Cycling as a hobby is rewarding in so many ways, offering physical fitness, mental clarity, and a chance to explore your surroundings in new ways. With the right equipment, safety precautions, and a little practice, you’ll be cruising through scenic routes and enjoying every moment of the ride in no time.
Knowing where to start can be daunting, especially if you’ve never ridden a bicycle before – but the saying “As Easy As Riding A Bike” is just that for a reason. Getting started can be as simple as picking out a bike that suits your requirements, or if you want more in-depth information on how to begin, the experts at Aire Velo Bearings have created this helpful blog for you.
While we are recognised as reliable suppliers of bicycle bearings – important components for keeping your bicycle operating as it should, we are also avid cyclists ourselves. So, let the team here at Aire Velo Bearings help kick-start your journey to a fun and highly beneficial hobby.
What Are The Benefits of Cycling?
Cycling is more than just a fun way to spend your time outdoors – it’s a hobby that comes with numerous physical, mental, environmental, and social benefits, including:
Physical health: Cycling strengthens your legs, improves cardiovascular health, and burns calories. It’s a low-impact exercise, so it’s gentle on your joints compared to running or high-intensity sports.
Mental well-being: Like other forms of exercise, cycling releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and anxiety. The fresh air and changing scenery can also boost your mood.
Environmental benefits: Opting for a bike instead of a car reduces your carbon footprint, making cycling an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Social connections: Joining cycling groups or clubs can help you meet like-minded people and build new friendships.
With so many benefits and the ability to tailor it to your personal goals, it’s easy to see why cycling has become one of the most rewarding hobbies you can do. As expert suppliers of a range of quality bearings for bicycles, Aire Velo Bearings can offer you the best way to get going. Get in touch now for more information on our bearing stock.
How Do I Choose The Right Bike?
Choosing the right bike is essential for ensuring both comfort and enjoyment as you start cycling. The bike you select will have a significant impact on your overall experience, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your riding style and goals.
There are various types of bikes, each designed for different purposes. For example, road bikes are lightweight and built for speed, making them ideal for paved roads and long-distance rides. If you prefer off-road adventures or rugged terrains, a mountain bike is your best bet, as it’s designed for durability and stability on rough paths. On the other hand, if you want a versatile option that can handle both city commutes and light off-road trails, a hybrid bike offers the perfect balance between road and mountain bikes.
In addition to choosing the right type of bike, bike fit is equally important. A properly fitted bike ensures that you ride comfortably and reduces the risk of injury. When purchasing a bike, take the time to ask for assistance in selecting the right size frame and adjusting the seat height to match your body. These adjustments will make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel, especially during longer rides.
Essential Gear for Beginners
Whether you’re riding casually or pushing yourself to improve, having the proper gear will help you stay safe, protected, and prepared for anything you might encounter on the road or trail. Here are some essential pieces of gear that every beginner cyclist should consider:
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Water bottle
- Lights and reflectors
- Cycling shorts
By equipping yourself with these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a safer and more comfortable cycling experience. Each piece of gear serves a practical purpose, whether it’s protecting you from injury, improving your performance, or simply making your rides more enjoyable.
Basic Skills to Master
Whether you’re riding for fitness, leisure, or commuting, mastering the basics will ensure that your cycling experience is both safe and enjoyable. From learning how to balance and steer to understanding how to shift gears and brake properly, these foundational skills will give you the confidence to navigate different terrains and make the most of your time on the bike. Let’s break down the key techniques every beginner should focus on before hitting the road or trail.
Balancing and Steering
Before you hit the road or trails, getting to grips with the basics of balancing and steering is essential. Balance is a fundamental skill for cycling, and it’s important to practise maintaining it at various speeds. Start by riding in a safe, open area where you can get comfortable balancing on your bike. As you gain confidence, practise sharp turns and manoeuvring around obstacles, which will help you develop better control over your bike in different situations.
Shifting Gears
Learning how and when to shift gears is another key skill that can make your rides much smoother and more enjoyable. Gears help you manage your energy efficiently, particularly when riding uphill or over uneven terrain. Shifting to lower gears makes pedalling easier when climbing, while higher gears allow you to maintain speed on flat roads. Spend some time getting familiar with your bike’s gear system, practising shifts while riding so you can make adjustments naturally as you encounter changes in the road or trail.
Braking
Braking is crucial for safe cycling, and it’s important to know how to do it efficiently. Most bikes have front and rear brakes, and learning to use both in combination will give you better control over your stopping power. Practise gradual braking, especially when riding at higher speeds, as sudden or harsh braking can lead to accidents. Focus on applying smooth, even pressure to both brakes, and remember that front brakes offer more stopping power, while the rear brakes help stabilise your bike.
Maintenance and Care for Your Bike
If you want to keep your bike running smoothly and extend its lifespan, it’s important to establish an effective maintenance routine. Regular care not only ensures a better riding experience but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. One of the most important aspects of bike maintenance is keeping it clean. After riding, especially in wet or muddy conditions, it’s a good idea to wipe down your bike to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Cleaning your bike regularly will prevent debris from wearing down parts prematurely and keep it looking good as new.
One often overlooked maintenance task is caring for the bike’s bearings, which guarantee the smooth operation of various moving parts. Bearings are found in several key areas, including the headset, frame, wheels, and pedals. Headset bearings allow your handlebars to turn smoothly, so checking them for wear or roughness is important for maintaining control while steering. Frame bearings, typically found in full-suspension mountain bikes, enable the bike to absorb shocks and handle rough terrain. Ensuring they are well-greased and free from dirt will keep your ride comfortable and smooth.
Wheel bearings are located in the hubs of your wheels and are responsible for allowing the wheels to spin freely. If you notice any resistance or roughness when spinning your wheels, it may be time to clean or replace the bearings. Finally, pedal bearings ensure your pedals rotate smoothly with each stroke, so keeping them well-maintained will help with efficient power transfer and a more enjoyable pedalling experience.
Contact Aire Velo Bearings Now For More Information
If you would like to know more about getting started with cycling, please don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Aire Velo Bearings today! We aren’t just suppliers of quality bearings and other bicycle maintenance accessories, we truly love cycling ourselves, and we’re more than happy to help you get going on two wheels! We have a wide range of bearings to choose from, including SLT bearings and BB/hub bearings, so contact us now for more information.