The most obvious and important:
An introductory Commuter and Cycling Guide
Essentials to have on a ride and KNOW HOW TO USE!
1. Spare Tube (Ensure it is the right size!)
2. Patch Kit (most are just like a Band-Aid today… very easy to apply if necessary)
3. Tire Levers (to aid with flat repair)
4. Pump
5. Basic multi-tool (includes Allen-wrenches, screw drivers and a chain tool)
6. Cell Phone
7. Identification/Money/Insurance Card
5-things to check every time you ride!
1. Tires and Wheels (Check that they are properly inflated and that they aren't cracked, gouged, torn or worn out. Check that the nuts or quick-release are securely tightened to the fork & frame drop-outs.)
2. Brakes (ensure that when you compress the brake that they apply enough pressure!)
3. Seat Post and Handle-Bar Stem (Ensure that all are tightened properly!)
4. Helmet (ALWAYS wear your helmet. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET! Always wear your HELMET! Ensure it properly fits: straps are snug, it doesn’t wobble freely, the front brim is just above your eyebrows, there are no cracks) Always replace a helmet after a fall: you can’t see the damage, and it very well may fail the next time!
5. Chain and Gears (ensure that the chain cleanly rotates through the derailleurs and sprockets.)
Being comfortable while riding
1. Always wear layers! In the winter wear gloves and a beanie under your helmet along with adequate jackets and leggings. In the summer, wear clothes that wick moisture from your skin: NEVER wear cotton on a long ride, as it doesn’t wick efficiently, causing you to over heat in the summer or get chilled in the winter. Wear 100% Polyester or Merino Wool.
2. Wear bicycle shorts with padding and get a seat that is comfortable to you!
3. Ensure that your bicycle is FIT TO YOU!: The saddle height should be high enough that when your pedal is at the bottom your leg is almost fully extended, but should have a little bend in it. (A good way to quickly measure: put your heal on the pedal and pedal to the bottom, if you can BARELY touch, then your seat is approximately at the right height.) If you are leaned over like super-man, then you probably need a shorter stem and need to go to a friend or local bike shop for assistance.
4. Keep a quick cadence (move your legs around quickly: at least 1 time per second, preferably a bit faster)… use your gears to enable you to pedal at the same rate all the time! Gears act just like your car's transmission; your legs should never be going around like crazy; and NEVER too slowly (that hurts... can can damage your knees). Shift appropriately to keep you legs going around at about 70 to 85 time per minute.
- Dress Appropriately! Always wear a helmet!
- Be Seen! Use lights, reflective clothing and use hand-signals!
- Ride with traffic!
- Be Visible & Ride predictably!
An introductory Commuter and Cycling Guide
Essentials to have on a ride and KNOW HOW TO USE!
1. Spare Tube (Ensure it is the right size!)
2. Patch Kit (most are just like a Band-Aid today… very easy to apply if necessary)
3. Tire Levers (to aid with flat repair)
4. Pump
5. Basic multi-tool (includes Allen-wrenches, screw drivers and a chain tool)
6. Cell Phone
7. Identification/Money/Insurance Card
5-things to check every time you ride!
1. Tires and Wheels (Check that they are properly inflated and that they aren't cracked, gouged, torn or worn out. Check that the nuts or quick-release are securely tightened to the fork & frame drop-outs.)
2. Brakes (ensure that when you compress the brake that they apply enough pressure!)
3. Seat Post and Handle-Bar Stem (Ensure that all are tightened properly!)
4. Helmet (ALWAYS wear your helmet. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET! Always wear your HELMET! Ensure it properly fits: straps are snug, it doesn’t wobble freely, the front brim is just above your eyebrows, there are no cracks) Always replace a helmet after a fall: you can’t see the damage, and it very well may fail the next time!
5. Chain and Gears (ensure that the chain cleanly rotates through the derailleurs and sprockets.)
Being comfortable while riding
1. Always wear layers! In the winter wear gloves and a beanie under your helmet along with adequate jackets and leggings. In the summer, wear clothes that wick moisture from your skin: NEVER wear cotton on a long ride, as it doesn’t wick efficiently, causing you to over heat in the summer or get chilled in the winter. Wear 100% Polyester or Merino Wool.
2. Wear bicycle shorts with padding and get a seat that is comfortable to you!
3. Ensure that your bicycle is FIT TO YOU!: The saddle height should be high enough that when your pedal is at the bottom your leg is almost fully extended, but should have a little bend in it. (A good way to quickly measure: put your heal on the pedal and pedal to the bottom, if you can BARELY touch, then your seat is approximately at the right height.) If you are leaned over like super-man, then you probably need a shorter stem and need to go to a friend or local bike shop for assistance.
4. Keep a quick cadence (move your legs around quickly: at least 1 time per second, preferably a bit faster)… use your gears to enable you to pedal at the same rate all the time! Gears act just like your car's transmission; your legs should never be going around like crazy; and NEVER too slowly (that hurts... can can damage your knees). Shift appropriately to keep you legs going around at about 70 to 85 time per minute.
