If you didn't grow up zipping through your neighborhood on a bicycle, starting out as an adult cyclist might seem intimidating at first. But fear not—just like children, adults can learn to ride a bike easily and effectively. The key is finding a calm, traffic-free space to practice, such as an open parking lot or a quiet park. Some foundational skills, like balancing and mounting your bike, can even be practiced in your backyard. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll soon be cruising confidently.
First things first: getting the right bike is vital to your cycling journey. Unlike kids, who outgrow their bikes quickly, you’ll want a bike that fits perfectly from the start. Your height is a great guide for selecting the right frame size. Adult bikes are measured by standover height—the distance from the ground to the top of the top tube—rather than wheel size, which is common for kids' bikes. Check out the helpful chart below to determine the ideal fit for you.
If you’re this tall, you’ll need this size bike:
| Height | Frame Size |
|------------------|------------|
| 4’11†to 5’3†| 13 to 15 inches |
| 5’3†to 5’7†| 15 to 17 inches |
| 5’7†to 5’11†| 17 to 19 inches |
| 6’0†to 6’2†| 19 to 21 inches |
| 6’2†to 6’4†| 21 to 23 inches |
| 6’4†or taller | 23 inches or more |
Everyone’s unique, so while these guidelines are a good starting point, factors like leg length and torso proportions also play a role in ensuring safety and comfort. Proper bike fit is essential because it ensures you can mount, dismount, and ride safely without discomfort.
To measure your inseam accurately, grab a hardcover book, a tape measure, and a pencil. Here’s how:
1. Stand against a wall with your shoes on.
2. Place the book spine-up between your legs as if you were sitting on a saddle.
3. Mark where the book touches the wall with a pencil.
4. Measure from the mark to the floor—this is your inseam.
5. Repeat a few times to confirm accuracy.
Pro tip: Avoid using your pants inseam, as it’s often unreliable.
Next up, let’s talk about braking. Learning to brake correctly is critical for avoiding falls, so practice this skill before even hopping on the bike. Walk alongside your bike while applying the brakes until you’re comfortable with how they work. Familiarizing yourself with which lever controls the front and rear brakes can save precious moments during your early rides. For bikes with coaster brakes (which stop the rear wheel when you pedal backward), lift the rear wheel, spin the pedals forward, then reverse them to engage the brake. It may feel counterintuitive at first, but it’ll become second nature quickly.
Now, onto mounting your bike. Practice getting on and off while applying the brakes to keep the bike steady. Sit with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal to get accustomed to the sensation. If you can rest both feet flat on the ground while seated, your saddle is too low. Though this might feel safer, it actually encourages poor technique and increases the risk of crashes and injuries in emergencies.
Once you’ve got the hang of balancing, try removing the pedals temporarily. This transforms your bike into a balance bike, allowing you to focus on steering and braking without worrying about pedaling. While pedal removal isn’t strictly necessary, it helps protect your ankles and ensures you’re ready for the next step.
When you feel confident scooting around, push off gently and glide. Try coasting as far as possible before needing to stabilize yourself with a foot. To enhance your steering skills, place obstacles like plastic cones along your path to practice maneuvering through them. Mastering gliding, steering, and braking puts you in prime shape to reinstall those pedals.
For pedaling, start with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal positioned at the two o’clock mark. Push off with your grounded foot and immediately press down firmly on the pedal. Lift your other foot off the ground and alternate between each leg as the pedal reaches the two o’clock position. Your earlier balancing practice will come in handy here—pedaling smoothly and swiftly helps maintain stability.
Before hitting the streets, make sure you’re comfortable with basic road rules. Practice your skills on park paths until you’re confident. Familiarize yourself with local cycling laws, hand signals, and safety tips. Understanding how to navigate roads safely, merge with traffic, and avoid “door zones†is crucial for enjoyable and incident-free rides.
Maintenance is another essential part of cycling. Learn basic upkeep tasks like inflating tires, checking brakes, and cleaning moving parts to avoid mechanical issues on the road. A well-maintained bike is a safe and reliable companion.
Safety gear is non-negotiable. Wear a helmet from day one to protect your head. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, and invest in lights and reflectors for visibility. Lastly, consider insuring your bike against theft, damage, and liability. Policies like those offered by Velosurance provide peace of mind by covering loss, damage, and liability.
In conclusion, cycling is a rewarding activity that anyone can enjoy. With patience, practice, and the right tools, you’ll be cycling like a pro in no time. So why wait? Dust off that helmet and hit the road!