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
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Esta historia es de la edición July/August 2023 de Bicycling South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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GEAR FOR THE AGES
Some bicycle components, tools and accessories - by design, luck or a bit of both - become icons of performance, reliability and permanence in cycling.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
IN KENYA'S MAASAI MARA, KNOWN MORE FOR SAFARIS THAN CYCLING, THE MIGRATION GRAVEL RACE CHALLENGES RIDERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD THE WORLD WHILE FORGING A FUTURE FOR BIKE RACING IN AFRICA.
WAR ON WHEELS
IF YOU GO FOR A RIDE IN CAPE TOWN AT THE WRONG TIME, YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A CYCLING GANG WAR, WHERE THE WEAPONS OF CHOICE ARE STRAVA RECORDS AND SALTY COMMENTS ON INSTAGRAM. THIS IS THE TALE OF THREE RIVAL ROADIE CREWS AND A REMINDER THAT CYCLING IS A SPORT BEST TAKEN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR.
GET TOUR DE FRANCE FAST IN FOUR WEEKS
HAVE YOU GOT TOUR FEVER? If you have a good fitness base, let the pros inspire you to take your riding to the next level.
THE SECRET TO MAKING A COMEBACK? JUST START
\"THIS IS WHAT DECONDITIONING LOOKS LIKE,\" I said out loud to no one, as I looked at the heart-rate reading on my phone and gasped for breath. \"This shouldn't be so hard.\"
DEAR MARK CAVENDISH
WHEN I FIRST STARTED FOLLOWING professional road cycling around 2014, you were at the top of your game.
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR POWER-TOWEIGHT RATIO
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO IS one of the most telling metrics in cycling - and thanks to indoor trainers, many more cyclists are now familiar with it. Right now it's never been easier to calculate your power-to-weight ratio and use it to improve your performance.
EASY RIDER
A FEW YEARS AGO, my wife and I along with her parents, brother and his wife-cycled down the Danube River in Europe.
LEADING THE WAY - RYAN GIBBONS, 29, SA PRO RIDER, MULTIPLE SA & AFRICAN ROAD CHAMP
AFTER JOINING LIDLTREK from UAE Team Emirates, South African national champ Ryan Gibbons aims to be the best lead-out man he can be - while also helping his new team in their quest to climb the World Tour rankings.
6 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER
TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOU COOLER AND RIDING STRONGER... NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE.