2. Cycling regularly, for example as part of a daily routine, can
not only remove or reduce the need to use a car, but also
helps to get you fit, strengthens your immune system and
have positive effects on how you feel. For example,
regular exercise on your bike can help reduce the
chances of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity
and diabetes. There are no real age limits to cycling and
acquiring the necessary equipment is, for the most part,
inexpensive. For those who want to cycle longer distances
or even competitively, the right equipment can, however,
be crucial to performance and comfort.
3. Generally, it can be unpleasant to cycle further than a few
miles in street clothes, particularly work clothes. Apart
from the obvious danger of getting items of clothing such
as trousers or skirts caught in the spokes or chain, you
will find comfortable, stretchy clothing made specifically
for cycling of great benefit. Often, it will come fitted with
reflective stripes to help avoid accidents on the road and
release your body heat in order to keep your body at the
ideal temperature for physical activity.
4. A good cycling jersey with a full zip will keep you
comfortable and look the part. You can match it up with
cycling shorts or lycra leggings to complete your look.
Most importantly, you will need shorts that are at least
above-knee length to avoid chafing. Some good quality
sports socks made of breathable material are also
important to avoid getting sweaty feet inside your shoes.
Shoes, as it happens, are one area in which you may be
able to save some money if you are not intending to
cycle professionally. For a daily cycle routine or the odd
trip out to keep fit, a pair of well-soled and robust trainers
will be perfectly sufficient.
5. The most important criteria when choosing cycling shoes is
grip, so pay close attention to the sole of your trainer. If
you cycle on a more professional basis or simply want to
look the part, a wide range of specialised cycling shoes
is available by well-known cycling brands such as
Shimano and Forte. Caution is advised here since it is
very important that these shoes fit perfectly, such that
buying such equipment online or without trying them on
might be a very costly mistake.
6. In the autumn, long winter months and early spring, cover up
with a long-sleeved cycling jersey or a padded windproof
jacket. Established cycling brands such as BioRacer, Ms
Tina, Santini, Canari and Inverse issue professional-looking
and comfortable cycling gear suitable for all climates and
weather conditions.
In addition, accessories such as fitted cycling gloves and socks
can significantly improve the quality of your cycling, be it to
work or competitively. A helmet is a crucial part of cycling
equipment nowadays, since it is proven to reduce the impact
of head injuries during an accident. During the cold winter
season, you will even be grateful for knee and arm warmers
to avoid you catching a cold while out cycling.
7. Good quality equipment is fundamental to cycling, although
it does not need to cost a fortune. Exactly what
equipment is most suitable for you depends on whether
you want to get fit, cycle to work or whether you intend to
compete at a near professional level.
Finally, buying some front and rear bicycle lights is
unavoidable in order to keep within the law and
significantly reduce the risk of having a serious accident
when dusk falls.
