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Steamboat Wharf Nantucket, MA

How to Improve Your Cycling Performance

One form of outdoor exercise that you can do to get out of the house this summer is cycling. If you’re returning onto your bike after a long season, or you’re cycling for the first time, we’re here to help you get past all of your questions.

To start, here are some tips that will get you feeling prepared for the cycling season!

How to ride a bike

Set Up Your Bike Correctly

Everyone’s legs, arms, and torso lengths are different. If you feel uncomfortable sitting on your bike, you will probably have to adjust your saddle, stem, and handlebars to tailor your body. Making sure that your bike correctly fits your body can also boost your performance, ensuring maximum efficiency when you’re out on your ride.

Learn How to Use Your Bike Gears

You’re not always going to be riding your bike on a flat road. Your gears are made to help you ride more smoothly on any road condition, including traveling uphill. To find the right gear for you, spend some time practicing shifting gears on a flat road. You’ll know that you have the correct gear, if it feels natural to you.

You’ll know if you’re in the wrong gear if you are spinning your pedals quickly, but you’re barely moving. Another way to tell if you’re in the wrong gear is if you notice your pedaling becomes slow as you’re are trying to conquer a large hill.

Practice Basic Pedaling Techniques

Understanding and practicing a few basic biking skills will help you become a more confident rider. Remember, your brake gear can be sensitive, so pumping the brake lightly will help you stop slowly, as opposed to gripping your brake lever and forcefully stopping.

When you are approaching a corner, make sure that you give yourself enough time to slow down before you hit the bend. You never want to fly around the corner at full speed because you could lose control of your bike if you have to make an abrupt stop. To help perfect your turn, lift your inside knee and apply weight to the outside to maintain balance.

Practicing throughout the next few weeks will prepare you to bike on the beach during your next visit to Nantucket Island! If you have any questions regarding your bike, give us a call at 1-800-770-3088 or contact us online today to learn more about our services!

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