9 Tips from MTB Morocco guides for Beginner Cyclists
There are millions of people who ride bikes and those numbers are increasing all the time. With more and more riders on the trails and roads, these tips for beginner cyclists will help you ride better and safer.
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1. Protect your head.
Head injuries are the cause of 60 percent of all cycling deaths in the U. S. every year. Many of these deaths could be avoided if everyone wore a helmet while cycling. Always wear a helmet when riding and make sure your kids do as well. Many states have bike helmet laws, but you should always wear one even if you don't have too. |
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2. Don't pedal in high gear for extended periods of time. You want to try and keep your cadence between 70 and 90 rpm's. When you pedal in a high gear it puts added strain on you knees. |
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3. Use your gears.
When climbing hills shift into a gear that will keep your cadence in the right range of rpm's so you can make it up the hill without putting undue stress on your knees. |
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4. Get a proper bike fit.
Having your bike set up to fit your body will make riding much easier, more efficient and cause you much less pain and soreness during and after the ride. |
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5. Get the right saddle.
Getting the right saddle will make a huge difference when riding. Don't think the thickest padding will give you the most comfortable ride. A longer seat with a cutout will generally be the best type of saddle. Read reviews online and find out what others like, then test ride a few. |
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6. Change position while riding.
Move your hands around on the bars, and move your rear end around on the saddle. This will keep your hands, arms and rear from getting numb due to prolonged time in a given position. |
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7. Don't ride with headphones on.
It can be extremely dangerous if you don't hear an emergency vehicle or other commotions behind you or off to the side. If you have to have music, get a small clip-on radio with a speaker that you can attach to your jersey. |
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8. Know the rules.
Ride with traffic and obey all road signs. Closely watch all cars in front of you so you can try to anticipate what they are going to do. |
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9. Keep your head up.
Look out in front far enough ahead so you can react to any obstacles in the road or on the shoulder in front of you. Things like storm drain grates are very bad for skinny road bike tires. If you follow these tips you will have a better, safer and more enjoyable time on your bike. |
Which Bike Is Right For Me?It is important that you choose the right bike for your needs. When choosing your bike consider where you will be riding. What type of terrain will you be cycling on? For example a Heritage bike will not be able to handle a rough rocky terrain, a Dual Suspension bike would be much more appropriate. Ensure your body isn’t over stretched or uncomfortable while riding. Getting the right size frame is important, see our handy size chart below. Are you cycling during the day or evening? Do you require lights or any other additional accessories? Don’t worry, you don’t have to make these decisions by yourself. In each of our stores we have trained cycle technicians who are on hand to find the right bike for you.
Where you will be riding?
What type of terrain will you be cycling on? For example a Heritage bike will not be able to handle a rough rocky terrain, a Dual Suspension bike would be much more appropriate.
Which size frame do I need?
Getting the right size frame is important and there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, in most cases the saddle should be about the same height as your hips when standing next to the bike. Ensure your body isn’t over stretched or uncomfortable while riding. Your back should be at a 45 degree angle with shoulder above front gears and leg slightly bent at the knee. See our handy size chart below to guide you on the right frame size for your height.
Which Size Bike is right for my child?
Kids bikes are often displayed by wheel size. Here is a handy kid’s wheel size guide.
Kids Bike Size Guide
20” 7-10 years
18” 6-9 years
16” 5-8 years
14” 4-6 years
12” 3-5 yearsEvery child is different and as this isn’t an exact science we recommend you coming in store and test riding first.
How often will you be riding?
Consider the wear on the bike, if you are intending to use your bike every day it is wise to choose a robust and durable bicycle.
Are you cycling during the day or evening?
Do you require additional lights or any other accessories to ensure you are seen on the road?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to make these decisions by yourself. In each of our stores we have trained cycle technicians who are on hand to find the right bike for you.
How do I know which Helmet is right for me?
Think about your riding style, if you are a leisurely rider opt for comfort. If you are a serious rider you may want to consider the aerodynamic aspect and go for a streamlined design. The helmet should fit comfortably and secure firmly under the chin. The helmet should not move while on your head.
Where you will be riding?
What type of terrain will you be cycling on? For example a Heritage bike will not be able to handle a rough rocky terrain, a Dual Suspension bike would be much more appropriate.
Which size frame do I need?
Getting the right size frame is important and there are a few things to look out for. Firstly, in most cases the saddle should be about the same height as your hips when standing next to the bike. Ensure your body isn’t over stretched or uncomfortable while riding. Your back should be at a 45 degree angle with shoulder above front gears and leg slightly bent at the knee. See our handy size chart below to guide you on the right frame size for your height.
Which Size Bike is right for my child?
Kids bikes are often displayed by wheel size. Here is a handy kid’s wheel size guide.
Kids Bike Size Guide
20” 7-10 years
18” 6-9 years
16” 5-8 years
14” 4-6 years
12” 3-5 yearsEvery child is different and as this isn’t an exact science we recommend you coming in store and test riding first.
How often will you be riding?
Consider the wear on the bike, if you are intending to use your bike every day it is wise to choose a robust and durable bicycle.
Are you cycling during the day or evening?
Do you require additional lights or any other accessories to ensure you are seen on the road?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to make these decisions by yourself. In each of our stores we have trained cycle technicians who are on hand to find the right bike for you.
How do I know which Helmet is right for me?
Think about your riding style, if you are a leisurely rider opt for comfort. If you are a serious rider you may want to consider the aerodynamic aspect and go for a streamlined design. The helmet should fit comfortably and secure firmly under the chin. The helmet should not move while on your head.
