With the cost of gas and diesel fuel - and other living expenses - being so volatile this year, cycling is becoming increasingly attractive – not to mention is it’s healthy, liberating, and good for the environment! Switching to a biking lifestyle can be a bit of an adjustment for some, but once they’re Here are some easy and practical ways to help you get the most out of your new bike.
Riding a bike has so many benefits, from physical and mental health to the environment and your budget!
Firstly, cycling is a fantastic form of cardio exercise that helps improve heart health and your overall fitness. Regular cycling can strengthen the heart muscles, lower resting pulse, and reduce blood fat levels. It’s also a low-impact exercise, which is gentle to your joints, so good for all ages and fitness levels.
Cycling is also a great way to boost mental health and wellbeing. It releases endorphins (aka ‘feel-good’ hormones), which can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression; and simply cycling outdoors lets you connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and explore new surroundings, which can enhance your mood and overall sense of wellbeing.
It’s not just your body and mind that benefits from a riding lifestyle, it positively impacts the environment and society too. By choosing to ride instead of drive, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.
Cycling also helps ease traffic congestion in urban areas. Bikes take up less space on the road compared to cars, easing traffic flow and reducing gridlock. By incorporating cycling into daily commutes, you can help alleviate traffic congestion, leading to smoother and more efficient transportation systems.
Before you fully embark on the biking lifestyle, it’s important to learn the basics before you venture out. As a general rule of thumb, safety and comfort always come first. You’re not only responsible for your own safety but also for the safety of other bike riders, pedestrians, and even drivers – it pays to be aware of your surroundings.
Ensuring your bike is in a good condition before you head out will enhance your riding experience. If your bike has been tucked away for a while, or if you notice any issues with it, take it to your nearest bike shop for a checkup before you start riding again.
When it comes to comfort and safety there are a few important things to get right before setting off. Make sure the bike is the right size for you! Sounds simple but for a road bike, it is recommended to maintain a clearance of at least 1"-2" between yourself and the top tube (bar), while for a mountain bike, the clearance should be at least 2"-4".
Next, check your saddle (where you sit) is at the right height for you; not only will this make riding easier, it’ll also help you avoid an injury. The optimal position is a slight bend in the knee when your leg is extended in the 6 o'clock position.
Check out our easy guide to finding your ideal bike size for more helpful tips when choosing a new bike.
Be sure to also check your brakes work, your tires don’t have any punctures and run straight when you turn them by hand (without hitting the rims of the bike), and finally the chain is clean and lubricated and the gears shift smoothly.
Don't forget your biking gear too! Make sure you wear a helmet and a reflective vest or jacket at a minimum. Our article on What you should wear for your bike ride is a great place to start to learn more.
It's important to wear a helmet when riding but it’s only effective if you wear it properly. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov), helmets are 85%-88% effective in preventing head and brain injuries, so let’s make sure you do it right!
Ready? Here are a few simple rules to always keep in mind while riding your bike on the road:
Check out our full list of 17 handy bike safety tips for a great ride!
After a ride, it’s essential to clean your bike. It’ll extend the life of your bike and its components and make sure it’s working optimally.
After cleaning, it’s important to perform basic maintenance tasks to keep your bike in top condition:
Before buying a bike, get clear on what you really need: Do you have a busy lifestyle? Do you have kids or pets you need to bring along from time to time? How far do you live from work and is your workwear formal? Are you on the smaller side and prefer lighter bikes? So much to think about!
Before buying a bike, imagine yourself riding it! Do you want to get fit and get some exercise during your commute? Do you want to spend more time in nature or with your family? Or, perhaps you want to save money so you can meet a future financial goal? It's important to get clarity because this will help you pick the perfect bike that meets your needs now and in the future.
Before getting your first bike, try out different bikes: Momentum bicycles come in all shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit the rider's needs – commuter, electric, cargo, utility, and more! If you’re not sure about the differences between all the bikes, no worries! Check out our Momentum community hub where we cover what’s unique about different bikes or see the full selection on our website.
Remember, your biking lifestyle is not a race; you choose the pace. Do practice spins around the neighborhood or an empty parking lot during the weekends or whenever you want to get familiarized with your new bike. Try riding maybe once or twice a week and gradually build up. Soon enough it will become second nature for you to hop on your favorite two wheels for a quick grocery run or a spin around the block. That’s when you know you’ve cracked it! The key is to be consistent and not be so hard on yourself if you fall off the wagon.
If you ever want to take it up a notch, we shared useful Tips on how to stay motivated when biking. Why not grab a friend, a family member, or even your pet to join?
Cycling gives you the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want. Pick a destination, plan your route, and hit the road. Or wing it! Bike to work, the corner store, explore your neighborhood or the city – Go Your (own)Way – that's what momentum is all about. And the best part is it’s never too late to start! We’ve heard many wonderful stories about people learning to ride in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s . It’s gentler than running if you want to get some exercise. It’s much quicker than walking and it helps you avoid road rage! We can go on and on about the many reasons why we love biking. Our favorite part is rewarding ourselves afterwards. Some people stop by their favorite coffee shop or store to pick up something nice for themselves. Some love spending a quiet afternoon reading or having a picnic at the park. Do something you love!
Building your unique biking lifestyle will take a while. From identifying what you want, to getting your perfect bike and accessories, getting familiarized with your bike and building up stamina over time – sometimes it takes months or even years! No one has ever become a pro cyclist, enthusiast, or an everyday biking commuter overnight. And neither should you – do what makes sense for you. Most important of all – have fun :)
