Beginner’s guide to cycling

Biking
Written By Jacquie Budd
 

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Woman on a bike, on the gravel track of the Trans Pennine Trail, with the RSPB Old Moor sign behind

Cycling on the Trans Pennine Trail


When I published a blog post about the best bikepacking bike for small riders, I was asked whether I could share tips for someone just getting into cycling. It’s a huge subject and I debated whether to go into lots of detail or only look at a specific type of cycling. In the end, I figured the most helpful thing for a beginners guide to cycling would be an overarching blog post covering lots of things to think about.

These beginners tips are aimed at helping you get started. In it, I’ll be covering the types of bike, clothing, kit, and a few helpful techniques.


Shout if you want me to go into more detail on anything for a later blog post!

Deciding what kind of bike to buy

If you’re new to cycling, you may wonder whether there’s a difference between a mountain bike and a road bike (there is). Finding the best bike for your adventures will depend on the type of cycling you want to do, and where you want to ride.

Here are some of the common types of cycling you’ll come across when you go shopping for a new bike.

1. Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes are aimed at off-road cycling and have knobbly tyres for grip in mud and rocks. You’ll come across two basic types of mountain bike: hardtail and full suspension. Hardtail bikes have front suspension forks. Full suspension bikes have front and rear suspension.

The bikes tend to come in either 27.5 or 29 inch wheel size. A bike shop may also ask whether you’re planning on riding cross-country (XC), trail, enduro, or downhill.

Tredz has a great article which explains all this in more detail: What type of mountain bike should I buy?

2. Gravel bikes

Gravel cycling is off-road cycling, usually on gravel tracks but it can also cover roads and easier mountain biking trails.

A gravel bike will have wider tyres than a road bike. They’re usually a fully rigid frame (no suspension forks) and come with drop handlebars (curly) instead of flat.

Trek bikes has a useful gravel bike buyer’s guide on their website.

3. Road bikes

Road bikes are usually lightweight with a rigid frame (no suspension). They have slimmer tyres with less tread, meaning they roll faster on the road but are less stable on rougher terrain.

Evans Cycles has a guide to buying road bikes on their website.

4. Cycle touring and bikepacking bikes

Cycle touring is where you explore the world by bike on a multi-day adventure over a long distance. It tends to be on the road and involves carrying all your kit on the bike with pannier racks and bags. Cycle touring bikes are usually rigid (no suspension) and have wider tyres than a road bike, with a big range of gears.

Read Bike Radar’s article on Best touring bikes: How to choose the right one for you

Bikepacking is similar but tends to be off-road with your kit is carried via lightweight bags distributed around the bike frame. The bikes are usually rigid frames with wide tyres, but can sometimes have suspension depending on the type of riding being done.

Read my article on the best bikepacking bike for small riders

Cycling clothing for beginners

The right cycling clothing can make a big difference to your comfort on the bike. My recommendation is to start with a few essentials, then build from there as you start cycling more regularly.

1. Padded shorts

Padded shorts help protect your backside, preventing saddle sores and bruising. When you being cycling, it’s common for your sit bones to feel a little bruised for the first few rides but padded shorts and a good saddle at the right height can all help.

Femme Cyclist has a great article about padded shorts and the age old question about whether to wear underwear with them.

2. Cycling gloves

Some people prefer riding without gloves but I like them, even in warmer weather. I feel like I have a better grip on the handlebars and a little padding on the palms helps with fatigue. If you’re a mountain biker, gloves can also give extra protection if you crash.

If it’s hot and you have bare hands, they’re likely to get sweaty on the handlebars, potentially leading to soreness and blisters. If it’s cold, your hands can quickly become numb.

You can get gloves for every season. Summer gloves tend to be thin mesh or have ventilation on the back, with both long and short finger options (long finger is recommended for mountain bikers). Winter gloves are an essential part of kit for me as the wind chill can make riding miserable without.

3. Bright clothing that wicks sweat

You can get started by wearing your normal clothing but choose comfy clothes that allow your arms and legs to move. Jeans and clothes with bulky seams or a tight waistband can be uncomfortable or cause chafing. Beware of wide trouser legs too which can catch in your chain and rip or, worse, bring your bike to an abrupt halt

You may already have workout clothing in your wardrobe which would work - leggings and a wicking top. It’s helpful to have clothing that wicks sweat away from your skin instead of wearing cotton that soaks up the sweat as it can then chafe.

I always layer my clothing to help regulate my temperature. I can always take a layer off to cool down, or add one to warm up.

Importantly, wear bright, light coloured, or fluorescent clothing to help you get seen by other road users.

4. Bright, waterproof jacket

A zipped up waterproof jacket will help protect you from both wind and rain. You can find lots of cycling-specific jackets, from soft shell, through to summer and winter waterproof jackets.

If you already have a jacket that you want to wear on your bike, make sure it’s not too big and floaty as it could get caught up in the moving parts or act like a parachute. And avoid dark coloured jackets as it will be difficult for other people to see you, especially at night.

Always think about how to increase your visibility with brightly coloured clothing.

5. Closed toe shoes

It’s important to wear shoes with secure straps as flip flops and sliders can easily fall off your feet while pedalling. Avoid boots that rise above your ankle too as they will restrict ankle movement which is needed when cycling.

I recommend starting out by wearing closed toe trainers with a good grip. Make sure the laces are tied safely away so they won’t get caught up in the bike.

Once you begin cycling more regularly, a specialist cycling shoe with a stiffer sole will make pedalling easier and reduce fatigue.

Important cycling kit to get you started

It can be expensive buying all the kit you need in one go but you can build up your collection as you go along. There are a few essentials I recommend starting out with though.

1. Cycling helmet

Cycling helmets are designed to protect your head if you fall. Whilst it’s not a legal requirement in the UK, and they can’t prevent an accident from happening, they can help to save your life or reduce the likelihood of concussion.

Helmets are lighter and more comfortable these days. Instead of looking for the most expensive, look for one that conforms to safety standards and fits well when you move your head. The best helmet is a comfortable helmet that you’ll wear.

2. Bike lights

Good bike lights are essential, especially when riding at night, in low light conditions, or in poor weather. They help you see where you’re going but, importantly, mean others can see you too. Legally when riding on the road in the UK, you need a white front light and a red rear light between sunset and sunrise. They must also be clean and in working order.

You’ll find a huge variety of bike lights. Some are extra lights to help you get seen, others will light up your way when mountain biking in the middle of the countryside. You can also get lights that are attached to your bike, and others for your helmet. This article has information on how to choose bike lights.

Daytime bike lights are helpful when riding on the road, even on sunny days. A back light that flashes or runs through a sequence is good as people notice the movement and see you quicker.

3. Cycling glasses

Cycling glasses fall into a must-have category for me, even when it’s raining. On hot days, I might take them off on a long climb but then they go back on when I’m moving at speed.

Wearing glasses protects your eyes from flying insects, mud, stones, sun, and rain. They can also stop your eyes from watering and streaming when cycling into the wind.

I wear a good pair of cycling glasses with interchangeable lenses for different light conditions. But some people wear clear lens safety glasses instead of forking out for expensive cycling glasses.

4. Tools and spares

It’s worth having an emergency kit to help with common things that happen mid-ride. A multi-tool is a compact collection of tools for emergency repairs or on-the-go adjustments.

A mini pump will mean you can add air to your tyres. Even with a tubeless set up, I still carry a spare inner tube and puncture repair kit - and tyre levers can help get your tyres off the wheel.

I also think it’s useful to carry a basic first aid kit, emergency cash, and a credit card too. Having cash can mean the difference between enjoying a brew and cake at a cafe that can’t take contactless, or riding away with an empty tummy!

5. Water bottle (and food)

Even if I’m heading out on a short bike ride, I always take water. I use a pack with a bladder and hose system for longer rides, especially in the summer. But a water bottle and bottle rack on my bike is enough for a quick ride out.

Because I have a tendency to run out of energy, I also pack snacks. Things like a flapjack or wine gums are great for on-the-go refuelling.

Helpful cycling techniques for beginners

Cycling UK has a great selection of articles giving cycling advice for beginners. I recommend reading through them, especially the ‘what you need to know’ and ‘technical advice’ sections.

Here are a few things to think about:

There’s often lots of controversy between drivers and cyclists on the road so I thought it would be useful to share a link to the Highway Code’s updated hierarchy of road users. It advises that drivers must give cyclists as much room as they would when overtaking a car (at least 1.5m).

A few extra things to think about

Cycling can be expensive but all you really need to get started is a bike!

Once you’ve been cycling a while (and know you’re planning to carry on), you can begin building up your kit and clothing.

I’ve listed a few things below that aren’t essential when you first start out, but they’re useful items to have over time:

  • Bike bell - I use a Timber bell which you can turn on or off as needed.

  • Bike lock - I have a cafe lock (a lightweight portable combination lock) and a more robust lock for keeping my bike secure at home.

  • Personal protection - when I’m mountain biking, I like to at least have my knees protected with knee pads. For more serious mountain biking, you can buy elbow pads, chest armour, and a full face helmet.

  • Bike cleaning kit - cleaning your bike regularly will keep it in good working order and help it last longer. Cycling Weekly has an article about the best bike cleaning kits.

  • Track pump - this is a floor pump, designed to inflate tyres quickly and easily - it’s an easier way of pumping up your tyres at home.

  • Mudguards - a front mudguard will help stop things from flying up into your face. A rear mudguard will keep your back and clothes clean in wet and muddy conditions.

  • Chain lube - this helps keep your chain in good working order, especially in bad weather.

  • Strava - if you’re cycling alone, let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back. By using Strava, you can send a tracking link so they know where you are at all times.

  • Your local bike shop - I always think it’s worth making friends with your local bike shop. They’re a great place for route ideas, bike workshops, group rides, and helping your bike stay in good shape.


Finally, smile, have lots of fun and enjoy pedalling!

Smiling will help your body relax and improve your bike handling skills. Cycling gets your feel-good endorphins flowing, clears your mind, and lowers stress.

You may also be interested in reading:

The best bike packing bike for small riders?

Cycling in the Douro Valley, Portugal

20 of the UK’s best long-distance cycling routes for bikepacking

Bikepacking the Hebridean Way - getting started

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