{"id":21944,"date":"2025-06-25T01:33:05","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T00:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=21944"},"modified":"2025-07-01T21:39:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T20:39:06","slug":"on-yer-bike-a-guide-for-cycling-newbies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/on-yer-bike-a-guide-for-cycling-newbies\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner\u2019s Guide to Cycling: Tips for New Cyclists from Gear to Confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>As we move into the summer many are considering cycling to work\u00a0 or simply getting out on a bike we have some tips for the newbie cyclist writes Ruth O’Connor<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m like an excited child, squealing with excitement as we pass each other. I try to communicate my delight and solidarity with an enthusiastic nod and smile, whilst also trying not to come across as a total oddball. But every single time, my gleeful grin is been mirrored by the women passing me.<\/p>\n

See, us \u2018women on bikes\u2019 aren\u2019t as common as we\u2019d hope. CSO figures show that only 1 in 4 cyclists are female and fewer than 1 in 250 girls cycle to school. These are pretty stark statistics. As for a group of women out together \u2013 a total rarity in my locality.<\/p>\n

So, this new sight in recent weeks took me by surprise. To see a group of women out for a jaunt on their bikes in their shorts or summer dresses \u2013 it was a revelation. But to pass a group of teenage girls cycling around town. This is a real sign of something changing.<\/p>\n

The quieter roads and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 crisis resulted in something unprecedented – the 2020 Bike Boom. Shops continue to sell out of bikes and manufacturers can\u2019t keep up with demand as people turned to cycling for fun, exercise and transport. For this to continue and for people to stick with cycling, we need big actions from the top. Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure.<\/p>\n

But in the meantime, there are few things you can do for yourself to make your transition to cycling as enjoyable as possible. So, if you\u2019re new to cycling, here are a few tips to keep you happy, comfortable and safe in the saddle:<\/p>\n

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  1. Bike fit<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Getting a bike that fits correctly will ensure you\u2019re comfortable and avoid injury. Ensuring your saddle is at the right height and that your handlebars are within comfortable reach are the two big things you need to look out for.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re unsure, ask your local bike shop about getting your bike set up properly but here are a few links to get you started at home:<\/p>\n

    Cycling Weekly \u2013 Setting Saddle Height<\/a><\/p>\n

    GCN Basic Bike Fit<\/a><\/p>\n

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    1. Stay Local<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Speaking of your local bike shop, try to shop local if you\u2019re getting a new bike or kit. These past few months have been tough on everyone and we need to support our locality as much as possible. Don\u2019t be afraid to talk to them about your budget and what you need. There are some really great shops and the staff generally have a wealth of knowledge that will save you hours of internet scrolling.<\/p>\n

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      1. Learn the basics<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Learn some basic bike maintenance and it\u2019ll give you the confidence to set off without fear of being stranded with a puncture or some botched brakes. The main things I\u2019d recommend you learn are:<\/p>\n