Iam new to cycling.?

Question

I just bought a new road bike a month ago, and every day passes iam getting more attracted to biking. Is there any training course i need to take? if there is, is it useful or it's just waste of time ? Or, maybe you could recommend me a book about cycling.

Answer 1

hi,
i'm new at cycling too.. (at least since my scholing days umpteen years ago).
personally, i think training courses are luxuries ..
unless he/she intends to be a pro or at least compete in certain events. the thing about cycling is the fun and the feel of it and as toning girl said, it is one of the best cardio exercises around.
actually, i prefer swimming, it does not strain your body parts too much especially the joints. but unlike swimming, i could cycle almost anytime and everywhere from smooth city roads to estates or even up logging tracks not just a few pools here and there.
on the books, it is up to you but you can always search the web. i believe information in the web is quiet enough..

**the most important thing is S A F E T Y..**
disregarding if you are cycling around your house or deep in the plantations or logging consignments. these safety procedures are very important ..
1. make sure you have lights in the front and rear of your bikes. that few hundred grams of weight is not worth saving even if you are obsessed with your bike weight. make yourself seen and able to see. you will be surprise how some drivers could be..
2. cycle around as if you are invisible.. always assume the other party cannot see you or would not give way to you. in any collision, the smaller and more fragile will stand to loose more. chances are your bike are the smallest on the road except for smaller bikes or pedestrians.
3. cycle in single file. do not go two by two or even worst by three. you do not want to end up like bowling pins..
4.simple basic gears could go a long way. wear helmets and gloves. if and when you fall, you would be glad you had them on..
5. if you or your friends intend to do some stunts, no matter how simple or easy it might be, ensure there is ample space and reaction time between you and the others. accidents do occur no matter how good you are. even if you are near perfect, think of the other bikers..
6. always inform others where you are heading to and what is the estimated time you would return.. especially if you are going to remote areas. this could help searches to be organized if there are any unwanted incidents.

enjoy .............

p/s :
http://www.bicycling.com/topic/0,6614,s1-6-161-0-0,00.html
http://www.diablocyclists.com/RiderTips/PaceLineGuidelines.htm

Answer 2

It depends on your goals for bicycling. If you're just getting into biking, follow the others' advice - bike as much as you like and have fun doing it. I started out with just riding to increase my distance. Eventually my goals changed to completing century rides.

Taking training is worthwhile. You don't have to be a racer to take advantage of training. If you're looking at riding a century, you're looking at doing some sort of training, be it via a book, a cycling coach, or a borrowed training program from a buddy. The classic training book is Joe Friel's "The Cyclist's Training Bible."

Training from a cycling coach is definitely worthwhile, but it can be costly. You have to shop around to see what coaches charge and what programs are offered. If you're a cyclist just getting back into biking, you will see the most improvement in your cycling in a training program. That was the case for some fellow cyclists and me. We took a training program together. I would say that each of us saw improvement in our cycling skills. After taking the training program, I became more aware of how to improve my cycling and what drills would work to improve my cycling.

Answer 3

To improve your bike handling skills do this:
1. Go mountain biking, you'll learn by trial and error, but it probably won't hurt as much;
2. Find a group ride in your area, and start riding in groups. Listen to the old-timers - they have important tips for you. Don't get insulted for remarks people make on your biking skills, but do mention that you are new and just learning. People will be glad to help you out.

To improve your fitness, there are many things you can do, starting from such simple things are riding your bike daily to getting into serious stuff as the power meter. But if you stick to riding and do your best to stick with the group, you'll get fitter and fitter. Then you can buy some books and maybe even get a coach!

Answer 4

I do mountain bike, which is different than road. I really think that training clinics are a good way to start. I read this from a Brian Lopes book, which I think it's good 'practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent'.

A clinic will be ale to teach you how to set up your bike correctly, and teach you good habits from the start, rather than having you learn them yourself.

How do you pedal? Are you a peddal masher or peddal in circles? What about seat height, are you riding with the seat at the right position? how about stem? do you know how to take care of the bike? how and where to lube? how to wash your bike (don't take a high pressure hose and wash everywhere)? change your tire?

You can learn this by yourself, but you will take more time. If you start riding with bad habits, they are going to be harder to overcome the longer you ride.

I can't give you some books, since the books I know are for mountain, but search for them.

Good luck.

Answer 5

ride, just ride. what ever style, what ever terrain, just ride. good advice is always avalible in this forum. trust me, im new to road biking too. these folks have helped a ton.
be safe on the streets:
wear ah helmet, ride with traffic, use signals and follow the rules of the road.
ride as often as possible and set new goals for yourself. dont listen to negitivity.
good luk and happy riding

Answer 6

Cycling is an exciting cardio exercise.

It's intense enough to help you burn off fat calories and at the same time exercises your heart and lungs so these organs attained cardio-respiratory efficiency.

Go here: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/cycling-for-exercise.html for a simple outline on cycling in general.

Answer 7

Just go out and ride, smile, and enjoy yourself. The fitness will soon follow, and we'll be here to answer new questions.

Unless you're getting paid to abuse yourself, bicycling should always be FUN!

Answer 8

Just spin! You will naturally go faster,further, longer the more you are on your bike.