Before You Ride a New Bike - 3 Things You Should Consider

Buying a new bike will always be a joy, whether you’re purchasing your first one or upgrading from your previous ride. While it’s exciting to try out the new places you can reach with your new pair of wheels, you should remember that you need time to adjust.

Adjusting to Your New Bike

Several factors come into play when adjusting to your new bike. Besides knowing how it feels, you need to account for its unique components to anticipate any potential mechanical issues. Understanding these changes to your biking experience will give you a better idea of riding your bike properly.

Before you ride your new bike, here are three things you need to consider:

1. Wearing the Right Riding Gear

Comfort and safety go hand in hand, especially if you’re riding a vehicle that doesn’t protect you from the elements. When riding a bike, you should choose clothing that gives the proper protection and comfort, whether you’re going for a short or long ride. Padded shorts give you extra relief from the pressure on your bottom. Look for products that are equipped with chamois, which adds a chafe-reducing layer from your skin to your bike seat. This minimises friction while cushioning you during bumps.

2. Adjusting Your Bike Seat’s Conditions

Besides wearing proper protective gear, you need to consider the right height of your bike seat. Otherwise, you will experience the physical strain of being in an uncomfortable riding position. Small adjustments to your handlebar and saddle’s positioning can have a substantial impact on your comfort.

Since people have different heights and builds, you need to adjust your bike accordingly to fit your limbs and torso. For example, moving your bike seat can make it easier to pedal and stay at idle positions. It’s best to maintain a slight bend in your knee even if your foot is at the bottom of your pedal stroke. 

Adjust your bike’s seatpost accordingly to reach this setting. You can also make this change to your stem to have the right settings for your handlebars. Keep in mind that professionals should perform this to ensure the balance of your bike.

If your new back doesn’t have the most comfortable saddle, don’t be afraid to swap it out for a better one. Remember that too much pressure on your perineum is a sign that you’re using the wrong bike saddle.

3. Preparing for Mechanical Complications

Mechanical issues with bikes aren’t uncommon, no matter how well you take care of your bike. While you may have had experience dealing with them before, your new bike may have different vulnerabilities you should consider.

For example, flat tires are normal issues you should be capable of handling by now. However, you need to check if your new bike’s fittings are similar to ones you’re familiar with. Additionally, derailed chains can occur due to debris or a heavy bump while riding. It’s best to have your basic tool kit ready in case you have these mechanical complications on the road.

Conclusion

Having a quality bike also means fulfilling the responsibility of maintaining it properly. For this reason, you may need to make certain adjustments and replacements to it over time. This is why it’s vital to connect with the right suppliers for premium products and services.

At Cushbike, we sell a variety of quality biking accessories to optimise your riding experience. Our product catalogue contains cycling gloves, bike lights, phone mounts, repair kits, and more! If you want to shop for the most comfortable bike seats in the UK, buy from us today!