The Cycling Advice section is your guide to becoming a better cyclist. We aim to cover each and every important topic first and then move to the less pressing ones in the future. So far, we’ve covered all of the basic skills that you need to have to become a better cyclist.
The thing that motivated me to start this thread in the first place are numerous questions I get from readers every day asking for cycling tips.
Even if you’re familiar with cycling, you still need to be up to date with the latest info to make the best choices on the road.
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Are you wondering what size riders fit on a 24-inch bike? We delve deeper into the topic of 24-inch bikes, provide size recommendations, and explain whether or not you can ride a bike with 24″ wheels even if you are an adult. Read more on the link below!
Who is the 26-inch bike for? Is it just for kids or can adults ride it as well? Plus, are 26-inch bikes becoming a thing of the past? In this blog post, we address these questions and explain how to determine if a bike with 26″ wheels is the right choice for you.
A hybrid bike is one of the most versatile types of bicycles you can get. You can use it to commute around the city, go on long fitness rides, or steer off the beaten path on adventurous dirt and gravel roads. But what exactly is a road bike and how to purchase a good one? Read our guide to find all the answers.
ChatGPT can provide you with useful information on routes, weather conditions, and equipment. It can also offer you guidance on bike maintenance and repair, as well as help you connect with other riders and communities. Here are the eight best uses for cyclists that we are happy to have found!
Building your own wheel seems like a daunting task, but you’d be surprised how doable it is with just a few tools and the right mindset. Read our detailed step-by-step guide on how to get it done and avoid making the most common mistakes.
Cycling has numerous benefits for the human body. Riding a bike can get you in good shape, help tone your body, strengthen your muscles, and so much more. In addition to strengthening your legs, cycling will also strengthen your arms and core, so it’s a good exercise for the entire body.
Recumbent bikes have numerous benefits that are worth exploring for absolute beginners and avid riders. They are more comfortable than upright bikes and put less strain on the back and joints. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to exercise without any pains and aches, you should definitely look more into recumbent bikes.
Bike essentials might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cycling, but they should be. At one point, you’re going to need various pieces of biking equipment. This is our list of all the necessities to gather.
Electric bike motors are pretty amazing. They give us the extra power we need when going uphill, and they help us get further and faster than we would probably be able to go on a normal bike. But how do they really work? How do motors generate so much energy? We have the answers.
Have you ever wondered if you’re doing anything wrong while charging your e-bike and causing irreversible damage to your e-bike battery? Read our detailed guide on what to do and what to avoid while charging your e-bike to make sure you maximize your range and battery life in the long run.
The detrimental effects of climate change and global warming on our planet are becoming more severe and more obvious every year. By substituting our short car trips with bike trips, we can do a lot to help the environment heal itself and lower the amount of CO2 we put into the atmosphere. Take a closer look at how it works!
It can be difficult for beginner cyclists to choose between flat bar and drop bar handlebars. In the end, it all comes down to your own preferences, so take a closer look and think about what kind of cycling you’re planning on doing.
Bike tire pressure and the overall concept of psi might seem confusing at first. Thankfully, once you understand how it works, and why it’s important, it becomes so easy. Here’s everything you need to know!
Long-distance cycling seems daunting – and for a reason. You will be on the bike for so many miles at a time, but there are many ways to make the journey more comfortable. That’s what we’re going to be talking about, plus, we have some helpful tips.
Disc brakes have made their way to virtually every type of bike, and honestly, what’s there not to love about them. They are precise, they don’t require much maintenance, and did we mention how reliable they are?
We all want to feel safe. Normally, cycling isn’t too dangerous, as long as you are careful. Sadly, sometimes things do happen. We’ve done our research, and it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that helmets are on the top of our list.
Cycling often seems daunting for beginners – we’ve all been there. There are so many things to consider and look out for, that it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. We’ve gathered some tips to make it all more manageable.
Cycling with kids is a great way to show your children the world. But still, it can be difficult to figure out a suitable way to travel (especially with younger kids). We’ve broken down different ways to enjoy bike rides with your kids.
Teaching your child to ride a bike can seem like a daunting challenge. In reality, it can be fun for both of you. We’ve broken it all down into smaller steps.
Bike maintenance is an important aspect of cyclin. Still, it can be daunting to many. Here’s everything you need to know before a ride.
Suspension is a tricky subject for many. It makes such a difference and truly separates good mountain bikes from slightly worse mountain bikes. Here’s how it works.
Aluminum frames, carbon frames, steel frames — there are so many bike frame options that it’s often difficult to choose. We broke it all down, here’s everything you need to know.
The bike market has been moving towards unisex bikes for a while. But still, some manufacturers include a women-specific model in their lineup. Are men’s and women’s bikes really that different? Read more to find out.
Dropper posts are not mandatory for mountain bikes, but it’s good to know what they are for. Long story short, they move the seat up and down on tricky descents and help to make your adventures smoother. Read to find out everything you need to know – from learning what they are, to tips for choosing the right one.
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to burn calories. The amount you burn depends on your weight and speed, but once you get going, it’s easy to fall in love with the sport. Here’s everything you need to know about cycling for weight loss.
Training plans — we’ve all heard about them, some of us have even tried them out. There can be a lot of pressure and confusion when choosing one, that’s why we’ve written out everything you need to know. From different fitness levels to what they include.
Cycling clothing might often seem daunting, especially when choosing it. If you’re doubtful whether or not you need it, this writing is for you!
Power to weight ratio is one of the most important performance metrics in cycling. It can often be the difference between amateurs and professionals. Here’s everything you need to know to improve your training.
VO2 max is the maximal amount of oxygen that your body can consume and convert to energy at a given time. While this isn’t something that every cyclist should focus on, it definitely is an interesting read.
With all the different kinds of brakes, it can be a hassle to find what you need. This article will give you the basics of bicycle brakes, and give you a rundown of different types (disc, rim, coaster, etc.) to hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Cycling is an amazing sport, but like with other kinds of exercises, it can be difficult to make it a habit. Here’s everything you need to know to pick up cycling.
Overtraining is not something that happens only to professionals. It can happen to anyone who doesn’t let their body rest from the workload. When you’re actively training, this article is a must-read.
Cyclists are competitive, and we always want to get faster. It would seem that training is the way to go, but there’s so much more to it than just training. Read to find out how to improve your cycling.
Saddles need to be comfortable. We’ve all been in a situation where you feel like sitting on the saddle just feels painful. Thankfully, there are ways to improve the situation! Here’s everything you need to know about saddles.
Almost every experienced cyclist has a power meter nowadays, on everything from road bikes to smart trainers. But what exactly are they?
Bike gears might seem daunting — especially for someone who has never really used them. Here’s everything you need to know.
It might come as a surprise to many, that there are actually countless benefits to cycling — better sleep quality, improving mental health, and it can be an excellent way to lose some excess pounds.
Strength training will not make you too bulky. Not only can strength training make you a faster cyclist, but it can also make you a stronger, healthier, and more robust human overall. Here’s everything you need to know.
Endurance training is a tricky subject. It might not be for everyone, but here’s a guide to sweetspot and threshold training.
Bike trainers are some of the best inventions in the world (after bikes, of course). They allow you to ride whenever you want, even when it’s winter outside.
Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, navigating bike wheel size is a critical part of picking a new ride. With three sizing standards, it can often be really difficult to understand what you’re getting.
You might have seen a term called “Tubeless-ready” when looking at tires. What does that even mean? Read to learn everything there is to tubeless tires.
Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo… we’ve all seen the names. But what do they do? What is the difference between all the different models? Read to find out.
There are two things you need for cycling — a bike and a helmet. Everything else is optional. While helmets are not mandatory in every country and in every state, they still are one of the most important things when it comes to cycling. If you’re interested in different stats, this is the place to look!
It’s possible to make significant gains with minimal time on the bike by doing structured cycling workouts. You can significantly improve your performance with as little as 5-6 hours of riding by working smart, in addition to working hard.
We all want the best for our children. That’s why it’s important to choose a bike that would fit them perfectly. While it might look like an unnecessary purchase to some, remember that most habits get their start when the kids are young.
If you want to become a faster and stronger cyclist, you need to spend a lot of time in the saddle, but you need to do it wisely. When you go to the gym, you don’t just do stuff randomly — you go with a plan and you stick to it.
Presta and Schrader are the two most common valve types seen on bike tires nowadays. What’s the difference between the two?
Choosing a baby bike seat is not an easy task, especially with the daunting selection on the market and all the different types and kinds you can choose from. Here’s everything you need to know.
There are so many bike rack styles, brands, and price ranges out there, that it’s almost impossible to choose without narrowing down the options. Read our tips for choosing!
Helmets belong on the list of cycling essentials. If you’re looking for your first proper helmet (or just want to learn a bit more), this article is for you.
There are so many different bike types, brands, models, and sizes out there. But choosing the perfect bike doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s everything you need to know.
Road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, electric bikes – the list is long. So what are the main differences between the different types? Which type has the most to offer? Read to find out.
Cycling doesn’t have to be limited to the outdoors. There are so many ways to incorporate indoor training to your regime. With countless indoor trainers and rollers, there are no excuses!
Bike fitting is a quick, yet complicated process, but it makes all the difference once it is complete. The thing is, the bike needs to fit your body, otherwise, there are going to be some aches and sometimes even injuries.
Collecting ride data is becoming more and more important for cyclists. They use it to track their performance and progress and to improve their cycling abilities.
Fat bikes might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who love them, they are amazing. Here’s everything you need to know.
Accidents can happen out of nowhere, that’s why every cyclist should know how to do at least some basic repair works. This is a quick rundown on what you need to know.
Accidents can happen, even for the most cautious riders. Thankfully, there are insurances available for both cyclists and their bikes.
There are so many types of different tires. So how to determine if you need slick, tread, studded, or whether to go with tubular or not? Which valve type to choose? And what about the brand?
What’s the difference between clipless and not clipless shoes? What kinds of shoes are there? Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
Bikepacking has been a rising trend in the cycling world for the past couple of years. There are multiple ways to add storage to your bike, you can even use all the extra space for groceries. Read more to learn about different storage options and what to look out for.
Maintenance can be a tricky subject for a beginner cyclist. Here’s everything you need to know!
Choosing the right bike is always difficult. But after finding the model you like, there comes an even more important step — choosing the right size. When you know what to keep in mind, it all becomes easier.
How to choose the right mountain bike size — Specific mountain bike sizing information
Guide For Beginners
When becoming a cyclist, everyone starts as a pure beginner. Luckily, it does not take a long time to become more experienced and master new skills.
To be able to do this, proper resources and cycling tips for beginners are necessary, which I strive to provide through these pages.
The approach to cycling for beginners is different than for experts. Complex issues and theories need to be simplified and made more digestible, which is what these articles are all about. You should be able to understand all of the tips and tricks and pieces of advice even if the only thing you know about bicycles is that they have two wheels. 🙂
Some common questions I get from my readers include, “How to learn cycling for beginners?”, “Where do I start?”, “Which skills are necessary for me to know when I hit the road?”, etc.
I’ll always keep these questions in the back of my mind when deciding which topic to cover next in this Cycling Advice section. That way, you’ll get the most relevant and the most useful cycling tips for beginners each and every time.
What Guides Do You Want To See?
Let us know and you’ll see it soon on our cycling advice section.
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Hello jeff,
i am 24th years old and my hight is 5’10 and weight around 80 kg . can you tell me which size of cycle is best for me .
Hi Jecky,
A 17″ or a large frame would suit you best. Then you need to get a proper bike fit to accommodate your body shape to ensure comfort.
Thanks for telling us to ask you some of our own questions. What are the most important items to have when cycling? How often should I replace my bike tires?
Hi Clarence,
My personal top tools are the mini air pump, the torque wrench, chain breaker tool, Allen tool. For a more comprehensive guide, check this link. As far as bike tires go, road bike/mtb tires last anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 miles. High-end (more expensive) tires should last at least 2,500 miles. For MTB tires note the tread.
i am 6ft and weighing around 90 KG,
what should be the right size of cycle for me.
Hi Eric,
For MTB it’s 18″ / 19″ XL
for Road Bike it’s 58-59-60 cm XL
My son is 11 years old, 5’10 with 24 in inseam. searching for a decent inexpensive bike for him. it’ll be used for general riding round the neighborhood so probably a hybrid. Used would be okay also. Any recommendations?
Hi Nick,
That sounds like a good idea! Get him a large frame preferably size 17″. Check my post about Best Entry Level Hybrid Bikes.
Hello Jeff,
Can you please tell me which points should I consider before buying an ebike? I am beginner, your guidance would be highly appreciated !
Hi Nora,
Always consider the following
1. Why you need an ebike and your type of riding
2. A reputable retailer
3. Test several of them before making a decision
4. Take note of the warranty
5. You get what you pay for
Please read my post about Best Electric Bikes
Hello! I am considering buying a cruiser for myself. However, I’d like to be able to pull a kid trailer or have a rear mounted child seat. Will a cruiser work for this? Also, I’m not sure if I should with a trailer or child seat. I read your child seat article. I don’t think I’ll get much use out of a front mounted seat as my son seems to be on the upper end of the seat recommendations (for an baby) and isn’t ready for a saddle. I’m 5’6” so I’m not sure if I’m tall enough for a rear mounted seat. Thanks in advance!
Hey Caitlin, a cruiser is a good choice for pulling a kid trailer or having a child seat. One of the problems you might experience is pedaling uphill if you get a single-speed cruiser. If you live in a hilly area, I’d recommend getting a geared bike.
Your height shouldn’t be too much of a problem as there are rear-mounted child seats that can be fitted with an adapter that lets you attach them even if the saddle is lowered completely.
My daughter is 12 years old, 4’10 with 26 in inseam. Looking for a good inexpensive bike for her. It will be used for general riding around the neighborhood so probably a hybrid. Used would be okay also. Any recommendations?
Hey Eric, we have some great resources about cheap bikes here, here, and here. Check it out and you might find something you like. I think a city/cruiser bike would be a great choice. 🙂
Hi, in need of help. Looking at buying a hybrid bike. Anxious on getting the correct size. Different sites say different things for the size I require. The bike I’m looking at is the carrera subway 1 men’s. (This is my budget) I’m a female 5ft 6in (167cm) with a 29.9in (75cm) inseam. The bike has 27.5 tyres. Do I need 16” or 18”. The size guide says 16 but I’m anxious and others are telling me that’s to small? Thanks.
Hi Ellie. I, too, believe that a 16″ frame would be a good fit for you. You risk being too stretched out on an 18″ frame. 🙂
About 20 or so years ago, I rode a mountain bike. I liked to ride trails. Now, I want to strictly ride on the road. So I didn’t know if I should get a road bike or hybrid. I am also unsure of the size to look for. My inseam is 30″ and I am about 5’4” or 5’5″. My thought was a 51cm?
Thank you for your help!
Hey Michele! How about a gravel or a cyclocross bike? They’re awesome for both road and off-road rides. 🙂
When it comes to the frame size, I think anything between 51 cm to 53 cm would be a good fit for you.
Have fun!
How wide of road tire will a Valkarie Airborne titanium frame accomadate?
Hi John, not sure about that one. The standard model comes with 23mm tires as far as I know. It could certainly accommodate one or two sizes wider tires, but it’s best to contact the manufacturer.