Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, there is always something new to learn about cycling. In this guide, we will share some tips to help you become a better cyclist. From improving your technique to choosing the right gear, we will cover it all.
So, whether you are looking to take your cycling skills to the next level or simply want to learn more about the sport, read on for our top tips!
Tips to becoming a greater cyclist
For many, cycling is life. Whether it’s a weekend warrior or a highly trained athlete, it’s a sport that is the centre of many people’s lives. There are various ways that cyclists look to improve. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
Ride harder for longer
One of the best ways to become a better cyclist is to ride harder and for longer periods of time. This will help to improve your endurance and aerobic capacity, which are both important factors in cycling success.
There are a few ways that you can go about this. One is to simply ride more often. If you can, try to ride every day, or at least a few times a week. This will help to increase your overall mileage and make you more accustomed to long rides.
By riding harder for longer, you’ll be training your body to be more effective on the bike.
Descend faster
Descending is an important skill for any cyclist, and it’s one that can be improved with practice. If you want to descend faster, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure you’re in the right gear. You don’t want to be pedalling too fast, as this will make it difficult to control your bike. Instead, find a gear that is comfortable to pedal in and will allow you to maintain a good speed.
Next, practice your braking. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to know how much pressure to apply to your brakes so that you don’t go into a skid. Again, this takes practice and feel to master.
Finally, keep your weight balanced. When descending, you want to be in an aerodynamic position. This means keeping your body low and centred over the bike. If you’re too far back, you’ll be unstable; too far forward and you won’t be able to apply enough pressure to the rear wheel for traction. Experiment with different positions until you find one that feels comfortable and fast.
Corner better
Cycling is all about efficiency, and that includes cornering. To corner better, you need to be smooth and in control.
First, slow down before the turn. This may seem counterintuitive, but it will actually help you to maintain your speed through the turn. If you try to take the turn at too high of a speed, you’ll likely end up scrubbing off some speed and going into the turn too hot.
Next, shift your weight to the outside pedal. This will help to keep your bike stable through the turn. Finally, look ahead to where you want to go. This will help you to pick the right line through the turn.
Practice these tips on some easy turns first, and then work your way up to harder ones. With time and practice, you’ll be cornering like a pro in no time!
Choose the right gear
One of the most important aspects of becoming a better cyclist is choosing the right gear. This includes everything from your bike to your clothing and accessories.
First, let’s talk about bikes. There is a lot of debate in the cycling world about what type of bike is best. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on what type of riding you’ll be doing and what your budget is.
Once you’ve chosen the right bike, it’s important to make sure it’s properly outfitted with the right gear. Speak to your local bike shop about the type of riding you’re looking to do and what areas you feel you need to improve on. They’ll be able to recommend the right gear for the job.
Ride in a group
Riding in a group is a great way to improve your cycling skills. Not only will you get the chance to ride with more experienced cyclists, but you’ll also be able to learn from them.
Eat right
Just like any other type of athlete, cyclists need to eat right if they want to perform at their best. This means eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
It’s also important to stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially on days when you’re riding. And on long rides, be sure to bring along some snacks and drinks so that you can keep your energy up.
By eating right and staying hydrated, you’ll be able to ride longer and stronger.
Take the right supplements
In addition to eating a balanced diet, cyclists will also benefit from taking supplements. Supplements can help to improve your performance and recovery, and they can also give you an extra boost of energy when you need it most.
Cramping is a big problem for cyclists, who spend so much time powering up hills and giving it all on the open road. One supplement that thousands of cyclists swear on is CrampFix. A proudly Australian product, CrampFix offers fast relief from muscle cramps. It also helps stop them from happening at all, which is why so many cyclists always make sure they have it with them.
It’s currently used by a lot of professional teams, including both the Wallabies and the Springboks.
Another supplement increasing in popularity is Fuel X. This fast-growing product range replenishes vital electrolytes that are lost while training or competing. This helps to prevent dehydration, which in turn also helps to prevent cramping.
If you would like to take a look at the full nutritional range from Fixx Nutrition, head here.
