When you start cycling, there is a lot of information that comes your way. Not all of the information is useful at that moment. After all, does it matter whether you have a 10-speed, 11-speed, or 12-speed group? And whether you have SRAM, SHIMANO, or CAMPAGNOLO on your bike? SPD or KEO? It doesn’t matter, right? That’s why it’s important to start with the basics. Here are 10 must-haves for beginner cyclists. Easy to get started and not too difficult, so you can start the most fun part of cycling as soon as possible!
Text and photos: Nynke Cuperus
1. A good cycling pants
As a beginner cyclist, you might be intimidated by the price of a cycling shorts, but our advice is: don’t skimp here. A pair of shorts with a good heel cushion prevents a lot of annoying aches and pains, and therefore greatly contributes to your cycling enjoyment. Of course, we are a big fan of the Basque brand Etxeondo. If you want to choose first, the website of Mantel A must-try. We recommend it when buying pants because thanks to the many filters you can quickly and easily find a pair that fits you.
2. Cycling shoes
When you start cycling, you naturally need a pair of shoes to go with it. The first thing you should consider when buying shoes is the type of pedal system you use. Many cyclists use SPD-SL, recognizable by the yellow plates. Gravel bikers and mountain bikers usually use SPD because it allows less dirt to get between the pedals, making it easier to insert and remove even in muddy conditions. When choosing the shoe size, keep in mind that your feet are likely
This causes the size of your cycling shoes to be different from your normal shoe size. Make sure the shoes fit snugly but not too tight.
3. Useful apps
A bike computer helps you navigate, keeps track of your distance and speed, and also tells you how steep a hill is. Such a device not only makes cycling very relaxing, but it can also be a lot of fun to keep track of all kinds of data. If you’re just starting out with cycling, you’ll spend quite a bit of money on your new hobby. We understand that a bike computer is therefore something on your wish list. Good news: there are plenty of apps on the market, which you can also help with! For example by Komoot For example, you can find and plan the most beautiful routes, and on Strava you can keep track of your statistics and share them with others.
Both apps can also be used for navigation, but keep in mind that this will take a lot of battery from your phone.
4. Cycling socks
They come in all kinds of colors, materials, and price ranges. In our opinion, you can do just fine with a cheaper pair; you probably won’t notice the difference with more expensive socks for a while. A pair of socks with a cool print can be a nice birthday present.
5. Cycling jersey
Unlike with cycling shorts, you don’t have to be as picky when choosing a cycling shirt. You can therefore just as easily go for a slightly cheaper model. A good cycling shirt is made of a fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and moisture-regulating. Most shirts are made of polyester, for example. Our preference is for a shirt that also has a zippered pocket, which can be handy for things like your keys. Etxeondo has a handy pocket for keys in the ‘pro-line’ and for your waste from your trail running.
6. Gloves
They may seem unnecessary at first, because on your city bike you don’t even need gloves, right? But if you do longer rides, you might start to feel a numb feeling in your hands without gloves. That’s not only due to the duration of your ride, but also to your posture. On a bike, you generally sit more forward, which puts more weight on your hands and wrists. The gloves prevent this annoying feeling and also protect your hands if you fall.
7. Helmet
A good fit is essential for a helmet. Make sure the helmet fits securely on your head. If you can move the helmet and it shifts, it is too big. Also, make sure the helmet doesn't pinch and that it completely covers your entire head. A mountain bike helmet can be recognized by a flap that is located in front of the helmet; helmets for cyclists are more aerodynamic.
8. Repair kit
Not the most fun purchase, but necessary. Make sure you always have a multitool, spare tire, tire inflator, and a small bike pump with you. Nothing more annoying than getting stranded in the middle of nowhere and having to call someone to pick you up. On YouTube you’ll find a lot of videos explaining repairs. Bet you can also fix a tire yourself?
9. Water bottle holders and water bottles
Drinking enough is essential when you go cycling. It allows you to stay hydrated for longer. If you lose too much fluid, your performance will also drop. At 2% loss of fluid, you will cycle at a reduced speed. NFTU That’s already about 20% times slower! To avoid that, you have to drink a large bottle of water every hour. We therefore recommend that you install two water bottles on your bike. Alternatively, you can add an isotonic sports drink like Isostar to your water. The sugars and salts in these products ensure that you can continue exercising for longer.
10. Cleaning products and a bicycle pump
You want to keep your new bike going as long as possible, right? That means cleaning and lubricating! A bucket with a sponge, chain cleaner, a cleaning brush and chain lube are indispensable for us to keep your bike running smoothly and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. One more tip from us: don’t throw away old T-shirts etc., but keep them to clean your bike with.
0 responses
Personally, I would start by purchasing a properly fitted and comfortable cycling helmet. I think we read too often and too much about accidents with severe head injuries caused by not wearing a helmet.