Cycling is the solution to a healthy life. Cycling regularly is an effective method to exercise and fight diseases. However, cycling is not simply about controlling the bike but also having to understand some more information. Currently, cycling has attracted a lot of attention, some beginners will inevitably find it difficult to recognize a few mistakes. But don't worry. The requirements of cycling for beginners are much simpler than for professionals.
Let's take a look at and fix these unrecognizable cycling mistakes with Asama, helping you to limit your injury and improve efficiency…
Adjusting The Saddle
When people first start cycling, they often adjust the saddle so that the whole foot can touch the ground. According to a survey by Asama, they feel that supporting the whole foot helps them stand firmer and more confident. Also, they think this posture is correct. However, with that position, it will make the legs bent and lead to leg injuries, even lower back injuries.
To do this well is very simple. You just need to adjust the bicycle saddle to suit your foot length. By placing one foot on the pedal, rotate the pedal to the bottom, and keep the knee only slightly bent. The distance between the forks and the top of the saddle is the seat height for cycling. This is the easiest way to do it. If you need to know more precisely, you can go to the bike shop to have it aligned. Adjusting the saddle will reduce injuries in the leg area, especially the knee.
Unknown Bicycle Size
One of the equally important things about sport cycling is the size of the bike to fit the body. The two main factors that determine the right bike for you are saddle height and handlebar reach. Saddle height must be adjusted high enough to reduce leg and back injuries (see Adjusting the Saddle). At the same time, you must determine the reach distance to the handlebars. The best distance is that your arms and torso make a 45 angle to the bike. If the distance is too long, you will have to reach for the handlebars. This pose causes pain in the back and wrists. Conversely, if the distance is too short, your knees will be too close or touch your arms when you cycle.
Check The Bike Before Every Ride.
This is also a common mistake made by many new cyclists. People often overlook this point. If you simply cycle around your area, everything will be fine. But imagine you cycle about 5-10km but your bike has problems on the street. Therefore, get in the habit of checking your bike. It is extremely important to check the bike because the bike is subjected to different temperatures and weather. Bicycles can wear out, flat tires from exposure to many terrain surfaces or dry oil on the components. The process is very fast, overall it only takes about 3-5 minutes. Also, make sure the wheel tension is adequate. If the pump is too tight, the wheel will be easily punctured, reducing traction and uncomfortable pedaling. If it's too weak, it's like riding a bicycle in the sand.
Besides, you can also bring an extra tire and a mini repair kit to avoid risks. Whether your bike is new or used, do a quick check to ensure a safe ride. In addition, bicycles should be regularly maintained at the center or can be self-maintained at home.
Undiscovered Bike Gears
An inseparable companion for sportbikes. The gears can be thought of as the source of the motor that helps the bike accelerate without losing much effort. There are two basic things about the gears that newbies need to keep in mind: cassette and the shifter. The first is about the cassette, most transmissions have 2-3 sets of discs in the front and 7-12 cassettes in the rear. Moving the chain from the smallest rear to the largest rear will reduce your pedaling power. Similarly, gradually increasing the chain from the smallest to the larger in the front will make cycling easier. The best way to determine is if you ride out on the open roads or open ground near your house and try shifting the gear all the way and pedaling to get a feel for the right gear. The way that professional athletes use to find the right "tempo" to adjust the cassette. Regarding the handlebar, the left hand will take care of the front disc set, the right hand will take care of the rear gear set. Currently, depending on the line of vehicles specializing in a specific purpose, the shape will be different, but in general, the way of each handlebar is quite similar.
Take Care About The Accessories
If you are new to sport cycling, you don't need to pick a top bike to become a true cyclist. You also do not need to equip fashionable clothes or sophisticated cycling accessories. Instead, you can choose a mid-range bike and focus on improving your technique more. Owning a fancy bike or a professional outfit makes you more excited. But as a beginner, don't put too much emphasis on it. The most important thing is your hard riding. After a while, you will know what your bike needs more and adjust them to be a “heart” bike.
Cycling Overexertion
One of the counterproductive causes is cycling too much. Start overtraining when your body isn't ready. You should make a clear schedule and practice slowly so that your body gradually adapts to the new activity. When cycling, do not try to ride too fast. The best way is to start cycling with a light warm-up, then stabilize the breath and increase the speed. This reduces the risk of exhaustion, dehydration, and fatigue of the body.
Cycling In The Group
Many people are afraid to ride in groups. They always cycle alone, with no communication. However, cycling alone also causes many inadequacies such as problems and potential dangers. Asama still encourages riding in groups. Cycling in a group, you can talk, exchange and ask for more experiences about bicycles. People can also help each other along the way. If you are a newbie and you are still afraid, you can join the conversation in advance on social networks and make an appointment to ride a bike together. Don't be shy to join the bike groups, during the process you can pedal behind to observe the technique and ask anything necessary to improve cycling performance.
These are some of the problems that new cyclists often encounter. If you also have one of the above problems, make changes to exercise to be more healthy and avoid being counterproductive.