Cycling 101 - everything you didn’t know you didn’t know

New to cycling? Check out this handy Q&A and let us know if you think there’s something we should add!

What’s with all the different kinds of bikes?

There is a bike for whatever kind of riding you want to do!

Road, cyclocross, gravel, touring, mountain, fitness, hybrid, fat-tire, BMX, track, singlespeed/fixed-gear, townie, beach cruiser, cargo bike, bakfiets, tandem, recumbent… shall I go on?

What do you wear to ride? Why does it have to be so tight?

Typically one rides in a cycling kit, which consists of a jersey and shorts. Typically the shorts have a pad, or chamois (pronounced “shamee”); many have straps over the shoulders to keep them in place, called “bib shorts” or “bibs.” Bike shorts are meant to be worn directly against the skin, meaning ditch the underwear to reduce chafing. Chamois cream can be applied to the chamois or to the skin as a lubricant to prevent chafing and saddle sores.

In addition to these items, many people will wear a base layer to help wick sweat or for extra warmth. Additional items one might wear include arm warmers, knee or leg warmers, wind vest, jacket, cap. Of course, helmet, sunglasses, socks and shoes.

Cycling clothing is typically tight to reduce both air resistance and friction. Not so into lycra? Go for mountain bike clothing which is typically less form-fitting.

Why are hills so hard?

Cycling performance is in part based on power to weight ratio. Different body types have different advantages and disadvantages on the bike. Lighter-weight riders typically have an advantage on hills, while heavier riders tend to have an advantage over flat ground and certainly on descents. However, body type and raw power do not make a great cyclist. Bike fit and position, cardiovascular fitness, bike handling skills, and technical skills including drafting and timing accelerations can make the difference between 2 comparable cyclists. Often, the cyclist who wins the race is the one who was able to save the most energy until the right moment.

Why is cycling so expensive?

Tell us about it. Bikes and gear cost a lot of money. But, in more normal times, there are ways to find deals. Prior years models, used bikes, Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, are options to find reasonably priced bikes. Some cities have neighborhood programs where you can learn mechanical skills and build a bike. While it will certainly be a costly purchase (many bikes can cost more than a car), a bike that you love will be a bike that you ride, and a bike that you ride means you got your money’s worth.

A good question to ask is where can you save money? The highest end components will certainly weigh less and may function better, but workhorse components can be perfectly fine and sometimes more durable. Opting for a mid-level set of components will help keep the price of your bike more moderate, but going to low may affect the performance or versatility of your bike.

Another idea to consider is investing in a single bike that can do many things. Gravel or cyclocross bikes have wider clearance and can allow a wider range of tires, meaning that you could use the same bike for both road and off-road riding. Want to be able to lock your bike? Consider aluminum rather than carbon and a good set of locks/cables. You may even be able to use the same bike for commuting and racing. Visit your local bike shop and let them help you, they need your support!

My butt/crotch hurts!

Depending on where you’re uncomfortable, the fix may vary. If you have soreness over the bony part of your butt, that may just take time to get used to. If you are feeling pressure or pain in the soft tissues of your “undercarriage,” here are some things to try. First, see the above “What do you wear” question. Experiment with different brands/styles of cycling shorts and try using chamois cream. If you have the option, get a professional bike fit at your local shop or from an independent bike fitter. Bike fit training programs may offer discounted fits done by students as part of their training. Finally, if you have any symptoms of numbness, difficulty with urination or sexual function, see your doctor!

How do you train for cycling?

In short, ride your bike. It does get more complicated, but that’s a good way to get started. Ride, get used to time in the saddle, get used to the roads and traffic, and gradually push the distance or time. Ride varied terrain to get used to climbing, descending, and twisty roads. Riding with other people helps build valuable skills like drafting. It does get more complicated and there are lots of resources. The Empirical Cycling podcast gives tons of great information backed up by research. Training Peaks has a blog with training-related articles, and Trainer Road has tons of YouTube videos about training. CycleSmart has videos with training tips for gravel, mountain biking, and cyclocross, as well as a great vintage video on cyclocross technique.

Finally, take all of “The Rules” with a grain of salt.

There are a lot of traditions and unwritten rules in cycling. Some are common sense (“Introduce yourself”), some are actually useful (“Tires are to be mounted with the label centered over the valve stem“), some are ridiculous (“Tan lines should be cultivated and kept razor sharp“), and some are to be disregarded (“Family does not come first. The bike does.“). The more you ride, the more you’ll learn the etiquette, find your people, figure out your style, and make informed choices about whether your saddle matches your bar tape.

Have a question? Let us know!