Five Common Mistakes Many New and Experienced Cyclists Make

Riding a bike is fun and a great form of exercise, but there are some things you might be doing to make it not so enjoyable. Here are a few common mistakes many cyclists make, including not wearing bike helmets in Naples, FL:

• Setting the wrong seat height: If your bicycle seat is the wrong height, then you are probably getting tired very early on in your bike ride. The reason for this is that, when your seat is positioned too high or too low, your knees are not at an optimal angle to push the pedal. While it’s easy enough to conclude that your seat is too high—your feet won’t reach the pedals—you may not notice right away if your seat is too low. To remedy this problem, turn a pedal to its lowest point, sit on the seat and put your foot on the low-sitting pedal. Your seat is the right height if your leg is fully extended.
• Not taking safety precautions: Being safe on the road means riding safely and wearing safety gear. First, you must be aware of your surroundings—including traffic, vehicles, curbs, trees and damaged asphalt—and adhere to bike laws. Wearing the proper safety gear is a way to protect yourself. Reflectors on your person and bike let drivers see you at night, and good quality equipment like elbow and kneepads and helmets can save you from serious injury. You may need to shop around for a while, looking at several bike helmets in Naples, FL until you find the right fit for your head and one that matches your bike.
• Braking too late: The key to a smooth and complete stop is to anticipate your braking. For example, you want to brake before you get into a corner, not wait until you are actually in it. This is not an effective way to brake; in fact, this action may cause you to lose control of your bike, or your wheels might lock up. The results of a wheel lockup include being thrown over the handlebars or going into a slide.
• Pushing too hard: Both new and experienced cyclists are liable to overexert themselves, oftentimes unknowingly. It’s important to not push too hard on long rides, and you need to rest if you start experiencing extreme pain or discomfort. To avoid serious injury, don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you.
• Neglecting maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning and proper storage will keep your bike in good condition by making it last longer and saving you money on repairs. Make sure the air pressure in your tires is at the right volume before, during and after a ride to ensure safety. You should also check the chain and brake system for damage. After a ride through mud or rain, clean your bike’s components to avoid deterioration.

It’s not just beginning riders who make these common mistakes, so make sure to go easy on yourself to enjoy your ride, and remember to wear a bike helmet in Naples, FL to stay safe. Feel free to contact Big Momma’s Bicycles for all your bicycle needs!

Categorised in: Bike Helmet