As an avid cycling enthusiast, Dr. Anthony Bianchi MD is a major proponent of the benefits of road biking. One of the best parts of road biking is just about anyone can get themselves a road bike and start peddling. Dr. Anthony Bianchi MD will provide tips for beginners, so that they stick with their new hobby and enjoy the numerous health benefits in the process.
The first step to a successful road biking journey is the selection of a bike. Dr. Anthony Bianchi MD understands that there are countless blogs pontificating the benefits of certain bike brands. The Doctor would recommend that beginners don’t allow themselves to get bogged down in brand names. The best road bike for an individual really comes down to the frame size matching the frame of the rider. When the top of the tube of the bike is straddled, there should be about an inch of space in between the tube and the chest. Different bikes are made for different purposes. Not only are some bikes better for competitive riders, but some bikes are strictly built for recreation. When looking to advance as a cyclist, it is probably best to look for a bike that allows the cyclist to take on more challenging rides over time.
Dr. Anthony Bianchi warns new road cyclists that there will be some discomfort, especially at first. The good news is there are things riders can do to increase their comfort level. For starters, a good pair of bike shorts will have a lot of stretching to them to allow for more freedom of movement. Fingerless gloves with palm padding can increase the comfort level of the hands during long rides. Cyclists should look to have moisture-wicking garments as their base layer of clothing. This will make the ride much more comfortable. From a safety perspective, all cyclists should have a road bike helmet that meets the specific safety standards of the United States. Cycling shoes that allow for clipping onto the pedals will offer a smoother ride as well. The first couple of rides are almost guaranteed to hurt the backside of the cyclist. Just keep going. The glutes will adjust over time, and it won’t be a reoccurring problem.
As a cyclist starts to develop a knack for riding longer distances, it becomes extremely important to ride with some basic tools. For starters, nearly all cyclists encounter a flat tire during one of their trips. Dr. Anthony Bianchi MD suggests a bike multi-tool as it usually has a spare tube, tire levers and a pump. This will ensure a rider doesn’t get stranded far from home. Most bikes are now designed with a cage for a water bottle. However, if a bike doesn’t come equipped with one, there are multiple affordable options to add a cage to place a water bottle. For those interested in cycling at night, headlights and reflectors have become a necessity. It is the responsibility of the cyclist to make it as easy as possible for motorists to see them.
Finally, when it comes to actually pedaling on the road, it is vital that the cyclist finds the proper cadence. Typically, a rider should aim for about 80-100 rotations on the pedals per minute. Road bikes will come with different gears and the easiest way to know when to shift the gears is to pay attention to how difficult it is to pedal. If it becomes more difficult to pedal, the bike is in the wrong gear. A gear shift can allow a cyclist to pedal more freely without discomfort. Adjusting to gear shifting should be done on short rides before a cyclist begins to challenge themselves on longer journeys. Dr. Anthony Bianchi MD encourages beginners to stay positive. It can be frustrating at the start, but those who stick with road biking can enjoy both mental and physical health benefits for years to come.
