Advice for novice cyclists ………

Getting started

It would have been impossible to live in the county last summer and not be aware of the cycling fever which gripped Yorkshire.  With some of the most beautiful (and challenging!) countryside in the UK, it’s no surprise that cycling has been growing in popularity in recent years and the hosting of the Grand Depart pushed the sport to a whole new level.  Not only is it a convenient way of getting around, cycling is also great exercise helping to build strength and muscle tone as well as improving cardio-vascular fitness without the damage of pounding the streets on foot.  What’s more, if you join one of the many local cycling clubs, it’s a good opportunity to meet new friends, have some fun and socialise while you cycle.

Finding the right bike

The starting point is to find the right bike.  Do some research online so that you have a little basic understanding of the options in terms of the type of bike suitable for your needs and also more technical information such as frame materials and components which will affect its performance, weight and durability.  Then go to a reputable cycling specialist which can offer a huge range of bikes and use the expertise of their staff (usually cycling fanatics!) to find the perfect model for you.  Be prepared to ask lots of questions and if the staff can’t answer your questions, go somewhere else!

 

In general terms, as with most things, you get what you pay for, so buy the best quality bike you can afford.  While there is a certain amount of brand and fashion in bicycles, usually more expensive bikes will offer technical advances increasing performance and comfort.

You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, so don’t buy a bike that you haven’t ridden!  Often it’s just a matter of finding the right fit for you and you can only identify this by taking it for a spin.  Staff should be trained to advise you on the right frame size and seat height for you.

If you’re just starting out in the sport, a hybrid bike is probably a good bet for you.  These bikes are a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike.  They feature the larger wheels of a traditional road bike and also have fatter tyres giving a comfortable, fast ride.  They’re an ideal ‘first’ bike as they’re suitable for whizzing around town, doing some gentle off-road and also for longer rides.  As with anything, the price range is huge, but for £300 to £400, you can get a decent entry level hybrid.  Once you’re hooked by the cycling bug, it’s easy to upgrade to a more sophisticated model or to a road or mountain bike should you wish to do more specialised riding – or as many enthusiasts do, start to build up your own fleet of multiple bicycles for different uses!

Essential kit

Make sure that when you buy your bike, you also invest in another essential piece of kit – a helmet.  These days, no one would get on a motorbike or a horse without a helmet so it amazes me that they’re happy to mount a bike and take to the roads with no protection.  As a cyclist, you are vulnerable and it makes sense to take as many safety precautions as you can to minimise risk – always wear a helmet; choose high visibility clothing; and, if cycling at night, make sure you have lights.  In terms of safety on the roads, try to be as visible as possible – remember how difficult it is to spot cyclists, observe good road sense and always be cautious.  Another piece of kit that you should not leave the garage without is a bike tire repair kit – cheap and easy to carry, you could be very glad of this if you find yourself with a puncture in the middle of the Dales!

Having invested in the essentials to get you started, you can gradually build up the additional kit which will make your cycling more comfortable and improve your performance.  Warm cycling gloves, padded shorts and cycling glasses will all be greatly appreciated if you plan to spend many hours in the saddle!

Like everything, practice makes perfect.  If you don’t feel confident, start off by cycling in an open area, off-road while you get familiar with the gears and brakes.  Then progress to short rides, either at times when traffic is lighter or on quiet roads.  This will also give you a chance to build up your fitness, ready for the Tour de Yorkshire