Topic of the week - Cycling!
You are probably going to notice a bit of a bias in this post, as while I've been riding ~10 years now and varied across road/comfort/mountain bikes I am predominantly a road cyclist, because I gotta go fast, on tarmac, wearing skin-tight clothing (don't judge me).
For anyone new to the idea of tooling around on two wheels under their own steam, here's a few basics:
Types of bikes
Road Bikes
Built for speed on tarmac/paved roads; narrower wheels and slick tyres, racing/drop handlebars, rider positioned optimally for power generation while staying fairly aerodynamic, absolutely zero suspension.
Mountain Bikes
If you're looking to go exploring the mountains on two wheels, this is the bike for you. Large knobbly tyres with a lot of traction, varying levels of suspension from none, front only (hardtail), and front and rear, depending on the type of terrain you're going to hit. Generally vary from "cross country" to "downhill", and what you gain in terrain-appropriate suspension, you lose in power efficiency.
BMX
If short sprints and rad tricks are your game, then the BMX style bike is where it's at.
Comfort/Hybrid
Hybrid bikes combine elements from both mountain bikes and road bikes, meaning that they're usually slower than a road bike and handle uneven roads better, but are not suitable for fully offroad riding. They cover a spectrum from almost being mountain bikes to almost road bikes according to the activity they're optimised for, e.g. casual riding around town, fitness, trekking or commuting. On the whole, they'll have flat handlebars, thicker tires than a road bike, and an upright riding position which many people find more comfortable and safer in traffic. Most will either come with mudguards and pannier racks or have mountings for fitting them. (Updated with thanks to @nawiri)
eBikes!
An electric bicycle also known as an e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion. An option for anyone who wants to get out and about on a bike but also isn't really arsed about brutalising themselves on hills for no apparent reason. (I'm probably selling these a bit short as I know nothing about them apart from I get overtaken by them sometimes and am a bit bitter)
And many more probably ...
Buying a bike
The number one rule to buying a bike is IT MUST FIT YOU. Trust me - you can get an absolute bargain £2k bike for £500 and feel like the smuggest person on the planet but if it's even slightly too big you will hate it (based on a true story).
If you are just starting out, I personally recommend finding a nice local shop - you'll generally find a nice group of enthusiasts who will walk you through every step of the process, and you can try the bike out and make sure it feels right.
If you're not vibing any local shops, you can try the internet and normally at a saving; the bikes will arrive partially built - you'll just have to make up the last bits. Make sure you buy from a store with a good returns policy, because (to reiterate the number one rule) it must fit you; don't keep a badly fitted bike just because you don't want the hassle of sending it back. You will be uncomfortable, have a sad time, and hate it.
Kit
Basically non-optional
HELMET! I honestly cannot express how important a helmet is. It might get mentioned more than once. I had a bad run a few years ago and got hit a couple times - my helmet saved my brains on both occasions. Put a lid on.
Padded bike shorts! Less essential on a hybrid/mountain bike, but if you are on a road bike you are going to want padded shorts - the saddles are basically plastic with a whiff of fabric over the top, and if you are not padded you are in pain.
Optional but awesome
Clipless pedals / cleated shoes (terminology varies across bike types). Again, road bike perspective, but clipless changed my life - there's a substantial power increase to be had in being able to crank on the upstroke as well as the downstroke, the only thing you have to get past is the first few months in absolute fear of falling off (but the good news is that this only happens when you're going slowly so it doesn't hurt).
Cycle computer. 100% optional but also excellent. I got a simple one (Garmin Edge 200) early on to monitor pace/distance metrics, and then went all in on the Garmin Edge 1000 which is a full GPS unit, with speed/cadence/HR sensors and endless metrics to please even the most statistic obsessed (that's me).
Helmet camera. Honestly optional but there is nothing more hilarious than re-watching the time you fell off on a group ride because you forgot to clip out. Added bonus, if you do get in an accident, it's much easier to sue with video!
There is an absolute world more to touch on (or obsess over, if you're me), such as diet, training plans, ride/race fuelling, m o r e g a d g e t s, recommending the best lube (please recommend me more lube) and about 90 million things I glossed over above. So if you want to throw out questions on any of these topics, or anything else that tickles your fancy - or if you simply want to talk about how awesome cycling is (it really is), your training plans, your mileage, the stunning ride you went on last week, or whatever! - then ask (and chat) away!
Other subreddit resources (Edited to add more!!):
- r/cycling
- r/bicyling
- r/MTB
- r/whichbike
- r/ladycyclists
- r/gravelcycling
- r/xbiking
- r/recumbent (how cool are these though)
- r/everydayride (pictures of hot-ass bikes)
- r/justridingalong (comedy option)
- r/bicyclingcirclejerk (spicy memes)
. I love riding my Trek X Caliber 8 for xcountry doubletrack, single track and paved city roads. But it’s always worth it to change out the saddle!