I've put together a list of tips and advice for cyclists, they might be particularly helpful for those who are just dipping their toe into this exciting and absorbing activity. Some of these valuable tips have been picked up over the years from other cyclists or from reading books and magazines and others have been learned the hard way. In no particular order:
Padded shorts - Absolutely essential - ahem... best worn next to the skin.
Security - Lock it (to something immoveable) or lose it - Don't provide a thief with the swag and a getaway vehicle all-in-one.
Good quality pump & spare inner tubes - If you take nothing else.
Wear a helmet - Skid lids are cool - Leaving a brain stain on the road isn't. See "Why Cycle" website below for more information
Wear a wicking T-shirt or technical base layer - Garments made from manmade fibres (for example Coolmax) help to stop you feeling sweaty and clammy when you perspire. Cotton garments can hold 10 times their own weight in moisture!
Try to brake before you get to a corner - Your bike will be far more stable when you're braking whilst travelling in a straight line and not when you're leant over into a corner. Use both brakes to avoid rear wheel skids and "over the handlebar" experiences!
Keep your chain clean - A dirty chainset (chain, cassette & crank rings) will result in poor performance when trying to change gears, accelerated wear and costly replacements. At the end of your ride hold a rag around the chain and back pedal to remove any grit and dirt, then lubricate the pivots (the inside links). Don't put oil onto a dirty chain because it just turns the grit into a grinding paste! If your chain is really gunked up, buy a chain cleaning tool which clips around the chain, the internal brushes along with the use of a degreasing fluid will have your chain sparkling in a jiffy. See the Finish Line website for products videos on how to clean your chainset. Be warned though: it's very American.
Stay hydrated - Drink enough water before, during & after your ride. See Peak Performance Online website below for an in depth explanation of dehydration.
Look at the solution not the problem - You always cycle where you're looking, so if you stare at that rock in the middle of the trail or that pothole in the road, you'll hit it. So scan your route ahead and be aware of obstacles , but don't focus on them.
Get your cycle regularly serviced by Fine FETTLE Cycles - You always want your gears to shift smoothly, your brakes to stop you when you need to and your bike to be fun and safe to ride in all seasons. So isn't it time to book in your pride and joy for it's next Fine FETTLE service?
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