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44 STEPS TO EXPERT CYCLING

Bicycling South Africa

|

July/August 2023

You can't get away from it - the most important steps to becoming an expert are still time (lots of it), and experience. But while you're getting there, there are other steps that will serve you well.

44 STEPS TO EXPERT CYCLING

Remember, the journey from novice to expert cyclist also requires patience and consistent effort. Enjoy the process, and continue to challenge yourself-while also prioritising safety and personal wellbeing-with these expert-sourced tips and tricks.

Choose A Bike

Be Honest

Start with a bike that suits your cycling goals, whether that means cycling, mountain or gravel. And, no, you don't need that top-of-the-range carbon aero bike!

Ask Questions

Consult with knowledgeable cyclists and bike-shop experts, or do some good old-fashioned Googling for advice. No question is stupid.

Size matters

Choose the right frame size (and get a bike fit), to ensure comfort and efficiency while riding. Don't buy the wrong bike because it's cheaper.

The Mostest Gears

Unless you're planning on taking on the pros, opt for the easiest gear ratios you can get. More gears more fun!

Try It Out

Test-ride different bikes to find the one that feels the most comfortable to you. Comfort is king. Most bike shops will have demos.

Maintenance Saves Money

Maintain your bike regularly by cleaning, lubricating and inspecting it for wear and tear. We recommend a wash, check and lube after every five rides.

When To Upgrade

Only upgrade components as needed, to enhance performance and comfort. Pedals, saddles or handlebars are the first place to start.

N+1 

If funds allow, consider a second bike for a specific purpose - like a road bike for speed and a mountain bike for off-road adventures.

Don't Overspend

MÁS HISTORIAS DE Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

Wheeltop for the win

AXS? Di2? No thanks. If you're shopping for a wireless drivetrain upgrade, here's why the EDS GeX gravel groupset from Chinese brand Wheeltop should be on your list.

time to read

7 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

"I'D RIDDEN HARD & WELL, BUT IT FELT AS IF MY EFFORTS - AND THE EFFORTS OF WOMEN COMPETITORS IN GENERAL – WEREN'T VALUED THE SAME."

IN THIS EXTRACT FROM HER BOOK GETTING BACK ON THE BIKE, FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMPION AND TWO-TIME MASTERS GOLD MEDALLIST CATHY CARSTENS RECOUNTS THE EARLY YEARS OF WOMEN'S CYCLING IN SOUTH AFRICA - AND THE STRUGGLE FOR RECOGNITION IN A MALE-DOMINATED SPORT.

time to read

9 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

THE BIKE TOOLS EVERY RIDER SHOULD OWN... AND WHY

THE MUST-HAVE BIKE TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS – PLUS: WHAT TO BUY FIRST, WHAT TO UPGRADE, AND HOW TO BUILD A TOOLKIT YOU WON'T OUTGROW.

time to read

2 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

THE Italian RENAISSANCE

PEOPLE KEEP SAYING ITALIAN CYCLING ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE. THAT'S ACTUALLY NOT A BAD THING.

time to read

9 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

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THE ART OF THE UPGRADE

It's the little things that matter. Okay, sometimes it's the bigger things, too! As we head into race season, spoil yourself with an upgrade or three. We have it all in this round-up - kit, bling, tools and more. Here's our pick of the coolest new products.

time to read

10 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

LUST FOR DUST

THERE'S A NEW PREMIER GRAVEL STAGE RACE ON THE BLOCK, AND IT KICKS OFF IN APRIL. WE CHATTED TO HENCO RADEMEYER, THE FOUNDER OF DRYLAND EVENT MANAGEMENT, ABOUT WHAT RIDERS CAN EXPECT ON THE INAUGURAL GARDEN ROUTE GIRO.

time to read

4 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

I'M IN A BIND. I'm facing a quandary. It's all something of a pickle.

time to read

2 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

MR DATA

WHEN SOFTWARE DEVELOPER DAVID TINKER COULDN'T FIND A TRAINING APP THAT MET HIS SPECIFIC NEEDS, HE DID WHAT ANY GOOD, TECH-SAVVY CYCLIST WOULD: HE BUILT HIS OWN! NOW, INTERVALS.ICU IS A GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICAN SUCCESS STORY, ADORED BY PROS AND KEEN AMATEURS AROUND THE WORLD.

time to read

7 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

CONQUER THE EPIC

RIDING THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST MOUNTAIN-BIKE STAGE RACE THIS YEAR? HERE'S THE BEST WISDOM FROM SOME OF THE MOST EXPERIENCED RIDERS IN THE GAME.

time to read

7 mins

March / April 2026

Bicycling South Africa

Bicycling South Africa

A NIGHT IN THE NAMIB

NEDBANK DESERT DASH

time to read

3 mins

March / April 2026

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