Welcome to NCM Bikes Brisbane! Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, our team of experts at NCM Bikes Brisbane can help you ride like a pro. With years of experience under our belts, we’ve compiled some tips for safe, enjoyable cycling. Please keep reading to discover our top tips from NCM Bikes Brisbane!
Get to Know Your Bike
Before you can ride like a pro, you must know your bike inside and out. Understanding the different parts and how they work together is essential to make your ride smoother and more efficient. Here are some key things to focus on:
- Familiarize yourself with the parts of your bike – handlebars, wheels, brakes, pedals, gears, and more.
- Adjust your bike to fit you properly – make sure the seat height is correct and that the handlebars are at a comfortable height and distance.
- Test your brakes to ensure they’re working correctly and that you can stop quickly and safely.
- Practice shifting gears – learn how to move smoothly and efficiently to make your ride more comfortable and efficient.
- Take your bike around your neighbourhood to get comfortable with how it handles and feels on the road.
By getting to know your bike, you’ll be able to ride more confidently and be better prepared to handle any situation on the road. Plus, taking good care of your bike will ensure it lasts longer and requires fewer repairs. So take some time to get to know your ride – you won’t regret it!
Check Your Bike Before Every Ride
Your bike is your trusty steed, so make sure it’s in tip-top shape before you hit the road. A quick check before each ride can save you from potential issues and smooth your ride. Here are a few things to look for:
- Tire pressure: Check that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, usually listed on the side of the tire.
- Brakes: Ensure your brakes are working correctly and the pads aren’t worn down. Test them out by gently squeezing the brake levers.
- Chain: Check that your chain is clean and properly lubricated. A dry chain can cause friction and damage to your bike.
- Gears: Make sure your gears are shifting smoothly. Shift through all your bags to ensure that they’re functioning correctly.
- Handlebars and stem: Check that your handlebars and stem are tight and secure. Wiggle them to make sure they’re not loose.
You’ll ensure a safer and more enjoyable ride by taking a few minutes to check your bike before each ride.
Get the Right Gear
When cycling, wearing the right gear can make a difference. Not only does it make you more comfortable while riding, but it can also keep you safe. Here are some tips for getting the right gear:
- Invest in a good helmet – This is your most essential gear. Make sure it fits properly and meets safety standards.
- Wear appropriate clothing – Dress for the weather and choose clothing that won’t get caught in the bike chain or wheels. Consider wearing padded cycling shorts for added comfort.
- Get the right shoes – Proper cycling shoes are designed to provide support, increase pedal efficiency, and improve traction.
- Use gloves – Gloves can help improve your grip on the handlebars, reduce hand fatigue, and protect your hands in the event of a fall.
- Use sunglasses – Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and debris that can be kicked up from the road.
Remember, the right gear can make all the difference when enjoying your ride. Pay attention to quality and invest in the equipment that’s best suited for you.
Get in Shape
Riding a bike can be an excellent form of exercise, but it can also be quite demanding on your body. To ride like a pro, getting in shape and building up your endurance and strength is essential.
Whether you’re just starting or an experienced cyclist, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can help you improve your performance and feel more comfortable on your bike.
Here are some tips to help you get in shape for cycling:
- Start Slowly: Don’t push yourself too hard too quickly if you’re starting. Start with short rides and gradually increase your distance and intensity over time.
- Mix It Up: Incorporate a variety of workouts into your routine, such as strength training, cardio, and stretching. This can help you build endurance, improve your balance, and reduce your risk of injury.
- Focus on Core Strength: A strong core can help you maintain good posture and stability on your bike. Incorporate exercises that target your abdominal and back muscles into your routine.
- Practice Hills: Hills can be a challenging aspect of cycling but can also be a great way to build strength and endurance. Incorporate hill training into your routine to help you conquer those steep climbs.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. If you experience pain or discomfort, take a break and rest.
By getting in shape and building up your endurance and strength, you’ll be able to ride like a pro and enjoy all the benefits of cycling. So, get out there and start pedalling!
Learn the Rules of the Road
When cycling on public roads, it’s essential to understand and follow the rules. Not only does this help you avoid getting into accidents, but it also ensures the safety of everyone around you.
Here are a few basic rules to keep in mind when you’re out on your bike:
- Ride on the right-hand side of the road: Always ride with the traffic flow. This means that you should stick to the right-hand side of the road, just like you would if you were driving a car.
- Use hand signals: Use hand signals to let other drivers and cyclists know where you’re headed. Extend your left arm straight out to the side to signal a left turn. Hold your left arm out and bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle to signal a right turn. Extend your left arm down with your palm facing behind you to signal a stop.
- Obey traffic lights and signs: Don’t run red or stop signs. Follow the same traffic laws as you would driving a car.
- Yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right of way, so give them plenty of space and respect.
- Watch for hazards: Look for hazards like potholes, debris, and other obstacles. Be extra careful in wet or slippery conditions.
Learning and following these basic rules allows you to safely and confidently ride your bike on public roads. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when riding your bike.
Explore Different Routes
Riding the same route daily can quickly become boring, even for experienced cyclists. Exploring new trails is one of the best ways to keep your rides fresh and exciting.
Not only will it make your rides more interesting, but you’ll also challenge yourself in different ways. Hills, corners, and elevation changes can all make you a better cyclist.
Brisbane is home to some fantastic cycling routes. The most popular ones include the Bicentennial Bikeway, the River Loop, and the Wynnum Esplanade. But there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Use online resources such as Strava, MapMyRide, or Google Maps to discover new routes in your area. You can also contact other cyclists or local cycling clubs for recommendations.
Always be mindful of traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards when exploring new routes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the road conditions and any potential dangers. Always wear the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and reflective clothing.
Join a Group or Club
One of the best ways to improve your riding skills is by joining a cycling group or club. Not only will you get to meet new people who share the same interests, but you’ll also learn new skills from experienced riders.
Joining a group or club will also give you the motivation and accountability to keep up with your cycling routine. Knowing you have a group of riders to meet up with at a specific time and place will help you stick to your riding schedule.
Groups or clubs often organize rides that take you to new and exciting routes. This will add some variety to your riding and challenge you to improve your endurance and climbing abilities.
Another great advantage of joining a group or club is getting valuable advice on everything from bike maintenance to nutrition. Group members will have different levels of experience and expertise and will be happy to share their knowledge with you.