Everything you need to know about Cycling

A very good question, and one that only you can decide on depending on how much disposable income you have. However, in general, you do get what you pay for in the bike world — the engineering saying of “strong, light, cheap — pick two,” was never more appropriate than when related to buying a bike.

You will probably need to recalibrate your idea of value for money, especially if the last time you bought a bike was for your kids or when you were a child yourself

Before you get a figure in your mind, write down how and when you want to use your bike. If you just want to be able to ride to and from the station, then wear and tear will be minimal, but if you want to get adventurous then something lightweight and durable will be worth investing in.

Next write down everything you want to get out of owning a bike, such as losing weight, getting fit, enjoying a new hobby or even aiming to use the car less. This will help you see the bigger value of owning a bike and help justify the expense of getting the bike you want.

2. DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL BIKE FIT?

Yes! This will be by far one of the best things to invest in. Buying either the most expensive or cheapest bike on the market will be a waste of money if it doesn’t fit you properly. Make sure the fitter is one you trust as you will be parting with your hard-earned money based on their recommendations.

3. DO I HAVE TO WEAR THOSE PADDED SHORTS?

Riding your bike should always be fun and pleasurable, not uncomfortable and painful. So, yes, shorts with a chamois may feel like you’re wearing a nappy for the first few rides, but they will be worth it.

A pair of well-fitted padded shorts will be a godsend, taking the pressure off your sit bones and preventing any unwanted seams from rubbing or digging in, ultimately keeping you riding for longer.

4. WHY CAN’T I WEAR SHORTS ALL YEAR ROUND?

There is a simple answer to this — it gets cold! Your body will not perform at its best if you are feeling chilly. Blood will rush from your extremities to your core to keep your vital organs warm, leaving little oxygenated blood to power your leg muscles. If your legs are cold then your muscles will also feel stiff, making a smooth pedalling technique harder to maintain.

It can have some of the biggest impacts on your body and your cycling so always take a bottle with you, and if you’re not sure how hard you are going to ride, how long you are going to ride, or how hot it will be, then get another cage and bottle. It will put your mind at ease and save the hassle of having to find somewhere to refill it.

5. WHEN WILL I NEED MORE THAN ONE BOTTLE CAGE?

When your ride is longer than 90 minutes, or if the weather is particularly hot. Hydration is very important and is often overlooked in the world of nutrition.

6. WHAT ARE SPORTS DRINKS AND DO I NEED THEM?

There are two main types of sports drinks: hypotonic and isotonic. Hypotonic drinks are low carbohydrate drinks that contain electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride which help the body absorb the fluid and replace salts lost in sweat. These are recommended when exercising for short periods in the heat (over 30°C).

Isotonic drinks are the same as hypotonic drinks but they contain an additional 25-30g of sugar in a 500ml serving. They should be used if you are exercising at a moderate to high intensity for longer than 90 minutes. For sessions under 90 minutes, isotonic sports drinks are not needed.

7. WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO EAT WHEN I’M CYCLING?

It depends on the duration of the ride. If riding for 90 minutes or less, food is usually not needed. However, if riding for longer than 90 minutes you should start eating after the first hour of the ride and have a small snack every 40 minutes or so thereafter. Snacks such as bananas, flapjacks, malt loaf and dried fruit such as raisins and apricots are all good, natural, carbohydrate-rich foods to take.

If training at high intensities then supplements such as energy gels can be convenient. Don’t forget that if your bottles contain an isotonic sports drink, that will contain around 25-30g of carbohydrate.

8. WILL CYCLING IMPROVE MY SEX LIFE?

Cycling will give you more energy as you become fitter and you’ll definitely look more attractive with your newly toned physique so it may help you in the bedroom department! However, ensure you keep saddle sores at bay if you’re looking for action as that’s not known to be the biggest turn-on.