Some important advices for Beginners

If you don't ride much and feel that cycling has a bit of a learning curve for you, but with a little experience and advice, beginners will soon be full of confidence in cycling. Here are some useful tips to help you join the cycling community faster and enjoy the pleasure of cycling.

Before you go

Inflate the tires to the appropriate pressure

One of the simplest aspects of bicycle maintenance is inflating the tires to the appropriate pressure. What is the appropriate pressure? It's also very simple - it's written on the side wall of the tire, just take a look.
You will notice that the tyre manufacturer provides a recommended range rather than an absolute pressure. This way, you can adjust the tyre pressure according to the situation.
If you're going somewhere that might be wet and slippery, don't inflate your tyres too much. If it's dry and you want to ride as efficiently as possible, fill them up.
Adjust the saddle height and riding position properly
A too-low seat will make it difficult for you to fully utilize your pedaling range and leg strength; a too-high saddle will make you tense and may lead to injury. Ideally, you need your saddle height set so that when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal, your knee has a very slight bend.
Then get your position on the bike right. A very simple rule of thumb is that in your typical riding position, you want the handlebars to block your view of the front wheel.
Cycling shouldn't be painful, so if you find yourself starting to have back pain or any other ailments, go to your local bike shop and see if they can help you adjust your posture.
Dress according to the actual situation
Cyclists often say, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing." In most cases, this statement is correct. The weather changes rapidly, so mastering the art of dressing will enable you to cool down or keep warm quickly. Deciding what to wear when cycling in cold or hot summer weather can be a bit tricky.

What to bring
Water and food
The worst feeling when cycling is dehydration or complete energy depletion, so bring some liquids and some cycling snacks. Snacks like bananas, pancakes or jelly babies (for a quick sugar boost) can help you replenish your energy.
If you're going a long way, scientifically formulated products such as electrolyte drinks and protein bars can help you avoid cramps or other mid-journey problems and maximize the benefits of all your efforts.
Padded cycling shorts
New cyclists often think they need huge padded saddles to protect their buttocks, but this is not the case. A good pair of padded cycling shorts will provide you with enough comfort to survive your initial rides, and you can gradually increase your riding time and distance based on your tolerance. Do not wear underwear under your padded cycling shorts as it may rub against you and cause saddle sores.
Bicycle gloves and mittens
However, one thing that beginners often don't think about is their hands. They get tired quickly, so a pair of padded gloves or mittens can work wonders.
Take a lock and a light (just in case)
Even if you only plan to be out for an hour or two, if there's a chance you'll be back after dusk, install a set of lights on your bike.
For the same reason, it is convenient to carry a lock when you stop at any unexpected corner store or even a café. Never trust that your bike is safe, even if you leave it unattended for just a moment.
Carry a saddlebag with tools, spare parts and cash
Some selected tools and a spare inner tube in the saddlebag or pannier will help you deal with common half-way problems. A multi-functional tool with a series of drill bits should allow you to adjust most mechanical parts; a chain tool can help you reassemble a broken chain; you need some tire levers, a puncture repair kit/spare inner tube and a mini pump.
We also think it's convenient to carry a little emergency cash and a credit card.

Where to go
Start small and gradually increase the distance you can ride
When you first start cycling, a good place to build your confidence is on a car-free path or in a park. If you haven't ridden a bike in a long time, aim for about 5 miles and then increase your distance so you don't overdo it. Doing less and doing more often is the best way to build strength and confidence.
Find some cycling buddies
Cycling alone is great - it clears your mind, allows you to enjoy your own company and appreciate the beauty of the world undisturbed. But cycling with others can also be a lot of fun, and having some cycling buddies can help you develop faster in all aspects of cycling. Your local cycling group may offer rides for beginners, or join our community cycling club.
Planning your route
It's great to set off on an open road or path and see where the day takes you, but it's also beneficial to set a cycling challenge in advance. Online maps can help you plan your route ahead (or find your way home if you get lost in the wild). Our trip planning, route and cycling area guides can also be of assistance.

What to do 

Learn to Use the Gear Shifter
The gear shifter is there to make your ride easier, but not everyone understands how it works. As you ride more, start to notice how shifting gears can make your ride harder but faster, or easier but slower. The ultimate goal is to use the gear shifter to maintain a steady pace.

Maintain a steady cadence when pedaling
When cycling, you neither want to pedal frantically at high speed nor struggle to push the pedals. Ideally, your cadence or "pedal revolutions per minute" should be between 70 and 90.

This will exercise your cardiovascular and aerobic systems - which are more efficient than your muscles and anaerobic systems - and improve your endurance and overall health. First, get a feel for the pedal speed of 70 to 90 revolutions per minute, and then use the gearshift to maintain this speed.

Be confident on the road
Novice cyclists often think that for safety reasons, they should ride as close to the curb as possible. But this idea is completely wrong. Other road users may not see you or try to squeeze past you without enough space. Keep a confident posture on the road, ride about one meter from the curb, and insist on your right to use the road. Our video on road position should be helpful.

Learn to corner correctly - lift the inside pedal
As you ride more and more, you will gradually master many cycling skills, but here is a simple tip to help you get started: when cornering, lift the inside pedal to its highest point in the pedal stroke. This way, when you lean into the corner, the pedal won't touch the ground.

Be kind to other road users
Cycling can give you a better understanding of people's (including your own) driving behavior. It's worth remembering that other road users do make mistakes, and keep in mind that even if you think a driver or pedestrian has seen you, don't let your guard down.

Don't hang your helmet on the handlebars
Don't hang your helmet on the handlebars when riding a bike. This is extremely dangerous as the helmet's straps may get tangled in the front wheel.

Embrace Exploration
One of the great joys of cycling is that, especially when you're on a bike with some all-terrain capabilities, you can go almost anywhere you want. If you see a path but aren't sure where it leads, just ride down it and find out.

What to do when you get back

Clean your bike
Just as bike maintenance is surprisingly simple, cleaning your bike doesn't require much either. All you need is a bit of time and some effort (and a more professional lubricant). Read our bike cleaning guide.

Lock up your bicycle

Lock your bicycle in a safe place at home to ensure its safety. There are suggestions on how to protect your bicycle safely at home in the article "How to Prevent Your Bicycle from Being Stolen".

Be proud of your achievements
Apps such as Strava and MapMyRide, or fitness watches, activity trackers, or even just your smartphone, can help you record your cycling routes and accumulated mileage without having to manually write it all down in a training log. This can be a great way to motivate you to keep going.

What you need to know about cycyling
Practice Fixing a Flat Tire
Modern puncture-resistant tires are great, but if you ride for a long time, you will eventually encounter a flat tire. Practice changing the inner tube in a comfortable environment, and you will benefit greatly when you have to do it on the roadside.

And when you fix the punctured tyre,don't forget to look for and remove whatever caused the hole in the first place - otherwise the new inner tube will be punctured too!