Beginner’s Cycling Tips: 25 Essential Pieces of Advice

Getting into cycling is exciting. The breeze on your face, meeting new roads, being outdoors. But when you’re starting out, it helps to have a few practical pointers. This guide covers kit, clothing, nutrition, technique, and safety—and it’s all written from our experiences, with a few honest mistakes thrown in.

"Ride as much or as little, as long or as short, as you feel. But ride."—Eddy Merckx

What to Wear and Why

1. Padded cycling shorts
   They save your derrière on longer rides. No underwear underneath—just trust the padding.
2. A proper helmet
   Safety isn’t about style points. Find one that fits well, meets standards, and does the job.
3. Clipless pedals and cleats
   They might feel strange at first, but they improve pedalling efficiency quickly once you get the hang of clipping in and out.
4. Mountain biking gear
   Gloves and knee pads are a good place to start. For downhill or jumps, consider elbow or back protection too.
5. Cycling sunglasses
   Keep bugs, sun, and wind out of your eyes. Interchangeable lenses are ideal if you ride in changing light.

Bike Maintenance Made Simple

6. Lube your chain regularly
   Tidy, smooth, and quieter. Your drivetrain will thank you.
7. Check tyre pressure
   Follow pressure recommendations on your tyre sidewall. Invest in a pump with a gauge—it pays off.
8. Use mudguards in wet conditions
   Wet roads mean dirt, spray, and cleanup. A guard saves you and your gear from mess.
9. Keep your bike clean
   Soap, sponge, and degreaser for the drivetrain. A quick spray keeps things moving smoothly.
10. Learn to fix punctures
    Carry basics: tyre levers, spare tube or patch kit, and a pump or inflator. Serial punctures can ruin a ride.

Nutrition and Fueling for the Ride

11. Stay hydrated
    Even for short rides, carry water. Plan refill points or pack extra if needed.
12. Keep fueling on longer rides
    Aim for 100–250 calories every 30 minutes—gels, cereal bars, bananas work fine.
13. Include electrolytes
    Especially when sweating more than usual. Electrolyte tablets or a simple mix of juice, water, salt, and sugar help.
14. Refuel promptly afterward
    A 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio works well. Think smoothies or shakes made from milk, banana, nut butter, and honey.
15. Coffee mid-ride is OK
    If you love it—go for it. Caffeine can boost endurance just when you need it most.

Staying Safe on the Road

16. Let someone know your plan
    Share your route or location. Apps like Strava or WhatsApp make this easy.
17. Learn city riding techniques
    Use assertive riding positions. Know the difference between riding in the centre line lane and offset.
18. Use your brakes effectively
    Apply roughly 60/40 or 70/30 ratio between front and rear brakes. Don’t jam the front brake suddenly.
19. Improve cornering technique
    Keep the outside pedal down and apply pressure for stability, especially in wet conditions.
20. Ride with a group
    Drafting saves energy. Learn signals, avoid half-wheeling, and communicate clearly.

Pedalling Technique and Mindset

21. Bike fit matters
    Saddle height and reach matter more than you think. A professional fit can save you future pain.
22. Avoid cross-chaining
    Don’t use the big chainring with the biggest rear cog or vice versa. It’s inefficient and hard on your drivetrain.
23. Maintain cadence
    Aim for 80–90 RPM. Shift into an easier gear before climbs, not while you’re struggling.
24. Find riding buddies
    They keep you motivated, share knowledge, and turn rides into social time.
25. Enjoy the ride
    Bike riding is fun. Celebrate small wins, laugh at wipe-outs, and grab cake when you reach a café. Most importantly, ride because you like it.

Cycling shouldn’t feel intimidating. With the right gear, some basic maintenance, smart nutrition, and a focus on safety and comfort, it becomes a routine you look forward to. Keep learning, keep riding, and let the road teach you along the way.

Want more tips? Check out our gear reviews and ride stories for honest insights, from real riders like us.