Beginner cyclists frequently make a number of basic mistakes when they first start riding. Make sure you steer clear of these cycle errors. Many common mistakes should be avoided if you are a beginner. People surely learn with time, but these are the mistakes you keep in mind if you are just starting. Knowing these mistakes will surely help you enhance your cycling experience and become more proficient and expert. However, experts make mistakes, but it doesn’t mean they should be avoided.
Cycling Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Cyclist
We all make mistakes, whether we are expert cyclists with hundreds of miles under our belts or complete novices. The “experiential learning loop,” as it were, governs how we learn. Therefore, before you commit any more, look at these typical cycling errors. Hopefully, they’ll be of assistance to you and might even help you become a better rider.
Although cycle training demands a lot of attention, there are other things that can affect your performance and advancement. Understanding these mistakes will help you get the most out of your bike sessions, including guidance on training, nutrition, and hydration. Here we will discuss the top 12 cycling mistakes to avoid.
Read on to learn more:
Saddle Height
Saddle height and soft tires are among the main causes of riding inefficiency since an incorrectly positioned saddle will impair the proper transmission of leg power. Follow these instructions to ensure that your saddle height is appropriate:
- Keep your heel on the pedal as you ride.
- Your leg should be nearly straight but not quite when it is at the very bottom of the pedal stroke.
- Set the height of your saddle.
- While pedaling, you should obtain an effective pedaling action at an appropriate height with your foot in the “typical” position (ball of the big toe above the center of the pedal axle).
- If necessary, fine-tune things, and don’t be afraid to move a little higher or lower from this position.
- While seated in the saddle, you should still be able to touch the ground with your toes on either side of the bike.
Fuel Correctly for the Ride
The ‘bonk,’ as it is known among cyclists, is a phenomenon that has happened to most riders at some point, including pros. The expression “hitting the wall” is used frequently by runners to describe the moment when their bodies run out of energy and stop moving. Plan ahead because it is preferable to avoid bonking by having some food and/or water on hand. Especially if you’re riding in more distant locations where there’s little possibility of finding a place to acquire supplies, take a little more food and possibly two bottles before you set out on a ride.
Braking in Corners
Cycling novices are especially prone to making this mistake. The most effective and safest strategy is to brake before the corner rather than during it, as doing so with your bike banked over at an angle will cause the bike to lock up, you can lose control, and crash.
Braking safely involves doing so when you get close to a turn. Be sure to brake gently yet hard enough to slow down until you can safely navigate the corner. Remember to brake early when it’s wet because the stopping distance will be longer, especially if you have caliper brakes rather than disc brakes.
No Spares or Tools
Make sure you bring a few necessary spares and tools that could get you home if you have an issue before setting out for a ride. As a general rule, you should always carry the following items, which can either be dispersed throughout your pockets or stored in a saddlebag under your saddle:
- 2 tubes, inner
- Tire levers
- Patches (immediate stick-on type are excellent)
- Small Pump (or CO2 inflator)
- Many tools (ideally with chain link extractor)
Grabbing Hard on the Brakes
In order to maintain the most stable weight distribution on the bike, braking should be done carefully. Don’t just “grip” the brakes forcefully when you need to slow down. The risks of abrupt braking include a loss of stability and control; in certain situations, they can send you flying over the handlebars. To guarantee safe braking, keep a clear path in front of you, plan ahead, and brake steadily with both the front and rear brakes engaged, with a slight preference for the front brake.
Riding Too Far, Too Hard, Too Soon
Know your limits and ride within them. There is nothing wrong with having lofty goals, but the secret to accomplishing them is to make steady progress. Cycling is a demanding activity, but it is also quite rewarding. By pushing yourself too hard too soon, you risk damaging your confidence. Instead of trying to push your body too hard right away, excellent continuous steady training will help you advance.
Poor Bike Maintenace
Again, this is basic information, but it is significant for both convenience and safety reasons. Develop the habit of frequently inspecting and maintaining your bike, especially if you don’t want to be saved from the shame of being stranded on the side of the road. Pay close attention to the chain, brakes, gears, handlebars, and tires, and keep the chain clean and lubricated regularly. Regular servicing of your bike makes sense, especially if you have questions or concerns about a more complicated component. Avoid taking a chance is the best advice.
No Proper Clothing
You must prepare for yet another aspect of cycling because failing to do so could result in a terrible ride—or, worse—extreme difficulty. For the duration of your ride, be sure to review the weather prediction. Consider the length of the planned ride and whether it is possible that the weather may change.
It’s better to overdress slightly than underdress in cooler weather because you can always take off layers if you are too warm or open a zipper to let cool air in. On the other hand, if you go outside in shorts and a t-shirt and come across a storm, your body temperature can drop quickly. To prevent this, always take a gilet or windproof/waterproof layer that can be tucked into your pocket. If you are riding in a mountainous territory with a significant elevation change, where you could be warm on the climb but freezing on the downward owing to windchill, this becomes even more crucial.
Improper Use of Gears
Use gears properly because they can increase your power efficiency on various terrains. Most bikes feature upwards of 20 gears, offering a fairly diverse range of ratios to suit all skill levels. Finding the right gearing may take some time, but you shouldn’t pedal so quickly that you start to sway side to side while traveling at 10 mph on a level-long road. On the other hand, you shouldn’t try to shift into a big gear so quickly that each pedal rotation feels like you’re doing weights and your knees begin to suffer.
As a general rule, it is suggested that you try to maintain a cadence of 70-90 rpm while on the flat (pedal revolutions per minute). Make sure to change up to the tougher gears for the flatter downhill sections of the route and down to the easier levels for climbs. This may seem like obvious sense, but if the number of individuals I witness struggling in the wrong gear is any indication, it’s more widespread than you might think.
Always Use a Correct Kit
A simple investment in a few specialized bike accessories will be very beneficial. The minimum necessities are:
- Cycling Helmet
Absolutely necessary Modern bike helmets are thin, breathable, and literally life-saving in the event of an accident. Why take a chance? Cycling accidents are likely to result in injuries, thus your primary goal should be to keep your head protected.
- Bicycle Shorts
Although they won’t necessarily increase how much you enjoy your ride, quality cycling shorts will stop soreness from repeated rubbing and should be a staple in your riding outfit.
- Basic Tools
You can stay on the road with a set of Allen keys, a puncture repair kit, tire levers, a spare inner tube, and a pump or inflator. You can get by just knowing how to change a tire and patch a puncture.
- Sunglasses for Cyclists
Not for photo ops! In fact, sunglasses are quite helpful for bikers since they will keep dirt, dust, flies, and other debris out of your eyes. Choosing a pair with interchangeable lenses can also help you see better in low light and reduce glare and reflections.
Be Mindful
It’s preferable to think you’re invisible and plan for potential movements of other vehicles and people, even if you’re wearing reflective clothing, a vest, or other reflective accessories. Especially where there are crosswalks, traffic circles, and intersections. It is preferable to ride one meter from the edge on highways with little to no shoulder. Drivers won’t attempt to pass you if there is no space to do so because you will be more apparent to them this way. You won’t have enough space to alter your course or avoid any potholes or other road hazards if you ride too close to the right edge of the road (or the left in nations with left-hand traffic).
Eating Wrongly
Your body’s supply of fuel is finite, and cycling requires it. You will mostly run out of glycogen in your muscles and liver after riding for a few hours. That may result in the dreaded “bonk,” where you become dizzy and weak and must stop for food.
You decide how you will consume the fuel. You can choose to consume Actual food, which is offered by cafes along the road, or dried fruit, sandwiches, and other such items. A whole sports nutrition business is ready to sell you energy gels, drinks, and bars. It is best to avoid that situation altogether by frequently eating while riding.
If you enjoy a hearty lunch, avoid stopping right before a steep hill. But it’s equally crucial to avoid going overboard. A large lunch right before a ride can make you feel lethargic or make you feel nauseous when you exert any effort. After a mid-ride meal, the combination of cooling down and a full stomach might cause “after lunch syndrome,” where you simply feel like you can’t get moving again.
We hope you won’t repeat the majority of the mistakes we have already made for you. Many of them can be prevented by pre-planning the route and preparing the bike, while others can be learned through experience gained from each bike ride, and some you have to create yourself. Keep all the things in your mind before hitting the wall.
Final Words
Cycling is more than just a hobby. It is a sport that requires a lot of hard work and stamina. Everybody learns with experiences, but it is better to learn from others mistakes. In this article, we have mentioned the common cycling mistakes to avoid. Remember what we have discussed in this article before leaving on your next bicycle trip. These tips will surely help you enhance your cycling experience and notice the difference. Keep reading our blogs to know more about the best bicycle tips and tricks and reviews about different products.
FAQ
How Do Beginners Start Cycling?
Start with a few 10-minute cycles on the first two trips, concluding with 20-minute cycling on the weekend, as the first two weeks are about getting the hang of cycling. Recurring Week 1. For the first two days of cycling, bike for 15 to 20 minutes. On weekends, go for a 30-minute bike ride.
How Long Should a Beginner Cycle For?
A beginner biker should strive for a 20–30 minute ride. If doing so feels comfortable, progressively increase the amount of time you cycle by adding ten minutes to your ride each time.
Is Cycling Hard for Beginners?
It isn’t easy unless you have prior experience in another sport. It’s a good idea to start your cycling training with some goals you know you can reach when you’re a novice.
What is the Most Important Rule in Cycling?
Always wear a helmet and abide by the laws of the road for maximum safety. In many States, bicycles are regarded as vehicles, and cyclists are subject to the same legal obligations to obey traffic laws as drivers. Always ride with the flow of traffic.