll need to be protected from the elements on long rides include:

• water-resistant clothing
• gloves for biking and padded shorts
• bike led light
• sunglasses and sunscreen

Shifting In The Wrong Direction

If you want a smooth, comfortable ride, you'll need to learn how to navigate your gears. Depending on what's happening on the road ahead of you, most bikes allow you to shift on both your front and back wheels. If you're facing a steep downhill, combine the largest front ring chain size with the smallest rear cog to get a bigger, higher gear.

Choose the reverse for steep hills: combine the smallest front ring chain with the largest rear cog. This will aid in spinning your pedals while you climb a hill. Powell recommends setting your front gears to a middle-to-high ratio and your back gears to a middle ratio on flat ground.

You risk ruining your bike chains if you try to change gears while suffering up a hill. When you're changing gears, pedal steadily forward until you hear all of the chains click into place. When you find yourself spinning the pedals swiftly but barely moving, or if you're struggling up a hill, or if your pedals can barely turn, it's time to switch.

Braking Mistakenly 

Using your bike's gears isn't obvious at first. The most common blunder made by newcomers is braking too late. When approaching a curve in the road, ensure that you stop in a straight line before entering the curve or risk skidding and ruining your tires.

Beginners frequently avoid using the front brake since it can be abrupt and uncomfortable if applied too strongly. A common rule of thumb is to utilise your brakes evenly, or 40% front and 60% back. They can, however, be useful in bringing you to a safe and speedy stop.

The Inability To Share The Road

Keep in mind that you're sharing the road with other vehicles. Follow all traffic signals and signal with your hands to let vehicles know where you're heading. If you're about to turn right after passing a stop sign, extend your right arm horizontally from your body.

Holding your left arm at a correct right angle with your fingers pointing upwards is another possibility. Hold your left arm out horizontally for a left turn. Bend your left arm at a right angle with your fingers pointed down to indicate stopping or slowing down.

When cars pass by quickly, your inclination may prompt you to ride on the side of the road or the sidewalk. Instead, ride in the centre of the lane.

Don't ride through stop signs or traffic lights—it's a recipe for disaster. Always keep an eye out for blind zones, such as behind a truck. Also, make sure you're always aware of your surroundings and what's ahead of you—no headphones and strong vision are required.

Conclusion 

Cycling is an accessible sport for people of all fitness levels. Its low-impact nature, well-known movement pattern, and ability to get you outside are just a few reasons it's so popular with experienced athletes and fitness newcomers. However, to avoid overtraining, injury, and burnout before getting started, there are things to remember. Avoid the mistakes and get the best bike gear, such as a rear bike light. 

You're at the right place if you're seeking the best bike lights. With CUSHBIKE's selection of 'see' and 'be seen' bike lights and reflectors, you'll have the clearest and safest cycling experience possible, whether on the road or the trail. Shop with us now to get free and fast shipping.