Start Indoors
Perhaps it is my bias as an indoor cycling instructor, but I continue to believe that beginning your road biking hobby indoors is a great place to start. For starters, it’s a great place to meet other people who are interested in cycling, so you might be able to find someone to ride with when you do hit the road. But riding indoors is also a great transition to the road bike.
If you are not used to riding a bike often or sitting in the saddle for a long period of time, then a stationary bike gives you some leeway to adjust. By taking a couple of months of indoor cycling classes, you can just focus on getting used to the feeling of being in the saddle and the posture too. As you take the classes, sitting on an indoor bike means you don’t have to worry about falling over if you need to sit up and take a break as you build your endurance. A pair of padded shorts or leggings, known as a chamois, can also alleviate pain as you adjust to the bike.
Starting indoors will also help you to build up some cycling strength before hitting the road. Indoor cycling does not come with the same obstacles, like pavement drag or wind pushing against you. However, you can add resistance and up your strength so you are ready to hit the road with a good fitness base.
Find the Right Bike
If, after a month or two of indoor cycling, you find — or already know — this is a hobby that you’re going to stick with, then the next step is to buy a good bike that fits your body and your needs. Road bikes are pricey, but they can make a huge difference in your rides. The first thing you need to consider is how you will primarily be riding on the road. There are quite a few types of bikes to consider depending on how you will use them: Is it for commuting, road cycling, or long-distance trips?
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Take a Repair Class
Once you’re outfitted and ready to ride, you can go ahead and hit the road. It is, however, worth attending a repair class early on as you explore your new outdoor activity. Many local bike shops offer such classes or nights where they teach how to fix your own bike. Some outdoor retailers like REI offer bike repair classes too. On occasion, it’s even free to attend. Of course, it is very convenient to pick up the materials you might need to make repairs on the road, such as a portable pump or air cylinder, tire patches, spare tubes, and a multi-tool with Allen wrenches. Inevitably, and hopefully not soon after buying a new bike, you will have some kind of trouble crop up while you’re out riding. Be it a flat tire or a slipped derailleur that catches your chain, you will undoubtedly want to know how to fix minor problems while out on the road so you can hop on and keep pedaling.Plan Your Route
With all of your prep complete, you can confidently set out on the road. Some opt to join a cycling group. There are usually several levels or speeds at which the groups ride, and many rides are “no drop,” meaning they won’t leave anyone behind on the ride. It isn’t a race after all. This is a great way to meet people and build your community with the new outdoor activity, but it can also introduce you to regular routes many other cyclists take. If enough cyclists are on the routes, then locals in cars tend to be more aware of cyclists on the road, too. This also means that if anything goes wrong while you’re road cycling, there are likely other cyclists out and about to check on you or offer help. We offer all-inclusive guided eBike, road, and mountain bike rides at bucket-list destinations across Southern California. Rent the perfect bikes (or eBikes!) for your adventure with us. Call us at 949-484-6409 or visit our Facebook page. Have pics to post? Tag #SynapticCycles so we can enjoy them too!Reference: [https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/road-biking-guide-tips-gear-for-beginners/]
