Getting Started - The Basics

By Graham Davis - June 2004

#1 Crash helmet
An upturned soup bowl on your head may leave you feeling a little foolish, but they're great for keeping your brains in. Also they work as great shark deterrents - I've never been bitten whilst cycling wearing my crash hat.

#2 T-Shirt
A loose fitting cotton T-shirt is fine to ride in. They're comfortable to wear even if it's a bit hot and they allow plenty of airflow to help keep cool. Even when it's a bit chilly outside a T-shirt is normally plenty warm enough when cycling along. Alternatively any "sports" top (gym, football etc) should be fine.

#3 Shorts
Shorts help with cooling on a hot summers day and come with the added benefit of not catching in your chain. If you wear trousers tuck them in your socks to stop them getting caught in the chain, you'll end up looking and feeling more foolish if you rip your trousers. A quick word about jeans; they're hot, heavy and if they get wet that's the way they stay. So if you can avoid it, don't cycle in them.

#4 Trainers
You may be heading off road but big boots won't help you on two wheels. A pair of old trainers is a much better option. You lift your feet much higher when pedalling than when walking and heavy boots will tire you out quicker.

#5 Water
I know this isn't for wearing but if it's hot you will get thirsty, even if it's not hot you'll get thirsty. Having water with you really helps at this point because you can drink it!

#6 Big Stupid Grin
Not essential to take with you on a cycle ride, but can be picked up on the way when you realise either you've just cycled further and faster than ever before or what you just did was probably silly but was also fun. A big stupid grin also makes people wonder what you've been up to.

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You can also download a beginners guide to getting started by Graham Davis (pdf 89Kb)

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