If you've decided to take up cycling, you are about to find out just how much fun and rewarding it is. Whether you want to cycle to work, cycle for fun, or cycle to get fit, cycling can add something great to your life. It can all seem so overwhelming at first, though. Cyclists seem to speak a language all of their own, and this is because a little bit of knowledge is important if you want to avoid making the common mistakes that a lot of cyclists make. But, don't worry, we've got you. Take a look through our guide, and you won't need to embarrass yourself in the bicycle shop next time you visit!

Top 10 common mistakes that every cyclist makes

1) Choosing the wrong bicycle

"Well, a bicycle is a bicycle, right? What difference could it make? They all have two wheels!" There is such a huge variety of bikes out there, and the difference between the types can make it impossible, or at least very uncomfortable, to do the sort of riding you want.

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. The price of bicycles can get really, really high, and if you're just cycling for fun you probably don't need to spend a fortune. But, it is often a good idea to spend just a little more than you were initially expecting because the difference between super-budget bikes and those just a little step up can be really big. It is also worth buying from a bicycle specialist, rather than from a general retailer, as you will be able to get some really good advice when you buy.

The next thing to consider is what you will be using the bicycle for, and this is really crucial because the build of bikes for different purposes differs wildly.

Road cycling

If you're joining a cycling club or you want to really get into road racing, then you really need a proper road bicycle. These are aerodynamic, with slim tires, and are designed for you to sit bent double over the bike. This is to give you the speed boost that you are going to need.

Off-road cycling

If you are planning on going off-road, then you are going to need a mountain bike (MTB). These are built very differently to road bikes, with the design focused on stability and comfort. They have wide wheels with plenty of grip, as well as shock absorption. If you are just starting out, it may be better to get an MTB with just front-wheel suspension, as those with double can feel surprisingly sluggish.

Commuting/leisure

If you are going to be using your bicycle to commute to and from work or to go on trips with the family, a hybrid bike can be a good bet. These bicycles take elements of road and MTB, to give you the best mix of both. Hybrids tend to be more comfortable than road bikes, but they have large diameter narrow wheels to give you more speed than an MTB. Other things to consider could bu mudguards to protect your clothes and decent brakes if you're going to be battling with the morning commute.

Women's bicycles

Women's bicycles have always had a slightly different build in the frame, to allow for differences in anatomy, but there has been more of a push in recent years for bike manufacturers to build bicycles that are much more accommodating to women's bodies.

2) Not having the saddle high enough

Many new cyclists start off by placing their saddle too low. It can feel quite strange to have it as high as it needs to be, but it really can make all the difference for your comfort and performance. If you have your saddle too low, this can make peddling much more difficult because your legs aren't able to use their entire range of motion.

There are a ton of different methods out there to find out the right saddle height for you, some of which are much more complicated than others! If you are able to, however, it can be a really good idea to get your bike properly fitted by someone who knows what they're talking about because there are lots of different adjustments that can be made to the rest of the bike as well that can help you to get the most comfortable position that you can.

3) Not having the right accessories

While, yes, you could just ride your new bicycle out of the shop and be on your way, considering the accessories you need can make all the difference to your enjoyment of riding in the long term.

Helmet

Wearing a helmet when you go cycling can genuinely mean the difference between life or death, or at least walking away from an accident and having to go to the hospital. Different helmets are needed for differing types of cycling, so it is worth doing some research before you buy.

Bike lock

If you are going to be using your bicycle for commuting, or you otherwise want to be able to leave your bike while you go off to do something else, investing in a bike lock can be a really good idea. Bicycle theft is surprisingly common, and a simple bike lock is often enough to deter would-be thieves.

Lights

Having lights on your bicycle is important for two reasons. First, it seems obvious but you really want to be able to see where you are going. You might not be planning to ride in the dark but, as we all know, dark can creep up on us, especially in the winter months. Second, you want other road users to see you. Having a red blinking light on the back of your bicycle can make you really easy to see, which will allow cars to avoid you.

Repair kit

It is always, always a good idea to have a repair kit with you. Things can go wrong with your bicycle at any point, and having the means to repair it yourself, even temporarily, can make the difference between getting home comfortably or being stranded and/or having to walk your bicycle the rest of the way. You don't have to spend a fortune on your repair kit, but it is important to at least have the essentials.

4) Not maintaining your bicycle

Unless you want to pay someone else to do it for you, you are going to have to learn a bit about bicycle maintenance. Bicycles have a lot of moving parts, tires, chains that need oiling, etc. Which means that they absolutely will need maintenance if they are going to keep working as they should. As we all know that maintenance is always better than repair, so taking the time to learn how to maintain your bicycle properly is essential.

5) Going too hard too fast

You might have fond memories of spending entire days cycling around the neighborhood with your friends, without a care in the world or an ache in any part of your body. Unfortunately, we don't get to keep that level of natural fitness as we become full-fledged adults.

Many people try to cycle for as far as they can, as fast as they can, the second they get their new bicycle, only to be hit by the unpleasant realization that it isn't quite as easy as they remember. Take it slow to build yourself up, and you will keep having fun, rather than curling up into a fetal position as soon as you get home!

6) Not using gears

Your gears are there for a reason! Using your gears properly can make your ride more efficient and can make your life easier and more comfortable. As a general rule, if you find yourself peddling fast with very little resistance, it is time to go up a gear. If you are really struggling to push the peddles around, then drop down a gear. Keep peddling as you change to give the chain a chance to lock-in smoothly.

7) Braking incorrectly

Your brakes are, of course, important to help you come to a full stop, but they are also useful for helping you to navigate corners. One of the mistakes that new cyclists often make is to brake while they are already turning the corner. This can actually cause your bicycle to lock up, which can throw you off or crash. Instead, brake gently as you are approaching the corner, enough to slow you down so that you can navigate the corner safely. Then pedal your way back out of the corner.

8) Being inconsiderate of other road users

If you are planning to go cycling anywhere where there are other road users, it is so important to be mindful of other people and share the road properly. For example, is important to ride with the traffic, use hand signals to tell other road users what you are planning on doing, be aware of blind spots, don't veer out of your lane, and obey road signs. Taking some time to read about and understand proper road etiquette and safety should always be done before you venture out onto the road on your bicycle.

9) Not fueling up properly for your ride

Cycling burns a lot of calories (which is great for some people!), but cycling can also allow you to travel surprisingly long distances at a time. The last thing you need is to find yourself miles away from home and exhausted. Make sure that you eat and hydrate yourself before you head out on your ride. It is also important to bring a drink with you, and possible some calorie-dense snacks such as trail mix.

10) Not wearing suitable clothing

Cycling clothing is really, really specialized, and this is for good reason. The jobs that you need your clothes to do when you are cycling is very different from the jobs that you need it to do when you go about your everyday life. Investing in proper cycling clothing can make all the difference in your comfort, performance, and safety. Some of the essential cycling clothing includes:

• cycling jersey
• wind and rainproof cycling jacket
• padded cycling shorts (these vary massively depending on the type of saddle, type of cycling, as well as your body type)
• sunglasses
• cycling shoes that are the right fit for you and your bicycle
• padded cycling gloves
• waterproof trousers
https://beaverro.com/collections/bags• backpack or pannier bags

There are loads of other cycling clothes that you can buy, once you get the feel for what you need on your ride.

Final thoughts

Whenever you start a new hobby, you are going to make mistakes. Cycling, in particular, can have quite a steep learning curve, just because of the variety of types of cycling and the technicality of the things that you need to consider. Once you get the hang of it, though, you will be reeling off the lingo like a pro! Hopefully, avoiding these 10 common mistakes that cyclists make will help put you on the road to success (pun intended)!