- Bike setup basics<\/a><\/li>\n
- Adult cycling lessons<\/a><\/li>\n
- Beginner cycling skills<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Bike setup basics<\/h2>\n
We\u2019ll start by running through the basics of how to setup your bike.<\/p>\n
Set your saddle height<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>A low saddle height might feel safe, but it will make your bike harder to ride.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Getting your saddle height right is vital to ensuring your bike is comfortable, safe and easy to ride.<\/p>\n
Most beginners will feel comfortable riding with a saddle height that is, in fact, too low for them. This is usually because allows them to sit across the bike with a foot flat on the floor, which feels safe.<\/p>\n
This is fine if you\u2019re just starting out and want to get used to riding a bike, but you will quickly find a low saddle height position becomes limiting and annoying.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>A low saddle height, as pictured here, won\u2019t allow you to stretch our your legs fully.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n A low saddle height makes it harder to pedal, particularly uphill, as your legs are unable to fully stretch out. This reduces your muscular efficiency. For some people, the sharper bend in the knee caused by a low saddle height can cause injury.<\/p>\n
As an analogy, imagine trying to crush a can with your foot while sitting down compared to when standing up. The latter is, of course, much easier.<\/p>\n
A low saddle height will also make it harder to stand up on the pedals if you, for example, want to bump off a kerb.<\/p>\n
Another helpful analogy: think about standing up from a seated position on a low sofa compared to a high stool.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>A saddle height that is too high will make your hips rock uncomfortably as you pedal.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Conversely, if your saddle is much too high, you won\u2019t be able to reach the pedals.<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s just a little too high, you will still be able to reach the pedals but your hips will rock from side to side as you pedal. That will quickly make you sore and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Your knee should have a bend of approximately 25 to 30 degrees.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n As a very general rule of thumb, you want to set your saddle height so there is a bend of approximately 25 to 35 degrees in your knee when your pedal is at the bottom of the stroke.<\/p>\n
You can test this out by leaning against a wall or fence and pedalling backwards. Recording yourself with a smartphone is the easiest way to check your position.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>You can adjust your saddle height, most often using a 4 or 5mm hex key.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n To move your saddle up and down, you\u2019ll probably need a hex\/Allen key<\/a> to loosen the seat clamp. Some bikes come with a quick-release saddle clamp, which makes this process even easier.<\/p>\n
Unscrew the bolt by turning it anti-clockwise, then lift or lower the saddle as necessary. Even small changes of 5-10mm can make a big difference, so don\u2019t be afraid to take your time here.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Check your saddle sits straight.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Once you\u2019re happy with your saddle height, ensure the saddle is sitting straight. You can check this by looking at the back of your bike and checking whether the nose of the saddle is sitting in line with the top tube of your bike.<\/p>\n
Tighten the seat clamp bolt firmly so that the saddle won\u2019t rotate if you try and twist it. That should leave it tight enough that it won\u2019t sink under you. If you have a lightweight carbon bike, it\u2019s worth investing in a torque wrench<\/a>.<\/p>\n
If you really want to nerd out on getting your saddle height\u00a0just\u00a0<\/em>right, check out our in-depth guide to setting your saddle height<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Pump up your tyres<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Getting your tyre pressure right is key to ensuring you have a smooth and controlled ride.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n Getting your tyre pressure right will make your bike as comfortable and efficient to ride as possible.<\/p>\n
If your tyres are too soft, riding will be hard work and you run the risk of damaging your inner tube, tyre or wheel.<\/p>\n
If your tyres are too hard, your bike will be uncomfortable to ride, and less efficient on rougher surfaces.<\/p>\n
Pumping up your tyres to the right pressure will allow them to support you and your bike\u2019s weight on a cushion of air that absorbs bumps without squirming or deforming as you ride.<\/p>\n
Almost all bicycle tyres will have a tyre pressure range printed or moulded onto their sidewall. This will state the recommended minimum and maximum pressure range for a tyre.<\/p>\n
Somewhere around the middle of these two figures is a good starting point.<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>A bike pump is a key investment for any cyclist.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n If you want a more accurate figure, try a tyre pressure calculator. We recommend the Silca<\/a>\u00a0or Zipp<\/a> tyre pressure calculators to most riders.<\/p>\n
If you really want to go to town, check out our in-depth guides on how to set mountain bike tyre pressure<\/a> and road bike tyre pressure<\/a>.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve also got a separate guide on how to pump up a bike tyre<\/a>, covering the basics of Presta valves, Schrader values and, of course, inflation \u2013 as well as our pick of the best bike pumps<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Adjust the handlebar height<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Handlebar height can also be adjusted.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n An often overlooked but important part of ensuring your bike is as comfortable as possible is setting your handlebar height.<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, a bike with handlebars that sit above the saddle will be more comfortable and easier to ride. An upright riding position also makes it easier to look around and be aware of your surroundings.<\/p>\n
If you find your bike difficult or uncomfortable to ride, raising your handlebar height may help.<\/p>\n
Changing your handlebar height is slightly more mechanically involved than setting your saddle height, so refer to our full guide on how to adjust handlebar height<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n
Safety check your bike<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>It\u2019s worth safety checking your bike if it hasn\u2019t been ridden in some time.<\/span><\/figcaption> Wayne Reid \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n If you have unearthed a bike that hasn\u2019t been used in some time from the depths of your shed, or bought a second-hand bike<\/a>, it\u2019s worth giving it a quick safety check (also known as an \u2018M check\u2019).<\/p>\n
Key things to look out for include checking the wheels are secure, the tyres are in good condition and all bolts are tight.<\/p>\n
For more information, refer to our full guide to completing an M check<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Adult cycling lessons<\/h2>\n
It is important to start this section by emphasising that there is absolutely no shame in not knowing how to ride a bike in your adult years \u2013 you are not alone.<\/p>\n
According to a 2013 YouGov survey<\/a>, an estimated six per cent of adults in the USA did not know how to ride a bike. A 2017 survey from the British Heart Foundation<\/a> found that the figure was 12.5 per cent for adults in the UK.<\/p>\n
More generally, the same British Heart Foundation survey found one in five Brits hadn\u2019t ridden a bike in more than ten years.<\/p>\n
Many charities across the UK offer cycling lessons for adults, but the best known of these is the Bikeability Trust<\/a>.<\/p>\n
This charity is focused on introducing skills to children, so does charge for adult lessons, but it\u2019s well worth the investment if you want to get started in cycling later in life.<\/p>\n
Basic cycling skills<\/h2>\n
Getting going<\/h3>\n
A vital skill that beginners often struggle to master is simply pushing off at the beginning of a ride.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve only ever ridden a bike with the saddle set too low, setting off can feel especially intimidating.<\/p>\n
The trick is not to teeter on the saddle, but to straddle the bike and lift yourself on to the saddle as you set off.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s useful to know which is your lead foot, because this is the best one to start pedalling.<\/p>\n
Imagine yourself sliding across a \ufb02oor in your socks. Which foot do you lead with? That\u2019s your lead foot.<\/p>\n
- Adult cycling lessons<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0001-04f94e1.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0015-c543e1f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0028-632d6c3.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2011\/06\/DSC_2364-9506efa.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0034-90fa1c6.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0037-71589b5.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0041-98aef49.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0045-d0f0c70.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0047-1d7dae5.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2022\/04\/Beginners-cycling-skills-for-adults0052-dd77600.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>