7 most common cycling mistakes

Hey there, fellow cyclists!

Today, let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced at some point: making mistakes while cycling. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned rider, we’ve all been there. But fear not! Learning from our mishaps is all part of the journey, right? So, before you pedal into more blunders, let’s dive into the seven most common cycling mistakes and how to avoid them. Today we’ll focus extra on the 7 most common cycling mistakes

Saddle Height

Besides having soft tires, saddle height is one of the critical factors affecting your cycling efficiency. Having your saddle too high or too low means your leg power isn’t efficiently transferred. Here’s a quick guide to getting your saddle height right:

Pedal with your heel on the pedal (if you don’t have clipless pedals).
When your leg is at the bottom of the pedal stroke, it should be almost straight but not fully extended.
Adjust your saddle height accordingly.
Feel free to experiment a bit from this point to fine-tune if necessary.

Remember, you should still be able to touch the ground with your toes on either side of the bike while seated to avoid toppling over easily when unclipping from the pedals.

Bike Fitting for Perfection

Want to ensure your saddle is at the optimal height? Opt for a professional bike fitting. Bike fitting can refine your posture and enhance your riding experience by customizing your bike to your body’s geometry. Trained bike fitters assess everything from flexibility to leg tracking before adjusting your bike accordingly.

Not Fueling Up Properly Before a Ride

In the running world, hitting “the wall” refers to the point where the body runs out of fuel/energy and grinds to a halt. Cyclists call this phenomenon “bonking,” and it’s something most riders have experienced, even the pros. When heading out, pack more food than you think you’ll need and perhaps two water bottles, especially if riding in remote areas where replenishing supplies isn’t an option. Plan ahead because having some snacks/drinks on hand is better than risking exhaustion.

Braking in Corners

This is a common cycling mistake, especially among beginners. The safest and most efficient technique is to brake before entering the corner, not while you’re already leaning into it. If you brake while your bike is leaned over, it can cause your wheels to lock, resulting in loss of control and a potential spill.

To brake safely, do so as you approach a corner, gently slowing down enough to safely negotiate the turn. Remember to brake earlier in wet conditions as braking distances are longer, especially for those with rim brakes rather than disc brakes.

Not Carrying Spare Parts or Tools

When heading out for a ride, make sure you’ve packed a few essential spare parts and tools that can get you home in case of a mechanical issue. As a guideline, I always carry the following items, which you can store in a saddlebag or distribute among your pockets:

2 x inner tubes
Tire levers
Patches (instant patches work best)
Mini pump (or CO2 cartridge)
Multi-tool (ideally with a chain breaker)

Slamming on the Brakes

When you need to slow down, avoid grabbing the brakes too hard. Braking should be done in a controlled manner to maintain stable weight distribution on your bike. The dangers of sudden braking include loss of control and stability, and in some cases, it can result in going over the handlebars. To brake safely, look ahead, anticipate, and brake gently using both front and rear brakes simultaneously.

Going Too Far, Too Hard, Too Soon is the biggest of 7 most common cycling mistakes

Know your limits and ride within them. There’s nothing wrong with aiming high, but the key to achieving your goals is to build up steadily. Cycling is a tough sport, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t dent your confidence by trying to do too much too soon. Consistent and gradual training will bring progress instead of trying to push too hard from the get-go.

Neglecting Bike Maintenance

This might seem like basic information, but it’s essential both for convenience and safety. Make it a habit to regularly check and maintain your bike, especially if you’d rather not be stranded on the roadside waiting for rescue. Pay particular attention to brakes, gears, handlebars, and tires, and clean and lubricate the chain regularly. It’s wise to give your bike a tune-up regularly, especially if you’re unsure about a more complex part of your bike. It’s better not to take the risk.

Got any additions to the 7 most common cycling mistakes? Share them with us and your fellow riders!