Have you developed an interest in biking but don’t know where to start? Is your head stuffed with questions such as “how many types of bikes are there?” or “what is the most popular type of bike?”. If so, you’re in the right place. This article will teach you how to start biking by showing you some of the basics of before and during your ride. Let’s ride (pun intended)!
First Things First
There are a lot of things you need to know before you start biking. The good news is that city streets and country roads are yours for the taking if you have the correct blend of confidence and caution. After a little bike studying, you’ll be able to swiftly and properly learn all you need to know. We’ll start with the basics.
How many types of bikes are there?
Millions of bicycles are manufactured each year. Now, you must be wondering how many types of bikes are there? Well, there are a lot of them.
Different types of bicycles are categorized by function, the number of riders, construction or frame type, gearing, sport, means of propulsion, and rider position. With that in mind, we can imagine that the list is very long. Below, we’ll mention a few:
- Mountain bikes
- Touring bikes and road bikes
- Trail bikes
- Comfort bikes
- BMX bikes
- Hybrid bikes
What is the most popular type of bike?
Some of the most popular types of bikes are:
Road bikes. The road bike derives its name from the type of terrain it is suited for: the road. They’re meant to transport you as far and as quickly as your legs can carry you on paved roads.
Mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are the polar opposite of road bikes in that they are built for off-road riding. Mountain bikes’ thick tires and treads make them slow on pavement, but they’re ideal for keeping you upright on rocky, muddy singletrack paths.
E-bikes. E-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that is activated by pedaling. A tiny motor engages when you pump the pedals on a pedal-assist e-bike, giving you a boost to speed up hills and cruise over rough terrain.
Which type of bike is best for you?
With so many options to choose from, you’ll probably get confused. Suppose you are new to biking, getting more serious about it, or returning to cycling after a long break. In that case, it’s critical to consider your riding style before deciding on a bike type, excluding all other bike categories, and thoroughly researching one specific bike type or bike category.
How to Start Biking
Get a bike and start pedaling. Yes, that sounds like a very easy and simple process, but you should plan some other things if you’re new to it. As a beginner, you should start by choosing the right bike, gears, and other safety pieces of equipment. With no further due, let’s introduce you to some steps to make your bike riding experience beautiful and safe.
Choose the right bike
Your choice is solely based on your bike requirements and personal preferences. Some individuals want speed control, while others enjoy doing acrobatics, and yet others compete in bike races.
In order to choose the best bicycle for you, consider how frequently you plan to ride, how much you’re prepared to pay, and what you’ll use your bike for. However, you must be aware of the various sorts of bicycles accessible.
Get the right gears
Bicycle gearing is a fantastic invention. The bike’s chain generates a mechanical advantage, allowing you to move your pedals and wheels at various speeds. You may modify this mechanical advantage and the torque supplied to your back wheel by moving gears. It’s a fantastic example of elementary physics in action.
Stay safe
It is of utmost importance that you stay safe when riding a bike. Make sure to check your seat, handlebars, and wheels. Minor falls are alright and sometimes funny, and you’ll probably experience some. However, taking caution is important to avoid big accidents.
Some of the safety measures include wearing a helmet, checking and lubricating your chain regularly, making sure your brakes are in good working order and aren’t stuck, and ensuring your tires are inflated and have the proper tire pressure.
Get water and food for the road
Now that you’re ready to go, make sure you get water and food for the road. If you’ve eaten beforehand and are going for a short ride, there is no need to eat while biking. However, long rides require you to practice eating tiny amounts of high-GI carbs while cycling, which helps sustain energy by restoring blood glucose and providing continuous fuel to the working muscles.
Things You Should Bear in Mind
Additionally to the previously mentioned tips, we have extra tips to make your first bike ride an unforgettable moment. These are the things you should bear in mind:
Pedal at a steady rhythm
You don’t want to be whirling your legs or straining to push the pedals when riding. Ideally, your pedaling speed should be between 70 and 90 revolutions per minute. This will increase your endurance and overall health by working your cardiovascular and the aerobic system, which is more efficient than your muscular, anaerobic system.
Learn how to corner properly
You’ll learn a lot about riding technique as you ride more, but here’s a quick tip to get you started: raise the inside pedal to the peak of your pedal stroke as you take a corner. That way, the pedal won’t strike the ground as you lean into the turn.
Learn how to use the gears
Gears function to make your ride simpler, but not everyone is aware of how they work. As you get more experience cycling, you’ll notice that changing gears either makes you work harder and go quicker or spin easier but go slower. Once you get the bike, spend some time on the gears too. The ultimate goal is to keep a steady rhythm.
Final Thoughts
Starting to ride a bike is a simple and enjoyable process. If you’re a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by all the information and different types of bikes. But once you get into it, you’ll be able to decide on everything yourself. Always make sure that your bike is in good condition, and you’ll be good to go.
