Check that your bicycle is in good working condition. Check tyre pressure and condition. Ensure lights, reflectors, gears and brakes are in working order.
Check steering for looseness, and adjust if necessary.
Spin your pedals, they should spin freely. If they do not, look at the axles, as they may be loose.
Ensure your saddle and handlebars are at the correct height for you.
Make sure the seat bolt is tight.
Look closely at your helmet, if there are any 'fractures' visible discard it and invest in a new one. Never buy a second-hand helmet. The previous owner may have a crash wearing it, and there may be undetected cracks, and may not give you that vital protection if you have a crash.
Choose your clothing carefully. Plenty of layers will give you the opportunity to adjust to different temperatures.A rule of thumb is 3 layers: a tight layer, a fleece and an outer layer. Cotton is not recommended as it has high absorbency rate, and if it gets wet, it stays so for a long time. In addition, it will lose its ability to breathe when wet.
Wear cycle shorts, there are loose or Lycra, and are good to avoid discomfort on a long biking trip.
Avoid wearing jeans or thick cotton.
Wear gloves, they will protect against chafing and blistering.
Wear comfortable shoes. Trainers are usually enough for short biking trips, but it is recommended to invest in special cycling shoes for longer trips.
Comments
0 comment