It is said that once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget it. Yeah, but not everyone has had this chance. Let’s see how you can learn to ride a bike as an adult.
It may seem strange to you, but many adults don’t know how to ride a bicycle. Do you want to learn to ride a bike or do you want to teach someone? Follow the affordable mountain bikes for beginners!
First of all, you have to get everything you need. It goes without saying, but first of all, you need a bicycle, then you need a helmet, which is always better to wear when cycling even if it is not mandatory, and finally you need a free space where you can practice.
How to learn to ride a bike?
Now let’s see how to learn to ride a bike in total safety and tranquility through our advice.
Here is all that needs to be done:
Choose the right place
To learn how to ride a bike, it is best to choose a place where there is no traffic so that you can become familiar with the vehicle in complete tranquility and without taking risks. The driveway in the garden or the classic parking lot can work well.
Start on a flat surface
It is more difficult to keep the bike in balance on uphill or downhill routes and it is easier to fall. That’s why you have to give priority to a flat surface to learn how to ride a bike.
Wear the right clothes
Better to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, which can protect in case of falls. For extra protection, you can also wear knee pads and elbow pads.
Put on the helmet
It is a protective device that should always be worn by novice and more experienced cyclists. There are all kinds of helmets on sale, so it’s easy to find the one that suits your needs.
Go out on your bike during the day
It is advisable to practice cycling in daylight. Thus, you can see any obstacles better and are also more visible to other cyclists and motorists.
How to prepare the bike?
Before getting on the saddle to learn how to ride a bike as an adult, you need to arrange the bike so that it is fully functional, comfortable, and safe for exercise.
Here are the things you need to do:
Adjust the seat
The seat must be lowered to be able to easily rest your feet on the ground and avoid falling.
Test the brakes
Getting familiar with the bike’s brakes is essential to stop the bike in case of need. To understand how they work, you just have to walk carrying the bike by hand and then apply the brakes.
How to start pedaling?
The time has come to get on the saddle and start walking the first few meters aboard the bicycle.
Here’s how you need to proceed to learn how to ride a bike:
Get on the seat
First, you have to lift one leg, right or left, depending on which foot is your favorite, and take it to the other side of the bike, so that the bike is held between your legs. Then, keeping the weight in the center of the vehicle, you can sit on the saddle while keeping your back straight.
Move forward
Without using the pedals, you have to push yourself with your feet. Then, lift your legs and stand on the pedals. As you do this, try to keep the bike in balance for as long as possible.
Start pedaling
Start first with one foot on the ground and the other on the pedal. Then push on the pedal, put the foot on the ground on the other pedal, and go off you.
Get off the bike
First, you need to stop pedaling, then shift your weight onto the pedal and apply the brakes. Once the bike is stationary, you just need to get up slightly to get off.
How to practice?
After having made the first rides, it is good that you practice a little to become familiar with the vehicle by tackling undemanding descents.
Here’s how you can proceed:
Take the descent
Drive down the stretch of road without applying the brakes, but use the flat stretch immediately after the descent to slow down. To best tackle a descent, you must remain seated in the saddle with your elbows bent.
Apply the brakes
When you have a little confidence, try to tackle the descent by braking gently. This way, you can learn to slow down while maintaining full control of the bike.
Use the steering
Now try to go downhill by moving the handlebars to change trajectory, being careful not to lose control of the vehicle.
Ride downhill
At this point, you just have to start pedaling when you face the last stretch of the descent without stopping.
Ride uphill
Now comes the hardest part because you have to tackle the climb. Start on the flat section and then pick up your pace as the road begins to climb. To better tackle, the uphill path, lean your body forward. You can also get up on the pedals to exert even more force.
Other useful tips
Since we want to make you a model cyclist, we have other tips for you to learn how to ride as an adult.
Here’s what you can help with once you’ve got some experience with your bike:
- Raise the seat, making sure that your toes touch the ground;
- Always look ahead when cycling;
- Remember to always wear a helmet;
- Learn the rules of the Highway Code regarding the use of bicycles, to always ride safely and not risk incurring penalties;
Once you have learned to ride a bike and become familiar with a traditional bike, you can switch to an e-bike. You can buy an electric bike kit (article link 🙂 to transform your bicycle into an e-bike, perfect for entering the world of pedal-assisted bikes. Thus, you can enjoy cycling.
Keep reading: Learn about the benefits of mountain biking
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