Fun on Two Wheels: The Basics of Cycling

By Jasmine Clark, Live Well Enhance You Contributing Writer

Do you remember being a little kid and riding a bike without training wheels for the first time? The rush of air in your face and the freedom of not needing those extra wheels… it’s a nice feeling.

Fast forward to today, when you’re an adult who wants to get more exercise but can’t decide how. Or maybe you do exercise regularly but you haven’t gotten on a bike in a long time. Cycling is what all the cool kids (and adults) are doing, so get outdoors and get your wheels spinning!

Why cycling?

Riding a bike is an easy and fun way to enhance your fitness. And because it’s outdoors (well, stationary bikes just aren’t as fun), you get to see the lovely sights of nature and get some fresh air and sunshine. As mentioned earlier, gliding down a road or path on a bike gives you a mood-boosting sense of freedom.

Cycling can improve your health in a number of ways. It can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can have a positive impact on your mental health if you’re suffering from things like depression or anxiety. It’s a great way to strengthen and tone your legs and improve your balance too.

Plus, cycling is practical. It’s an environmentally-friendly form of transportation that doesn’t cost you gas money. So you get to help the environment while helping your body at the same time… a win-win.

Types of bikes

There are many different types of bikes out there, so you can choose your bike type by thinking about where and how you’d like to ride it. Here are a few types:

Road bike - Got a need for speed? Road bikes are designed for riding on roads and getting good speed. They have high seats and a shape that gets your body leaning forward as you ride. They often have drop handlebars that curl down and back, letting you switch the way your hands grip the bike so you can be more aerodynamic.

Mountain bike - Mountain bikes have thicker tires to handle the rough terrain of a mountain trail. Some mountain bikes have “full suspension,” which means there’s suspension in the front and rear, making riding more comfortable as you’re going over bumps. “Hardtail” bikes only have a front suspension fork.

Hybrid - These bikes are versatile because they work well on streets but can also handle some rougher off-road terrain. So if you want a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike, choose hybrid.

Cruiser - Cruiser bikes are designed for you to cruise along comfortably. With a far-back seat and wide, curved handlebars that are easy to hold, you can relax and ride in style. These trendy bikes look cool but aren’t super fast and powerful.

Folding - If you need to get around the city or travel somewhere, a folding bike is convenient to pack up and take anywhere. These bikes have smaller wheels and different types of folding mechanisms.

Tandem - These are the bikes that are designed for two or more people. Perfect if you and your BFF or sweetheart want a lesson in the power of teamwork.

Also, different bikes come with different types of pedals. “Clipless” pedals are designed to be worn with biking shoes that have cleats on them that hook into the pedal. The result is that your foot locks securely onto the pedal, giving you a firm grip that doesn’t slide around. This may make you pedal faster and more efficiently, but getting used to the locking mechanism is tricky for new riders. New riders usually use “flat” pedals, which are typical pedals you can easily take your foot on and off.

Cycling equipment

Listing every type of cycling equipment out there would take forever. But as you go on more rides, you’re sure to discover more things you’ll want to make your cycling experience better. Consider these items for starters:

Helmet - A helmet is a cyclist’s best friend because it’s essential for protecting the head in case of a fall. Better safe than sorry.

Seat cushion - Getting a cushion for your bike seat (which is also called the saddle) will make your ride feel much, much better. Without it, you may end up sore after riding, so a cushion is something you’ll be glad to have. Be sure to get one that’s wide enough for your particular saddle.

Bike pump - You don’t want to be without a pump if your tires lose air. It’s recommended to have both a floor pump and a mini pump. A floor pump works more efficiently, but a mini pump is easy to take with you.

Bottle holder - A bike bottle holder, also called a bottle cage, is a must so you won’t get dehydrated on bike rides. Did you know there are several types of bottle cages? Choose the one that best fits your needs.

Bike lock - Don’t forget to bring one of these along so you can feel free to walk away from your bike without worrying someone might take it.

Bike pouch - These are super convenient for carrying things, and different types can be connected to different areas of the bike. Bike pouches that are on the saddle are called saddlebags.

Where to ride and tips to keep in mind

If you want to ride on the street, try to ride on small streets in low-traffic times. You can also check Google Maps to look at roads and find bike trails near you. Some cities have bike rentals available if you don’t have your own bike.

There are safety tips to remember when you’re riding alongside cars. Use hand signals to alert drivers to where you’re going. Wear bright colors so drivers can easily see you. Install a mirror on the side of your bike so you’ll know when cars are approaching. Be careful when riding past parked cars because you never know when a car door is going to open. And don’t try to overtake large trucks and buses because you may end up in their blind spot.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for some off-road action, you won’t have to worry about cars, but you still have to be cautious. Make sure you bring a first-aid kit and mini pump, as well as water and phone. Riding with other people can help make you safer, and it’s also fun for creating good memories.

So if you haven’t hopped on a bike in a while – or if you’ve never done it at all – consider cycling as a way to get some exercise. Your legs will thank you. But you’ll also be thankful to see nature’s beauty and boost your mood through this enjoyable way to get more fit.

Jasmine Clark is a freelance writer from North Carolina. She enjoys writing about topics such as stress relief and positive thinking. She likes to encourage others to find ways to calm down and relax. In her spare time, she loves to write fiction stories and watch TV and YouTube. You can find her on Instagram @cozysachi.