Well I'm a fairly new cyclist and there's some bits of advice I've received which I think would be good to share and I would gladly receive any tidbits from the experts here
To start off with, cycling gloves are a must for me in case I fall off my bike, my palms won't be scraped and I can then pick myself up, sort myself out and my bike, or push it home. A task which would be hindered if my hands were scrapped and full of grit.
While I won't disagree with you, hopefully cycling mitts are intended to protect your hands from friction with the handlebars and absorb some of the vibration.
If you're worried about falling off, I'd be more inclined to think about a helmet than gloves.
hopefully cycling mitts are intended to protect your hands from friction with the handlebars and absorb some of the vibration
I certainly wear mine more as protection in case of a crash than for comfort. The natural instinct when falling is to put your hands out (not your head!) and skinless hands are best avoided!
As for tips, I'd recommend clipless pedals to anyone. And take food with you - I bonked badly on Friday!
Yup, I never seem to learn. At least this time I got home without having to sleep on a conveniently placed bench, although I was literally stuffing my face with bread and syrup as soon as I got through the door! I've now restocked with suitable snacks; hopefully at least some will be left when I next go out!
my best tip. keep going, the view is always better looking back.
Iwear gloves as i had an accident at work and when my right hand gets too cold it get shooting pains and my index finger stops working.... not usefult at all
It took a 10 mile walk to teach me to carry a puncture kit!
If you come off without gloves, not only does it hurt but it could stop you riding for a few days.
Dont expect any action from the police against people who endanger you.
I've hardly ever come off the bike in 46 years, but always wear mitts in summer (AND sun block) to protect backs of hands from sunburn. I've even sewn in extra patches so I don't get the keyhole mark.
Yep I'd second the carry an inner tube, pump and tire levers. Much much easier and quicker. I carry two, because I have run over something that took out both front and back tubes before! (Tip - if you are gtting punctures frequently it is time to replace the tire)
I'd also second the padded shorts.
Waterproofs, depending on how you are riding, always carry them. This is England it even rains in summer - not that anyone needs reminding after yesterday!
Scraping noises from your brakes means you should ahve changed the blocks a few miles ago!
Final tip- ALWAYS remember car drivers don't see you.
If you fall off frequently, you have made one or more of the following mistakes: a: going too fast for your ability or age; b: failing to observe and failing to 'read the road'; riding while drunk.
I wear gloves and a helmet all the time. I wear the gloves more for padding than protection. Cycling shorts are a really good idea too and you can get some that are fixed internally to baggy shorts so you can look cool at the same time as saving your backside from agony. One thing more is carry water with you. I have two bottles on the bike and a bladder in my backpack for day long shenannigans in the woods.
