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How-to Cycling Tips and Guides

By Sam Millers   /  Last updated - July 27, 2023

cycling guides

Down below, we have listed some of our how-to guides and cycling tips articles. With these guides, we aim to answer your most frequently asked questions about biking and provide detailed solutions to cycling-related issues.

Categories


Bike Sizing


Bike Size Charts – How to Choose the Right Bicycle Size

Picking the right bicycle size is one of the most important things when talking about bike fitting. There's so much ...

In-Between Bike Sizes – How to Choose When You Fall Between Two Frame Sizes

At least 15% of bike buyers fall in between two bike sizes. So, which one should you go for? We'll help you decide. ...

Bike Wheel Size Guide

29" vs 700c | 736mm vs 622mm diameter Wheel size plays a massive role in how a bike feels and handles when riding ...

Bike Seat Height — Learn How to Adjust It Correctly

Riding a bicycle with the saddle height set incorrectly is not just an inconvenience, it's dangerous, inefficient, ...

Easy DIY Bike Fit: 4 Areas to Improve for a More Comfortable Ride

Image: retul.com Before you begin riding your new bike, or before doing a long ride of any kind, it's essential to ...

How to Choose a Kids’ Bike: Buying a Bike Your Child Will Love to Ride

Image source: REI.com Choosing a kids' bike can be intimidating, with half a dozen size options and different types ...

Kids Bike Sizes: The Easiest Way to Find the Best Fit

When it comes to finding the perfect bike for your kid, understanding kids' bike sizes can feel like a whole new ...

General Cycling Guides


Cairo to Cape Town Cycling Route: Interview with Mark Beaumont and Four Other Cycle Adventurers

Photo courtesy of Mark Beaumont (Private Archive) After traveling numerous routes and historic cycling paths, it’s ...

What Is a Gravel Bike? Must-Have Features Explained

Image source: Cannondale.com The question "what is a gravel bike?" regularly arises in cycling circles as it is a ...

What Kind of Bike Should I Get?

Cycling has many positive benefits for your health, your wallet, and the environment. Every day, thousands of ...

All You Need to Know About Disc Brakes for Bikes

Since their popularization in mountain biking, disc brakes have slowly edged into the other disciplines. Mechanical ...

Schrader and Presta Valve — What Are the Main Differences?

Bicycle tire valve types are not the most interesting topic in the cycling world, and something most people pay ...

Tubeless Tires Guide — All You Ever Wanted to Know

Image source: Stan's NoTubes If you've ever been out on your bike and punctured for the second time in the same ...

 

15 Best Cycling Apps in 2023: Easily Track Your Rides and Progress

In the modern age of cycling, it has become increasingly possible to track and measure every aspect of your riding. ...

3 Essential Bike Repairs Every Cyclist Should Know

If you have a brand new bike, the excitement of getting out there and hitting the open road can be hard to resist. ...

19 Best Cycling Books You’ll Read in One Breath

There is a massive selection of incredible bike books out there and something for every reader (or listener). These ...

Top Tips for Riding in Hot Weather: Surviving Summer Rides

Summer has arrived, the sun is out, and temperatures are soaring. After a winter of cold weather and a wet spring, ...

Cyclocross vs Gravel Bike — Top Differences Explained

The cyclocross vs. gravel bike debate is a new but fiery one. Cyclocross (CX) is the older, more established ...

How to Clean and Lube Your Bike Chain for Best Results

Regular chain maintenance is vital for keeping your bike running smoothly. The use of lubricant to reduce ...

 

Bikepacking vs. Bike Touring: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’re a keen cyclist, you’re probably wondering what this new ‘bikepacking’ trend is that you’ve been hearing ...

10 Tips for Riding Your Bike at Night Safely

Credits: Jahangeer BM Cycling is an environmentally friendly and enjoyable activity that boosts your health and ...

A Complete Bike Tire Pressure Guide

The question "what pressure should bike tires be?" is complex, but using an appropriate tire pressure is a fast, ...

The 20 Different Types of Bikes

Although there is only a handful of "main" types of bikes out there, each of them shares a unique set of features. ...

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Road bikes and mountain bikes may dominate the cycling scene but in between these two extremes, you'll find several ...

 

Buying a Bike – Should You Pay More Upfront or Upgrade Later?

For $400 extra, you get a dropper seat post, single front chainring, and a better front suspension. Buying a new ...

New Bike Buying – Importance of Break-in Period – Check-Up, Tune-up

Image source: rei.com When you buy a new bicycle, there are a few important things to do to ensure it is set up ...

What Is a Hybrid Bike and How to Choose the Perfect One for You?

A hybrid bicycle is a blend of road and mountain bike components, making it a highly versatile and broadly ...

Bike Geometry Guide — Understanding Bicycle Geometry

Bike Insights & Bike Dimensions When researching different bike models, you will probably come across the term ...

Bike Handlebar Types Explained

Bicycle handlebars have evolved a great degree over time. The shape, angle and overall characteristics play an ...

 

Basic Bike Maintenance for Beginner Cyclists

If you want your bicycle to last as long as possible and run smoothly for every ride, you must perform basic ...

11 Cycling Essentials for Every Bike Ride

You don't want to be the person who hasn't got a spare to repair a puncture while biking and end up stranded in the ...

Cycling with Kids – A Beginner’s Guide

Cycling with children is a great activity for both kids and parents. It allows you to participate in the activity ...

Best Belt-Drive Ebikes of 2023

One of the only downsides of regular bikes is the need to perform regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly ...

What Is a Recumbent Bike and What Is It Good For?

(Source: hpvelotechnik.com) A recumbent bike is one of the most unique-looking bikes in the cycling world, so it's ...

 

How to Recycle Your (Old) Bicycle

It is a new bike day and you have been enjoying that great new ride. You are faster, cornering like a madman, and ...

Removing Bike Pedals: A Step-by-Step Guide on Removing and Installing Bike Pedals

Knowing how to change bike pedals correctly is essential to owning a bike. The reasons you may want to change yours ...

Best Bikes for Teenagers in 2023

Image source: giant-bicycles.com Cycling is one of the most enjoyable activities you can do as a teenager (no bias ...

Simple Steps to Stop Squeaky Bike Brakes

Squeaky bike brakes are one of the most common and irritating issues in cycling. But, as frustrating as the noise ...

What Is Randonneuring: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Randonneur

Randonneuring is a recreational cycling niche that inspires riders to push beyond what they believed they were ...

Beginner Cyclist Tips


Complete Gravel Biking Guide — Everything to Know Before Hitting Gravel

Gravel biking is one of the fastest-growing cycling disciplines. Although riding on gravel isn't new, the exciting ...

How to Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike: Easy Steps to Follow

Teaching your child how to ride a bike can be stressful and frustrating if you don't familiarize yourself with the ...

How to Adjust a Rear Derailleur for Crisp and Precise Shifting

Adjusting bike gears is essential for maintaining effective and consistent shifting performance and avoiding issues ...

How to Use Strava: A Guide to Strava’s Popular Features

Over the past decade, technology developers have been using the popularity of smartphones and tracking devices to ...

Beginner Tips for Handling a Carbon Fiber Bike

Santa Cruz Bicycles - Stigmata, a carbon gravel bike frame If you have found this article it’s likely you have ...

What Is the Average Cycling Speed and How to Increase It

Many cyclists want to raise their average speed with each ride they take, yet most end up maintaining a constant ...

Complete Beginner’s Guide to Training with a Power Meter

Image: stagescycling.com Since their introduction in the late 1980s, power meters (PM) have revolutionized how ...

 

16 Things to Avoid as a Beginner Cyclist

We all make mistakes when we try our hand at a new skill, and this applies to riding a bike too. The important ...

Is Carbon Fiber Good for Beginner Cyclists?

Carbon fiber bicycles are becoming more accessible to recreational cyclists every year. This is due to a growth in ...

Climbing Tips and Tricks—How to Climb Hills Faster

Hill climbing has long been the ruler by which many cyclists measure their worth. The popularity of extreme hill ...

Essential Bike Hand Signals for Group Rides and Commuting

Source: bicyclensw.org.au Bike hand signals are a fundamental part of riding a bike safely on the road, whether ...

Best Bikes for College Students to Ride Around the Campus

Image source: Wingbikes.com Bicycles offer a fast and efficient solution to get around in urban environments, ...

How to Learn to Ride a Bike as an Adult

Many people don’t get to ride a bike until they have reached adulthood and although this may seem strange, it’s not ...

 

Ultimate Cycling Safety Tips

Cycling is a fantastic way to have fun, stay healthy, and commute in a cheap and nature-friendly way. But how safe ...

Biking Etiquette & Safety Tips – The Written And Unwritten Rules

Cycling is a fun and rewarding activity, whether as transport, exercise, or just a means for socializing. To avoid ...

How to Clean a Bike: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Bike cleaning is an essential component of a regular bicycle maintenance routine. A clean bike looks better, ...

Injury Prevention & Rehab for Cycling

Taking part in any sport or exercise brings with it the risk of injury, and cycling is no different. It is ...

Winter Cycling Clothing Essentials — How to Layer up for Winter Cycling

For many, the weather during each of the four seasons vary greatly depending on what climate you’re living in, so ...

 

How to Create a Cycling Training Plan

A training plan is a very helpful tool to use when you are trying to achieve a fitness goal for an upcoming cycling ...

13 Tips to Stay Motivated and Keep Riding During Winter

Cycling throughout the winter is undoubtedly more complicated compared to the other seasons. Cold, wet, windy, and ...

How to Complete Your First Century Ride — Crucial Tips for Beginners

The question "what is a century ride?" is commonly asked by new cyclists. A century ride is a 100-mile bike ride ...

Biking in the Rain — Top Tips to Enjoy Wet Weather Rides

Biking in the rain is something all cyclists must face. Many of us live in wet climates or use our bikes as ...

How to Fix a Bike Chain — Replace & Resize a Bike Chain Easily

Replacing your chain at the right time will prolong the lifespan of your whole drivetrain and prevent loss of ...

Cycling & Health Guides


Cycling Knee Pain — Understanding and Fixing the Most Common Causes

Photo by Esther Max under Creative Commons 2.0 Knee pain is one of the most common injuries in cycling for both ...

Improve Recovery, Performance and Health with the Sauna

Do you want to improve your cycling performance, recover faster between rides, or maintain muscle while recovering ...

A Complete Cycling Nutrition Guide (On & Off the Bike)

Getting adequate nutrition for exercise is important to keep your body functioning optimally before or during ...

Cycling Technique Guide

Cycling with the correct technique helps you stay safe on the road, save energy with each pedal stroke, and avoid ...

Cycling for Weight Loss 

Bike riding for weight loss is one of the most common reasons people begin cycling. Cycling is an excellent way ...

Is Gatorade Good for You? Uses, Benefits and Downsides for Cyclists

Gatorade is the world's largest sports drink manufacturer, with a share of almost half the global sports drink ...

 

19 Benefits of Cycling: Top Reasons to Regularly Ride Your Bike

There is no doubt among cyclists that there are many benefits to be gained from regular bike riding. Many people ...

Cycling Nutrition — All About Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates (carbs) are a vital energy source for the body. Eating the right type of carb, in the right ...

Coffee & Cycling—Why Cyclists Love Their Coffee?

Coffee is much talked about and beloved at every level of the sport of cycling, from the weekend warriors to World ...

How to Sleep Better to Improve Your Cycling Performance

The quality of your sleep has a huge impact on your cycling performance and recovery. For pretty much everyone, ...

Lower Back Pain from Cycling — Causes, Treatment, and Tips for Prevention

Don't let lower back pain stop you from cycling. Lower back pain when cycling is, along with knee pain, the most ...

What Muscles Does Biking Work & How to Train and Stretch Them

Biking is a popular form of exercise that has many benefits for physical and mental health, and it continues to ...

Mountain Biking Guides


Mountain Biking for Beginners — 19 Tips to Improve Your Skills

Learning to mountain bike is a fun and challenging process that never truly ends, but the learning process is ...

Mountain Bike Buying Guide — Your Guide to Buying the Perfect MTB

Do you need a hand choosing the right mountain bike? In this mountain bike buying guide, we will tell you all ...

Mountain Bike FAQ

Down below you'll find answers to the most asked questions online. If you think something needs to be added - feel ...

Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike Comparison: Which Type to Choose?

Gravel bikes have seen massive growth in popularity over the past decade, to the point that most bicycle ...

How to Lubricate Your Mountain Bike to Keep It Running Smoothly

Learning how to lubricate your mountain bike correctly will help extend the lifespan of your components and keep ...

Cross Country (XC) Cycling Explained: A Complete Guide to XC Riding & Racing

Cross-country (XC) mountain biking is the oldest and most accessible discipline, making it extremely popular among ...

 

What is the real cost of a bicycle?

Have you ever wondered how much would it take to build a bicycle from the ground up, or what is the real cost of a ...

List of the Basic & Essential Mountain Bike Gear

Reaching far-away locations requires a bunch of preparation beforehand. Most of the essential mountain bike ...

26″ vs 27.5″ vs 29″ Mountain Bike Wheel Comparison

Choosing the right mountain bike wheel size for your riding style and preferences will undoubtedly make riding more ...

Complete Mountain Bike Suspension Guide: Explaining Basic Concepts and Adjustments

Image source: cannondale.com Bike suspension is one of the most complicated topics in cycling. It would take a ...

Mountain Biking Etiquette: 11 Unspoken Trail Riding Rules

Trail riding has gained popularity over the past few years and is enjoyed by beginner and professional mountain ...

Road Cycling Guides


Gravel Bike vs. Road Bike — What Are the Main Differences?

Over the past few years, gravel bicycles have experienced massive growth in popularity. Although they look like ...

Road Bike Buying Guide

Overview / Buying Guide / Sizing / Types / Reviews / Best Picks / Well, let's start from the beginning. At the end of ...

Best All-Road Bikes in 2023 (Buying Guide Included)

The best all-road bikes will lap up the tarmac and not blink when you cross over onto compact gravel. All-road ...

Bicycle Frame Material 101 Guide

Down here you'll get a brief overview of some of the pros and cons of each bike frame material. Throughout time, ...

Road Bike vs Mountain Bike: Differences and Similarities

Road bikes and mountain bikes are the two most common types of bicycles available, serving the two most common ...

 

How to Improve Your Cycling Performance

The drive to improve performance is common at all levels of cycling. The motivations range anywhere from wanting ...

Triathlon Bike vs Road Bike: Biggest Differences Explained

Triathlon bikes are a relatively modern innovation in cycling, arriving on the scene late in the 1980s when Ralph ...

Road Bike Handlebar Guide: Choosing the Perfect Handlebar

Handlebars are one of the three touchpoints on a bike, along with the saddle and pedals. Yet, despite significantly ...

E-Bike Guides


Electric Bike Motors Explained: A Complete Guide

Image source: Trek Bikes Many riders struggle to choose an e-bike because of the overwhelming variety of electric ...

A Complete Guide to Electric Bicycle Batteries

An electric bicycle battery is one of the most influential components of an e-bike. It provides power to the motor, ...

Hub Motor vs. Mid-Drive E-Bikes — Which One to Choose?

When electric bikes began being mass-produced, manufacturers used an electric motor placed in the hub of the rear ...

Types of Electric Bikes Explained for Beginners

As time progresses, the number of different types of electric bikes increases with the demand. Although reliable ...

Electric Bike Rules & Regulations Explained

Electric bikes themselves might be easy to use, but the laws around their usage, particularly in the United States ...

 

11 Reasons Why an E-Bike Might Not Be for You

The numerous benefits of electric bicycles are undeniable. We are big advocates of e-bikes for this reason and are ...

Why eBikes Use a 1x Drivetrain

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ e-bike with a 1x drivetrain. Most eBikes on the market have 1x drivetrains (single ...

Cycling Gear Guides


Shimano SPD vs. SPD-SL Pedals — Which Ones to Choose?

If you're a cyclist making the switch to clipless pedals for the first time, it helps to compare SPD vs. SPD SL ...

Types of Bike Brakes Explained — Rim Brakes vs. Disc Brakes vs. V-Brakes

Bike brakes have been subject to constant innovation and development down the years, with ...

Introduction to Bikepacking: All You Need to Know

For bike enthusiasts, bicycle touring is one of the best ways to see the world. Whether it’s a day trip from your ...

Types of Bike Pedals — A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing the right bike pedals can be confusing for a beginner cyclist. There are various functions, shapes, and ...

Water bottles vs Hydration packs – Which is the Best Way to Stay Hydrated?

It is essential to carry enough water with you when you ride, whether you’re off-road cycling or road cycling. The ...

 

Bike Storage Ideas

To help you overcome your space puzzle, we've put together this guide to the different storage ideas, where to use ...

Clipless vs Flat Pedals: Is a Flat or Clipless Pedal Better for You?

Deciding between clipless vs. flat pedals can be tricky, especially for beginners. Each cycling discipline has ...

Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike Guide

An exercise bike is perfect for those times you want to ride your bike but without the hassle of going ...

Electronic vs Mechanical Shifting: The Pros and Cons Explained

Comparing mechanical vs. electronic bike shifters is a hot debate in the cycling world. In recent years, the ...

Best Gravel Bike Pedals — Our Top Choices of Best Pedals for Gravel Rides

Gravel biking continues to grow in popularity, with more and more riders finding the appeal of riding off-road at ...

 

Best Cycling Sunglasses — Top 15 Models to Consider for Style & Comfort

Sunglasses are an essential cycling accessory that makes riding safer and more enjoyable because, let's face it, ...

Best Gravel Bike Tires of 2023: Top Choices for Grip, Speed & Control

Gravel bike riding is one of the newest and most exciting styles of cycling, combing the speed of road racing with ...

Does Your Gravel Bike Need a Dropper Post?

Image: allcitycycles.com Dropper posts are adjustable seatposts that move up and down to change the saddle's ...

How to Choose the Perfect Bike Helmet for Your Style of Riding

Image: REI.com Using a bike helmet that fits perfectly and matches your riding style over one that doesn't can ...
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