Beginning Cycling: Clothing, Bike Selection, and Safety

Riding a bike is one of those rites of passage in childhood. It’s something we all learn how to do but may not continue to do into adulthood. If you are looking to get started into a new hobby or exercise program, cycling may be the sport for you. Here are some tips to begin cycling in Michigan, including clothing, selecting a bike, and staying safe on the road.

Clothing

Your gear is an important part of getting started. Safety seems to be one of those goofy topics nowadays, but any avid cyclist you see on the road is wearing a helmet. Cars may not always see you, and you may not always see rocks or obstacles ahead, so a helmet is just a given. Secondly, you will need a decent pair of bike shorts, which are designed with your best interest in mind: added padding for comfort, and tightly fitting to avoid chafing and irritation. Next, a jersey is an ideal choice because it keeps your skin dry. You will also need cycling shoes, glasses, gloves, and possibly tights depending on the season. Do a little research to get all the right products so you can be prepared for and enjoy your experience cycling.

Bike Selection

Picking out your bike depends on your terrain and your purpose. There are road bikes, mountain bikes, and off road bikes. The key here is to be comfortable while you ride. There are different seat positions, some sitting more upright than others. There are also different styles of tires, which could affect the smoothness of your ride, and some types work better for different distances. Seats are designed by gender and can be angled in different ways. And the handlebars vary by bike style as well. A bike shop would be the best place to help you determine your best and most comfortable fit so that you can conquer those Michigan cycling events.

Safety Precautions

There are rules about riding on the road with which you should familiarize yourself. To name a few, cyclists should be in the farthest right lane, as far to the right as possible. It is important to be easily visible, in bright colors, or with lights on at night. Signaling turns is important and lets cars know of your intentions, keeping you safe. Do not assume a motorist can see you.

There are countless other technicalities to become familiar with if you want to begin cycling in Michigan, like how to shift gears, how to check your brakes, how to check your tire pressure, and more. But if you are prepared with the right clothing and gear, an appropriate bike, and some safety education, you are bound to love your newfound hobby.