You’ve seen them whizzing previous within the newest Lycra, wanting like they belong on the Tour de France, however right here’s the excellent news: you don’t must be a lean machine or spend 1000’s on a carbon-fibre rocket to get began with biking. In actual fact, biking is among the greatest methods to shift the kilos, enhance health, and rediscover the straightforward pleasure of being out and about.
Why biking?
Let’s begin with why biking is an excellent alternative for males on a weight reduction journey:
Low impression, excessive reward
Not like operating, biking is less complicated in your knees and ankles, which is right in case you’re carrying additional weight. It offers you a strong cardio exercise with out leaving you battered the following day.
You management the hassle
Whether or not it’s a mild pootle across the park or a sweaty slog up a hill, you set the tempo.
It suits into life
Commute, college run, popping to the outlets – you may burn energy with out carving out additional time.
Nice for the pinnacle
That feeling of freedom on two wheels can do wonders in your psychological well being.
Choosing your first bike: no want to interrupt the financial institution
Neglect the concept you have to splash out on an costly street bike or that it’s a must to appear like a professional bike owner. The secret’s discovering a motorbike that feels comfy, secure, and fits the place you intend to journey. Let’s break down the choices:
Hybrid bikes
These are sometimes one of the best guess for heavier riders beginning out. Hybrids mix options of street and mountain bikes, so that you get an upright driving place (higher in your again and shoulders), wider tyres for grip and stability, and a snug seat. Nice for roads, cycle paths, and light-weight trails. Should you’re undecided what you’ll get pleasure from most, a hybrid is a strong all-rounder.
Mountain bikes
Designed for rougher terrain, these bikes have vast, knobbly tyres, sturdy frames, and entrance or full suspension to deal with bumps. The vast tyres and powerful construct make mountain bikes an excellent possibility if you would like most stability and confidence, particularly in case you’re driving on trails or uneven floor. Simply remember they’ll really feel slower on tarmac due to the additional grip.
Street bikes
These are constructed for pace, with skinny tyres and a forward-leaning place. Whereas street bikes can work for heavier riders, they’ll really feel much less forgiving whenever you’re beginning out. The driving place places extra stress in your wrists and again, and the slim tyres can really feel twitchy on potholes or tough surfaces. Should you’re set on a street bike, search for one with a robust body (aluminium or metal moderately than light-weight carbon) and wider tyres for added consolation.
Different choices
You may additionally come throughout gravel bikes (a mixture of street and mountain options, with chunkier tyres than a street bike) or electrical bikes (e-bikes) that offer you a little bit of help on hills. Don’t rule these out – they are often incredible confidence boosters, and e-bikes nonetheless offer you a exercise whereas serving to you go additional.
A fast phrase on weight limits
Most trendy bikes will deal with 100-120kg (15-19 stone) with none challenge, however in case you’re above that, it’s price double-checking the producer’s steering. Many sturdy hybrids and mountain bikes can cope effectively, and you’ll at all times improve wheels or tyres down the road for additional sturdiness if wanted.
Second-hand steals
A great deal of individuals purchase bikes with one of the best of intentions, journey them twice, then depart them gathering mud within the shed. That’s nice information for you. You may typically decide up a barely used, good-quality bike for a fraction of the brand new value.
Examine locations like:
-
Fb Market
-
gumtree
-
eBay (native assortment to keep away from postage faff)
-
Native bike outlets that promote refurbished bikes
Should you’re shopping for second-hand, verify that:
-
The body isn’t cracked or badly rusted
-
The wheels spin true (not wobbly)
-
The brakes and gears work
-
The tyres maintain air
Should you’re undecided, take a mate who is aware of bikes, or ask your native store for a once-over – often effectively well worth the small value for peace of thoughts.
What package do you really want?
Ignore the flashy gear for now. To get began, you’ll need:
A helmet
Your noggin is treasured. Don’t skimp right here.
Lights and a lock
Particularly in case you’re driving close to site visitors or at evening.
Puncture restore package or spare tube
Nothing kills your enthusiasm like a flat tyre miles from house.
Snug garments
No want for Lycra. No matter you’re feeling good in that received’t get caught within the chain.
Water bottle
Hydration is vital, even on quick rides.
Non-compulsory however helpful
padded shorts (belief us on this one in case you’re doing longer rides), a hi-vis jacket, and gloves.
How far must you go?
Begin small. A 15-20 minute journey is a lot whenever you’re new to biking, particularly if it’s been some time because you final obtained on a motorbike.
Concentrate on time, not distance.
The secret’s to construct confidence and get your legs used to pedalling once more.
When you’re comfy, regularly prolong your rides.
Intention for 2-3 rides every week to start out seeing actual advantages.
Don’t be ashamed of strolling the bike up hills.
Everybody does it in some unspecified time in the future.
Staying motivated
Set your self easy targets – like biking to work as soon as every week, or clocking half-hour with out stopping.
Discover a buddy
Using with a mate makes it extra enjoyable, and also you’re much less more likely to bail.
Observe your progress
Apps like Strava could make your rides really feel extra rewarding.
Combine up your routes
Discover parks, canals, nation lanes – maintain it fascinating.
Time to get pedalling
Biking doesn’t must be sophisticated, costly, or intimidating. It’s about getting shifting, having fun with your self, and burning these energy in a means that feels good. Begin small, construct up, and earlier than you already know it, you’ll be a type of blokes you used to admire on a motorbike – solely you’ll know that beneath the helmet is a person smashing his targets.
