19 Top Tips for New Female Cyclists

19 Top Tips for New Female Cyclists

Hit the road with confidence

Riding a bike as an adult is different to riding a bike as a child. We don't have that innocent fearlessness we once had, and it can be a bit scary – but it shouldn't be. That's why we've put together these top tips to help you and women everywhere feel confident on the bike and enjoy the ride.

Before you set off…

1. Remember, not all bikes are created equally

Bikes designed for women consider our anatomy and are usually more comfortable to ride. But if you find a man's bike that tickles your fancy and fits your body there's nothing to stop you switching sides. The important thing is to try before you buy, so your best bet is to go into a physical store when buying a new bike.

2. Saddle up

Unless you want to be walking around funny and suffering from a sore bum, investing in a high-quality, comfortable saddle is key. Again, it's better to venture into physical stores to test them out. It may take you a while – and a fair bit of testing – to find your saddle soulmate. But once you do, you'll never look back.

3. Set your cycle up for success

A few minutes of making sure your bike is set up for maximum comfort and efficiency can make all the difference to your rides.

First, set your saddle so that when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal arc that leg has a slight bend.

Next, make sure you're in the prime riding position. Assume the standard cycling stance while aligning your body so that the handlebar doesn't obscure your view of the hub on your front wheel.

However, we do highly recommend going for a professional bike fit to ensure optimal performance and comfort.

4. Invest in some good cycling shorts

Technically you can wear any old shorts to cycle in. But if you want to protect your tush and thighs from the dreaded rub and get the most out of your rides, it's time to switch to proper cycling shorts.

Try our LUCA Women's Signature Bib Shorts with comfy eco-conscious padding.

5.  Don't forget your helmet or bike lights

So, it’s not like you can get arrested for not wearing a helmet – but you 100% should wear one. Not only does it protect that pretty head of yours, but your helmet can also help you feel more confident and make better decisions.

Bike lights are a no-brainer. You want to be as visible as possible on the road and that can be quite tricky in some areas, so always be prepared.

6.  Prepare for punctures

If there is anything certain in this crazy world, it's that you will get a puncture at some point. And when that moment rolls around, you need to be ready. Get yourself a puncture repair kit, always have a spare inner tube at hand, and carry tyre levers. Pop these essentials in your pocket or saddle/handlebar bag.

7. Throw in a few spares while you're at it

To complete your SOS cycle spare kit, get yourself the following:

  • A chain tool to help mend any broken chains
  • Some tyre levers
  • Emergency cash and/or card

8. Get some fuel in the tank

There's nothing worse than feeling fatigued mid-ride, so make sure you've eaten enough beforehand. Fuel your body a few hours before you set off – complex carbs are your pals – and bring some slow-release energy snacks along to nibble on if you start to flag.

9. Stay hydrated

Hydration is super important for cycling, especially if you're riding long distances. Always take your water bottle with you.

10.  Check the weather conditions

Although the weather doesn't have to stop you from getting out on your bike, weather conditions like wind and rain can affect your journey. Check the weather before you set off so you can plan accordingly, e.g., if it's sunny, slap on some SPF.

And if you're questioning it: yes, you definitely should bring your waterproofs. If it's set to get chilly or seems wildly unpredictable, don't forget your LUCA Signature Arm Warmers - pair with our LUCA Signature Jersey for a sleek, long-sleeved look.

11. Conduct a pre-cycle tyre MOT

Last thing before you head off. Check your tyres for punctures and pressure levels – you can find the recommended range on the tyre sidewalls. The more pumped up your tyres are, the more efficient your riding will be. But if you're going to be riding on damp and slippery surfaces, avoid pumping them up too much.

 

While you're in the saddle…

12. Start in low-traffic areas

Just like you wouldn't head straight for the motorway after passing your driving test, you're probably going to want to avoid busy roads when you're first starting out. Get comfortable in low-traffic areas like cycle trails or parks first to build your confidence.

13. Get to know your gears

We can tend to choose one gear and stick with it at the start of our cycling journeys. What do they even mean?! Fear not. As you cycle more and experiment with gears, you'll learn how to use them to your advantage and maintain a comfortable cycling rhythm.

Staying in a low gear is ideal for exerting a lot of force, which is helpful when you want to accelerate hard from a low speed and climb hills. Higher gears exert less force but allow you to pedal faster with less effort, which is handy for cruising along a flat path.

14. Take up space

The temptation to ride as close to the curb as possible is strong, we know, but it's not safe. Reckless drivers may use it as an invitation to squeeze past you when there's not enough room – if they see you at all, that is.

Remember, you have just as much of a right to be on the road as other vehicles do. So, take up space and ride around 1m away from the kerb.

 

See the big picture and…

15. Take your training slow and steady

Don't be that person who decides they love cycling one day and then plans a 20-mile ride the very next day. Your legs will hate you. Instead, focus on slow and steady progress by adding no more than around 10% to your cycling distances each week. It's no fun being injured.

16. Remember, indoor bikes count, too

Sometimes you just don't fancy going outside for a bike ride, and that's ok. But it doesn't mean you have to forgo cycling entirely. Jump on an indoor exercise bike or find a local spin class instead.

17. Don't skip the strength training

Incorporating strength training into your routine can do wonders for your cycling and overall health, so don't skip it. Building stronger muscles can boost your endurance and reduce the risk of injury.

18. Stretch it out

Before you splat on the sofa or hop in the shower, do some full-body stretches – and thank us in the morning.

19. Find some cycling pals

The peace of getting out on your bike is hard to beat – but so is riding with a group of like-minded cyclists. If you want some company, find a local cycling group that runs rides for beginners - and we'd love for you to join us on a LUCA Ride Out! Keep your eyes peeled to LUCA on Instagram so you don't miss a ride.

You've got this

We hope those tips were useful and help get you into the saddle. The cycling world can feel pretty intimidating at first, especially for women, but it's so, so worth it and you're more than capable.

Here at LUCA, we want to help make the cycling community fun and accessible for women everywhere. Like the sound of that? Sign up to our newsletter for updates on ride outs and events we are planning.

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