Cycling is a fun and healthy hobby that can enrich your life in many ways. You can enjoy the outdoors, explore new places, meet new people, and improve your fitness and well-being. Whether you want to ride on the road, on the trails, or in the city, there is a bike and a style of cycling for you. To get started, you need a bike that fits your needs and budget, some basic gear and accessories, and a sense of adventure.
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Cycling
as a hobby
AKA: Bicycling, Biking.
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
John F. Kennedy
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We curated content to familiarize you with cycling as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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Cycling is a great way to get fit and stay healthy. It can improve your cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and joint mobility.
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Cadence: The number of times you pedal in a minute. A higher cadence means you are pedaling faster and more efficiently.
- Drafting: The act of riding behind another cyclist to reduce wind resistance and save energy. You can draft behind a single rider or a group of riders, also known as a peloton.
- Bonking: The feeling of exhaustion and fatigue that occurs when you run out of energy during a long ride. You can prevent bonking by eating and drinking enough before and during your ride.
- Saddle: The seat of your bike. You want to find a saddle that is comfortable and fits your anatomy well.
- Clipless pedals: Pedals that attach to special shoes that lock your feet in place. Clipless pedals allow you to transfer more power to your bike and improve your pedaling efficiency. They also make it easier to unclip and stop quickly if needed.
- Brake levers: The levers on your handlebars that control your brakes. You can use them to slow down or stop your bike. You should always brake with both levers at the same time, and avoid braking too hard or too suddenly.
- Shifting: The act of changing gears on your bike to adjust to different terrain and speed. You can shift using the levers or buttons on your handlebars that control your front and rear derailleurs. You should shift smoothly and gradually, and avoid shifting under heavy load or when pedaling backwards.
- MTB: Acronym for Mountain Bike.
Term Videos
How to break the ice and make a start.
Cycling is a long ride. Maybe start with a movie for inspiration.
Now, are you sure cycling is the thing for you and what cycling type are you into? If so, hit your local bike shop and start your journey.
If you aren’t sure, start by introducing cycling into your life. See if there is chemistry and a spark. If you have an old bike, consider fixing it and tuning it up. If you don’t have a bike, find a nearby bike shop and buy a simple city bicycle. Use it for commuting or general transportation. Consider buying some accessories for convenience and safety, so nothing would stand in the way of trying to understand if the cycling life is for you.
You can use a cycling app to find routes and track your rides. Cycling is a social hobby, consider joining cycling groups or events near you.
First Steps Videos
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Cycling is a cheap and convenient way to get around. You don’t have to pay for fuel, parking, or public transport fares. You also don’t have to worry about traffic jams, delays, or finding a parking spot. You can save money and time by cycling to work, school, or other places.
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Further reading.
- Why cycling is great for your legs, lungs, immune system and mind, plus 11 other great benefits of life on two wheels! | Cycling Weekly
- Cycling as a Part of Daily Life: A Review of Health Perspectives | Taylor & Francis
- How the bicycle became a symbol of women’s emancipation | Women in politics | The Guardian
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The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world.
Susan B. Anthony
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What kind of bike should I get?
The answer depends on what kind of cycling you want to do, where you want to ride, and how much you want to spend. There are different types of bikes for different purposes, such as road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, etc. You should do some research and visit a local bike shop to find the best bike for your needs and budget.
Do I need an expensive bike to be a good cyclist?
No, you don’t need an expensive bike to be a good cyclist. While high-end bikes can offer performance benefits, skill and dedication are far more important. Many successful cyclists started with basic, affordable bikes.
What types of cycling are there?
- Road cycling: Riding on paved roads with fast, lightweight, and aerodynamic bikes.
- Mountain biking: Riding on off-road trails with durable, stable, and versatile bikes. Some have suspension systems.
- Gravel biking: Riding on mixed surfaces with road-like bikes that have wider tires, disc brakes, and more relaxed geometry.
- Cyclocross biking: Riding on a short course with obstacles with road-like bikes that have wider tires, disc brakes, and more clearance for mud.
- BMX biking: Riding on a track or park with jumps and ramps with small, sturdy, and agile bikes. They have one gear and no brakes.
What gear and accessories do I need?
The basic gear and accessories you need for cycling are a helmet, a lock, a pump, a spare tube, a patch kit, a multi-tool, and a water bottle. You may also want to get some cycling clothing, such as padded shorts, gloves, sunglasses, and a jacket. Depending on your bike and riding style, you may also need some other items, such as lights, fenders, racks, bags, etc.
How do I stay safe on the road?
The best way to stay safe on the road is to follow the rules of the road, be visible and predictable, communicate with other road users, and ride defensively. You should also check your bike before every ride, wear a helmet and bright clothing, use lights and reflectors at night or in low visibility conditions, and avoid distractions such as headphones or phone use.
How do I improve my fitness and skills?
The best way to improve your fitness and skills is to ride regularly and gradually increase your distance, speed, and intensity. You should also vary your routes and terrain, try some hills and corners, and challenge yourself with some intervals or sprints. You can also join a cycling club or group, or watch some online videos or tutorials to learn from others.
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Cycling is a green and sustainable mode of transport. It doesn’t emit any harmful gases or pollutants that contribute to global warming, air pollution, and noise pollution. It also doesn’t consume any non-renewable resources or generate any waste. By cycling more and driving less, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve the environment.
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Get together.
- Cycling Events Near You
- Bicycle Shops Near You
- Bicycle Repair Shop Near You
- Bicycling groups | Meetup
- Cycling groups | Meetup
- Mountain Biking groups | Meetup
- Road Cycling groups | Meetup
- Casual Bicycling groups | Meetup
- Cycling for Fitness groups | Meetup
- Bicycle Touring groups | Meetup
- Bicycling Beginners groups | Meetup
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Cycling is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. It can enhance your mood, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase your self-esteem and confidence.
Additional advice for beginners.
- Adjust your saddle to the correct height for you. This simple task is crucial for performance, comfort, and health, and is often overlooked.
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| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Fields | |
| Locations | Abroad, City, Countryside, Forest, Mountain, Nature, Outdoor |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Attention to Health, Balance, Core Stability, Physical Endurance, Physical Fitness, Resilience, Self-esteem |