2. Cycling for Beginners, What Do You Need?
2.1 Bike
You definitely need a bike to start Cycling, there is a lot of different brand and bikes starts from few hundreds $ and ending on $13k – $14k. We would recommend a first bike around $1000 – $2000, why?
Cheapest bikes are cheap for a reason, they don’t feel as good as expensive ones, but it is your first bike and you are getting into cycling don’t buy $5000 bike if you won’t ride it in few months.
2.2 Bike fitting
Most people skip this part, but we would strongly recommend doing it. It can really save your knees and back, it is worth of spending $100 – $300 to really feel good on your bike and be able to ride longer.
2.3 Clothes
Same like with bike there are many options out there and yes most expensive ones will feel better and do a better job in terms of “breathing” and comfort. Remember that you wear “nothing” under cycling bibs! They are designed to avoid rubbing and give you more comfort.
Basic set to be ready for most conditions out there:
- Jersey
- Bibs
- Socks
- Leg warmers
- Arm warmers
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Warm cap
- Warm gloves
2.4 Helmet
Never ever ride without a helmet! Unfortunately, it is very easy to crash on the bike and yes helmet really can save your life! Every bike shop offers a lot of helmets they will fit you in the right one and make sure you look good in it.
2.5 Shoes
There are special shoes for cycling which you can clip into pedals. They will help you in keeping the right position of the feet and let you generate more power.
2.6 Sunglasses
They are not just for aesthetic reasons, they really help with blocking UV rays and most importantly protecting your eyes from anything like little flies. It is extremely important especially at high speeds or group rides.
2.7 Contact Lenses
If you wear glasses every day, it is a good option to get contact lenses and wear sunglasses for your rides. We recommend to consult it with your eye doctors before getting any contact lenses online.
2.8 Bike Computer
Everyone like to know how fast is he/she ridding or how many miles did this morning. 2 the best option on the market now are Garmin and Wahoo, not the cheapest but definitely they have everything you need like heart rate monitor, power or even maps.
2.9 Lights
Another small thing which can increase your safety on the road, we don’t have any chance with cars! Many brands recommend backlight even during the day.
2.10 Cycling Apps
Strava is the best app to track your (and your friends) activities, for tracking your fitness we recommend TrainingPeaks.