When can you ride a bike in spring?
Getting ready for spring
Every season is beautiful in its own way, you can’t argue with that. But spring, in my opinion, is a special time, I think many will share this opinion with me. In spring, everything awakens, comes to life after a long winter sleep, this is especially felt in the forest, where there is still snow, but the air is different, dripping from the branches, and young grass appears in the sun. However, spring feels no worse in the city.
Of course, we don’t forget about the bike in the winter, if possible we continue to ride. But you get so tired of the low temperature, short daylight hours, the need to wear warm clothes, heavy studded tires, etc., that you want to quickly throw it all off and feel freedom and lightness. This is true for more experienced bikers who have been in the saddle for several years. And for newcomers, who are not yet familiar with all these sensations, spring is a doubly special time. It’s unlikely that anyone will decide to start their cycling journey in winter, but spring is the time to suddenly think: “Shouldn’t I buy a bike?”
Everyone's motives for purchasing a bicycle are different. Some people just want to go for a ride in the parks and get in shape a little, while others read reports about hikes, rides and marathons, after which they were inspired to become a participant. One way or another, the bulk of bicycle sales occur in the spring. Moreover, the snow has not yet had time to melt, and you can already see a rush in bike shops; many can’t wait to get themselves an iron horse - a bicycle.
A beginner (future) cyclist immediately faces various questions like:
- Which bike should I buy and which store should I buy it from?
- What should you wear for cycling and what else should you buy?
- Where and with whom to ride a bike?
Next, let's look a little further and reveal these questions in a little more detail.
Which bike to buy and in which store
Somehow a long time ago, if memory serves, around the same time a couple of years ago, I wrote a rather detailed article http://rideabike.ru/kak-vybrat-pervyj-velosiped. However, repetition is the mother of learning, so let’s write briefly about this again.
If you've already done some research on bike websites and visited bike shops, you've probably realized that the cost of a bike can vary greatly. Even in the most ordinary bicycle store, as a rule, models ranging from 10 to 50 thousand rubles or more are presented. But, of course, for a good bike, 100 thousand is not the ceiling.
Over the past few years, prices have increased on everything, including bicycles. If three or four years ago you could buy a simple but high-quality bicycle for 9-10 thousand rubles, now it will cost 13-14 thousand. In addition to the cost of the bike itself, you must also take into account the purchase of related accessories and equipment (more on this below).
So, firstly, you need to immediately understand that bicycles of this level are almost no different from each other. Some will think that I am mistaken, but many years of experience in selling and using different bicycles shows exactly this. The frames may have slightly different geometries, pipe shapes, colors, and attachments may differ, but there are no fundamental differences. Therefore, it is quite useless to talk about “Which is better: Author or Merida, GT or Marin, etc.”, they will all drive approximately the same. Sometimes you can hear statements like this bike rolls, but that one doesn’t, and few people can explain what this means. Therefore, in this price category, a bike is selected according to the parameters “like/dislike” and “suitable/not suitable for height” than according to some other characteristics. If you buy a bike at the beginning of the season, you often have to choose the size and take what is available, especially if you are a person of average height.
A little about where to buy a bike. It is best to purchase a bicycle in a specialized bicycle store, which should be in every at least somewhat large city. If there is no such thing, then there should just be a sports store with a bicycle department. Under no circumstances buy a bicycle in hypermarkets such as Auchan, O'Key, Real, Karusel, etc. There is nothing there except low-quality Chinese handicrafts. By the way, you should not trust sellers who, when asked about the country of origin, will tell you that it is America, Germany or Italy. Nowadays, even very expensive bicycles and components are produced in Taiwan and even in China, so there’s nothing wrong with that, they make quite high-quality things there, but this does not apply to bicycles from hypermarkets.
Well, the bike has been purchased and is waiting for good weather, ready to go wherever your eyes take you at your first request. But to make cycling as enjoyable and safe as possible, you need to prepare a little and purchase some equipment. What do we need first?
A helmet is a very important attribute of a cyclist and, in fact, the only element of protection. We recommend that you wear a helmet regardless of where you are riding, be it a park or a country road. You can read about the benefits of a helmet and the stories of people who found themselves in unpleasant situations without one on any cycling forum.
Cycling clothing - of course, you can ride in jeans or a regular tracksuit, but it is best to do this in special cycling clothing. If we are talking about skiing in early spring, then it is not much different from winter, so the equipment should be appropriate. I will not describe it here, but simply give a link (http://rideabike.ru/ekipirovka/na-velosipede-v-zimu-chast-1-odezhda.htm) to an article written a little earlier. If you don’t have special winter cycling clothing or experience in winter riding, then in any case it’s better to wait for warm weather to arrive and in the meantime prepare yourself and your bike.
Cycling clothing for the warm season is much cheaper than winter clothing and includes fewer elements, so it is available to almost everyone. So, you will need: cycling shorts (cycling shorts) with a diaper, cycling tights (for cooler weather), a cycling shirt with short and long sleeves, a windbreaker jacket, a raincoat. The choice of shoes is not so important, the main thing is that they are comfortable. Later, with experience, you will be able to decide and understand whether you need contact shoes or regular sneakers are enough.
Accessories - it is clear that while you are still new to bicycles and have no experience in self-repair, as well as special tools, of which there are quite a few types. But you simply must have the essentials. Among such things: a pump, a set of keys, mounting brackets, patches, a camera, a rear and front beacon, a water flask.
Backpack – the choice of cycling backpacks is now very wide. The stores offer models of various sizes, so you only have the one that suits you. http://rideabike.ru/tourism/vsyo-svoyo-vozhu-s-soboj-nemnogo-o-velosumkax-i-ryukzakax.htm
The list goes on, but this is the main point.
Where to go now?
Well, now the most exciting moment - the first ride on a new bike. For many, this is a particularly memorable event, because for some this is their first trip after a break of 10-15, or even more years. When you first ride a bike, it usually doesn't matter where you're going, so even just riding in a nearby park takes your breath away. The wind whistles in your ears, new tires rustle on the asphalt, shifters click and, of course, such moments are remembered for a long time. For the first trip, one and a half to two hours of riding in the nearest park will be enough. If your physical shape leaves much to be desired, then get ready for the fact that after 15-20 kilometers your legs may hurt.
During your first rides, your main task is to get used to the new bike, feel it, learn how to shift gears correctly (http://rideabike.ru/techno/kak-pravilno-pereklyuchat-skorosti-i-podbirat-peredachi.htm), brake and maneuver. Of course, you may not be able to do without falls, so always carry a bike first aid kit with you, which will contain iodine, bandage, peroxide, plaster, etc. If you ride two or three times a week, then a month will be enough for rolling, after which you can aim for more serious outings.
Even if you live in a very small city, in any case there will be like-minded people in it who will happily keep you company. There is nothing to say about Moscow and St. Petersburg, the cycling movement is highly developed in them and there are such large cycling forums as Velomania or Velopiter, where, in addition to just useful information, you can find out about planned trips or invite other people yourself.
If you do not drive a car and do not know the traffic rules, then I highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with them. You will not be able to avoid traveling on public roads, and knowledge of traffic rules will help you predict various road situations and avoid unpleasant consequences. I also highly recommend reading the article on the safety of proud riding and the note on starting to use a bicycle.
So, quite short and chaotic, time does not allow me to write in more detail. But I hope that the article may be useful to some novice cyclists. Now the thermometer is -27 degrees, but spring is just around the corner, it's time to buy a bike!
How to avoid getting sick while cycling in spring
Spring, judging by external signs, seems to have arrived.
Cyclists felt freedom, began to bare their clothes and, please, colds, pain in the knee joints and other misfortunes. The most dangerous time of the year is spring, because a cyclist who abstains from riding in winter is already itching, he wants to ride, any weather seems warm after the cold months - hurray, let's go.
How to dress for cycling in spring
If we put the question bluntly, it is better to dress warmer than colder.
There is a misconception that you should dress lightly, like you’ll warm up while moving. There is one thing to consider here. Almost any person sweats while riding a bicycle, and if he is dressed too lightly, he will definitely be blown by the cold spring wind, the result is sick leave for a couple of weeks.
Dress in layers
Now everyone knows that the top layer should be windproof, but we must remember that if you only have a sweat-soaked T-shirt under your windbreaker, then you are guaranteed to get cold.
The windstopper only stops the wind, but the fabric does not warm at all, and the body cools under it. Top
In windy weather, dress in at least three sweat-conducting layers: base - thermal underwear for active sports, middle - cycling jersey and top - windstopper (or equivalent).
When it seems warm and a jacket is inappropriate, I can recommend taking a thin, windproof vest with you.
You put on a thermal jacket and a cycling jersey, and if it gets cold, you pull this vest out of your back pocket and put it on. Bottom It
is strongly recommended that everyone ride in long cycling pants in the spring for as long as possible until it gets really warm.
There are, of course, monsters who can race in shorts even in winter, and their knees are in perfect order, but ordinary people better take care of them. The bad news is that in the spring you can get caught in freezing rain and then return home against a headwind - this can also be a big test for your knee joints.
Even if you are wearing long pants, they get wet and the cold wind can chill your knees. In such cases, it’s good to have insulating knee pads with you; they cost a penny, take up almost no space, and in such situations they can be a great help to those who have problem joints.
Shoes
There is not much to say about shoes, except that it is advisable to have shoe covers.
In addition, a good practice if you are traveling away from home and the forecast is not good is to have spare socks and plastic bags with you. This saves you from catching a cold when your shoes are soaked through, and your home is still a hundred kilometers away against the cold wind. Head
Balaclava is a wonderful invention that every cyclist should use while the cold winds are blowing outside.
A balaclava protects the ears, neck, jaw and forehead - but otitis media, inflammation of the facial nerves, gumboil and sinusitis are very easy to catch when riding bareheaded in the spring wind. Now it seems to be warm, and even hot in places, and when you ride a bike, the breeze blows, personally, I’m not going to take off my balaclava just yet.
Hands
Gloves are optional, but desirable, because like the knee joints, the wrists do not like hypothermia.
It is recommended to wear light, full gloves in the spring, and fingerless gloves in the summer, to protect your hands in falls. Drinking
Another way to catch a cold is to drink cold water from a flask.
Unfortunately, water cools almost instantly in the wind, even if you poured it heated. Here everyone gets out as best they can. Some take a small thermos with them instead of a flask, some pour warm water into a hydration tank (where it doesn’t cool down so quickly), others just try to drink in small sips.
Be careful with this. Do not forget that you should always drink, even in cold weather, even when you are not thirsty at all.
Drink regularly, in small portions, preferably isotonic. Rolling out
In the spring you need to roll out gradually, at low pulses.
This means that it is better to dress warmly, since serious loads are not expected. Wear a thin thermal jacket under your cycling jersey - it never hurts. Fenders
If you don't have fenders on your bike, this means that rainwater kicked up by the rear wheel hits the back and flows down.
The diaper gradually gets wet, and this brings not only discomfort, but also a danger to men's health. Therefore, it is recommended to get good, easily removable fenders if you have a mountain bike. If you are the owner of a road bike, hybrid or other asphalt bike, then you can install full-size fenders in the off-season.
velo-travel.com |
Cyclist and early spring - tips for beginners!
Hi all! March 2/3 has already passed, and the weather is not great, don’t you agree? But I’m sure that the desire to ride is above all, and you have already opened your cycling season in full swing, while others haven’t even closed it yet. But the point is that this kind of weather is the most treacherous, and in this article we will look at everything in more detail.
Spring is that time of year when you look out the window - the sun, the birds are singing. Then you turn around to tie your shoelaces, look up - and it’s already snowing outside! This is exactly what all the disadvantages of early spring are. Very often we get ready for a trip, dress according to the weather at the time of departure, but at the end of the trip the air temperature drops significantly, wind appears and all that.
That’s why the first piece of advice is to take the time to take a backpack or a small bag on the trunk and put a windbreaker or jacket in it. It is very important!
The next point is to dress properly. In one of the articles about cycling in winter, we already wrote about how to dress properly. So, the principle of choosing clothes for trips in the spring is the same. The most important thing is not to wear a lot of clothes, and to cover all places where the wind can blow. But now it is very cold and unhealthy.
The third mini tip is – don’t trust the sun. It shines, but still doesn’t really warm up. Therefore, read the first rule.
Proper breathing is the key to maintaining the health of a cyclist. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. That's all. With this type of breathing, the air heats up as it passes through the nose, and when we inhale through the mouth, all the cold air goes directly and in a large dose into the throat.
Knee pads are a small but important attribute. Don't forget, fellow cyclists, that the air is still cold and the ground is frozen. When actively pedaling, the wind blows heavily on the knees, so knee pads will not hurt. Remember, your knees are everything.
It's no secret that gloves are very important. Even in this weather. And it is better to have two pairs of gloves - one insulated and one with open fingers. By the way, as an advertisement, we have a section of cycling gloves in our store - a high-quality Polish brand. We are so confident in the product that we even ship it cash on delivery. We'll be happy to help!
And finally. We spoke with one experienced cyclist and asked him a question: what would he advise novice cyclists to do in such bad weather? The answer was simple: “Stay at home.” And he motivated this by the fact that you shouldn’t screw it up with an unprepared body in hot weather. And in some ways we agree with him. But, it's up to you to decide!
We hope we were able to help you, and see you again!
X reasons to ride a bike in the cold season
The cold season is a special, unique, interesting season. Let's figure it out!
5 myths about cycling in the cold season
1. It's too wet in autumn!
Light rain is not a problem for a cyclist, and heavy downpours are rare in autumn. If you have a good (preferably breathable) jacket with a hood, then usually only the front sides of your thighs get wet in the rain. As a rule, this is not a problem, since the room dries out quickly. You can ride in waterproof but breathable pants. You can use a short cycling raincoat.
The cycling raincoat should be short and with a side slit.
Perhaps the most unpleasant part of the year is the time of wet snow and unfrozen puddles. In this case, high boots are quite enough. Dry feet are also ensured by bicycle shoe covers placed on top of the shoes.
Bicycle covers are worn on top of any shoes and protect them and the bottom of the pants from getting wet.
2. It’s already cold in autumn.
Not certainly in that way. Only the hands get cold - the problem is solved by wearing gloves. The rest of the body is usually even hot. Be sure to cover your neck and head. A biker jacket with a hood is a great option.
3. And in winter it’s absolutely freezing!
Most cycling fans ride in winter down to -15 degrees, although this is not the limit. When moving, you usually “warm up”, so you need to dress for weather that is 5 degrees “warmer”. Usually only the fingers (gloves and mittens) and toes (good shoes and a warm sock) get cold. In high frosts, be sure to insulate your knees!
A good option - elastic knee pads - can be bought at any pharmacy.
4. You cannot drive on ice.
If your bike has fast, narrow tires, buy a separate set of the widest tires with deep, unworn tread for winter. This way the bike will slip less and will not fall into the snow.
You can also purchase studded tires. They ensure safety even on the slipperiest ice.
In general, driving on open ice is technically interesting! Numerous cycling competitions on ice are proof of this.
5. Snow and bicycles are incompatible things.
This is wrong. Rather, the ride becomes a little harder - the speed is lower and the physical load is higher. Usually the streets in the center of Minsk are cleaned enough for a comfortable ride. The most unpleasant thing in the city is poorly removed snow that has frozen into stone. Well-packed snow makes a great road!
5 reasons why cycling is even better in the cold season than in the summer.
1. You don't sweat as much as you do in the summer. Autumn is an ideal time for a cyclist!
2. It is easier to drive over high curbs in the snow.
3. You train your body with cold and therefore get sick less.
4. It is more difficult for a cyclist to catch a viral infection than for a public transport passenger.
5. You expand your own comfort zone and train nonconformity.
In winter, a step is not needed.
1. Don't rush! Autumn and winter driving requires caution.
2. You should not explore the depth of puddles - who knows - whether it has a bottom!
A smart person will not go into a puddle.
3. Lower the saddle 3-4 cm. This will lower your center of gravity and, in an emergency, make it easier for you to jump to the ground.
4. On snow and ice, brake softly and only with the steering wheel level.
5. Before the onset of cold weather, go over the main components with liquid lubricant. Lubricate the brake and gear shift cables with it.
1. The bicycle wears out more quickly.
Yes it is. Wear concerns the chain and sprockets. If you ride regularly, lubricate them at least once a week, preferably in the evening after riding. If you are planning to change the chain and cassette, put it off until spring. On bicycles without disc brakes, the brake pads wear out faster.
2. In snowy times, gear shifting does not work well. This is unpleasant, but not critical.
3. Indoors, due to the abundance of melting snow, your bike will “make a puddle.”
4. Winter driving is slower - both because it is harder to pedal, and because there is insufficient light in the morning and evening to see the road well.
You may ask why there are only four inconveniences - because we never remembered the fifth!
And lastly, the main thing, after all, is not the equipment, but the desire!
How to start the cycling season
When to open the cycling season
In Kaliningrad, for example, I don’t understand why the season should be closed. Because the temperature all year round is comfortable enough for you to quickly get to the center rather than stand in traffic jams. But I understand that not everyone is used to this lifestyle, so here is a guide table for beginners:
Below -20 - the temperature below which it becomes not very comfortable to breathe.
I don’t recommend it for beginners, but I ride it myself. -20.
+3 - you can already ride, but in ski equipment. Cycling activity is not very different from skiing, and riding a bike can be perceived as skiing or snowboarding. Suitable for lovers of an active winter lifestyle, but perhaps not for people who are riding a bike for the first time. Although if you want, you can do it in sunny weather and on packed snow :) +3.
+10 - here it is, the time when it’s time to come out of hibernation and start the cycling season. This is already quite an adequate temperature to go for a walk in civilian clothes, even if it’s not a very long one. +10 and above is the temperature at which you can comfortably and easily ride a bike and it’s time to start the cycling season. As soon as you see this temperature on the thermometer, immediately pull out your horse and go to the nearest park!
What clothes to wear
Here they are, +10 degrees, a day off, and what should you wear?
First , insulate your limbs.
The feet freeze first - the load is different from walking and the feet may freeze first. Sneakers+warm socks+spare warm socks. I ride in light cycling boots + warm thermal socks, and if the temperature is below +10, then I add another warm socks. Gloves on hands. Scarf around the neck. A balaclava on the head. If you don't care about safety and ride without a helmet, then a hat. Secondly , dress in layers. Those. It’s better to travel in a T-shirt + sweater + spring jacket than in a sweater and a warm jacket. The load will change, sometimes you will walk, and in the evening it may start to get colder sharply. The more layers, the easier it is to regulate a comfortable temperature.
About the evening cold. The days are not very long yet and the trip may last until the evening, so I recommend taking something warm with you, because... With the onset of darkness, the air temperature can drop sharply.
How to prepare your bike
If you have a new bike in good condition, then most likely nothing has happened to it. And you just need to wipe the chain from dust, lubricate it, and pump up the wheels.
If the bike is already old or was taken out of storage, then the best solution would be to send it to a service center.
For several years now I have been using the service of the Planet Sport store, a regular partner of my blog - they were able to resurrect the bike even after an African trip. By the way, wheel inflation, chain lubrication, basic diagnostics and selection of parts and accessories are free. Addresses and prices on the website. It's nice to start the season on a well-performing bike.
How far can you drive for the first time?
On your first trip, try not to drive too much. 10-15-20 kilometers. Just to the nearest park and back. The fact is that cyclists have a sore spot - their knees. And if you give too much load at the beginning of the season, they can be torn off. For large trips of 50 kilometers or more, it is better to prepare a little. It is better to gradually increase the distance of the races, for example: 10-20-30-50-70-100-150-200 km per day. This year I used the same scheme to open the sports season - first I did training for 30 km, then 60 and finally 100. I’ll definitely try to do the 200 km brevet :)
About security point by point
1) Try not to make sudden movements and warn about maneuvers in advance.
Try to remember to show a brake sign if someone is driving behind you and a turn signal. 2) If you drive in the evening, do not forget about the front and rear lights.
If there is a chance of staying until dusk and darkness, I always take a flashlight with me. Here are my recommendations for choosing a front flashlight; you can also take a Cat Eye for the rear one. 3) Bright clothes and vest.
To make you better visible, it is better to ride in bright clothes. Unfortunately, I don’t follow this point, but I highly recommend it. 4) Be careful on the roads.
You need to get used to the bike a little, repeat the traffic rules for cyclists before going out on the road. 5) HELMET.
On any trip, no matter the distance, always ride with a helmet. If you are 100% confident in yourself, then it is impossible to be confident in others. The helmet is comfortable, not hot and safe. You don't want to end the cycling season on opening day, do you?
What to take with you point by point
Try not to put too much strain on yourself.
It is uncomfortable to ride with a heavy backpack. 1) Water.
You need to drink as often as possible and always have water with you. 2) Snack.
In the city you can go and have something to eat, but it’s better to take at least something with you. Activity in the fresh air may make you suddenly want to eat. 3) Bicycle first aid kit, inner tube, pump, multitool.
A minimum set so that you can repair your bike in the field and continue riding, rather than walking to the nearest service center 4) Money.
Just don't forget to take it with you. 5) Number of a taxi or a friend with a car who can take you home.
You never know what will happen. 6) Spare warm clothes.
7) Castle. Never leave your bike unattended on the street! I have already written about choosing a bike lock.
That's all. There are many points, but they are not complicated. The main thing is to make up your mind and make your first race :)
Did you miss anything?
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Thanks to the Planet Sport store for their help in writing this article.
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