Five Common Beginner Cycling Mistakes

Try to avoid these five mistakes, and your future as a cyclist will be much brighter.

1. Riding in Regular clothing

Riding in mesh shorts or sliding shorts is a very bad idea. The bicycle seat will cause extreme discomfort to your backside if you are a new cyclist. You should really consider purchasing a pair of cycling shorts. These shorts have a padding in the groin area to add more cushion while you are sitting on the bike seat.

2. Wearing Underwear With Cycling Shorts

Many beginner cyclists do not fully understand the use of cycling clothing. Most shorts and jerseys are made to pull moisture away from the body. Although it might feel uncomfortable at first, all cyclists need to try to go commando while wearing riding shorts. The shorts are made to be worn against the skin, and having a pair of wet underwear in between shorts and skin will lead to painful chafing.

3. Not Drinking During Rides

Cycling can be just as difficult as other forms of aerobic exercise. Even if you are not cycling to gain fitness, you will most likely be sweating during the physical activity. Many beginner cyclists do not drink during rides, and this can easily lead to dehydration and decreased physical performance. Most bikes are set up for the use of water bottle cages. You can buy these cages at most bike shops, and the mechanics may even attach these to your bike for you. Next go out to your chosen shop, get some bottles that fit in the cages properly and make sure you carry them out with you on your next ride.

4. Not Wearing a Helmet

Many new cyclists might still be in a mindset of thinking helmets are useless. I assure you, helmets are very useful when you are caught in a wreck during a race, on the road by yourself, or even in a collision with another object. You can most likely pick up a helmet at your bike shop as well. When you put on your helmet, make sure the chin strap fits snug. You do not want the helmet to slip off during the wreck.

5. Not Paying Attention to Traffic Laws

A bicycle is labeled as a vehicle when it is on the road, and it is held responsible for the same laws that are enforced against all other vehicles. New bikers consider themselves immune to stop signs and traffic lights, but this is just the same as running a stop sign or light in a car. Pay attention to traffic signs and pay attention to other cars. We cyclist do not take up much room, and are sometimes hard to see, so obey the traffic laws and ensure your safety as well as the safety of the other vehicles around you during rides.

If you can correct these mistakes during the beginning of your cycling career, you can keep yourself safe as well as help make the sport of cycling more comfortable and fun in your future.