Get on a Bike and Go

Below is a post written by multipe Amino Vital sponsored athletes (including myself) to help you get to exerecise and enjoy the thrill of cycling.  Please visit the Amino Vital facebook page for more information on their fantastic products:

Drum roll, please! This month our theme is cycling! Spring is here and it’s a great month to get out on the bike and get moving. Not a cyclist? No problem! Our team of athletes and experts will fill you in on everything from pedaling mechanics to nutrition tips. First up is getting in gear! Before you prepare for a ride, you need the right gear to get moving.
We asked Team Amino Vital Athlete, Paul Barr, for his top ten picks so we could share with you. Here’s what we learned from Paul…
1. Good shoes – If you “clip” in to an SDP or other style pedal, it is important to have good stiff shoes to efficiently transfer the torque input into the crank arm. If you have platform pedals, good, comfortable shoes is always key.
2. Helmet – This is the #1 safety item! It is important to be fitted correctly, meaning it’s slightly loose on your head. I’ve hit a tree head-on while riding single track and broke the helmet. Had I not worn my helmet, I would not be here right now to write this! I recommend wearing one even for casual rides.
3. Hydration – This is HUGE. I must say when I do long races or rides, I try to have at least one bottle or Camelbak with just plain water and another full of a double shot mix of Amino Endurance. Good stuff!
4. Gloves/Handles – I suggest getting a good pair of gloves to relief for your wrists, especially if you plan on riding more than 30 minutes. If you’re an endurance rider, I also suggest using ergo-type grips.
5. Bike Fit – This is extremely important as well. If you’re an experienced rider, you already know that the bike size, tube length, crank arm length, seat position, handle bar type/angle, stem, etc. are all important. If you’re new to riding, I suggest going to your favorite bike shop and asking for help from a pro. They will typically do a bike fitting for you for free or a small fee. I will mention that when you are pedaling, your knee should not be locked out in the position where your foot is farthest from your hip (fully extended). It should be slightly bent at this position. When it is closest to your hip, your knee should not come above your hip.
6. Clothes – I like bike jerseys as they allow you to carry gear with you. Bike shorts with padding are always nice for long rides.
7. Glasses – I go with Tifosi glasses since they are durable and cost-effective. Additionally, they keep dust, grime and sun out of your eyes.
8. Sunscreen – Always important if you’re going to be out in the sun awhile!
9. Cold weather gear – Head covers, toe covers, long thermal tights, arm warmers and a vest are my go-to items. You can always layer up. I also tape over the vents in my helmet with electrical tape during the winter.
10. A budget-appropriate bike - As far as purchasing a bike goes, this is up to you and your budget. If you want to become a serious cyclist, you are going to need to spend a bit more money than a bike at Walmart. The most important aspect of your bike is the wheelset, as this is your rolling mass. It is important that they’re stiff and durable. I use 29” Mavic UST (tubeless) wheels.

Team Amino Vital Athlete Derek Smith had some additional tips on taking care of your bike once you get one within your budget. Per Derek, it doesn’t matter if your bike is $50 or $25,000, simple bike maintenance is a must and it can be taken care of easily. It doesn’t take much effort but doing the following will guarantee the longevity and performance of your bike:

• Pump tires to adequate air pressure before EVERY ride (AP varies so look on the wheels and follow the instructions)
• Wipe the bike to clean any sweat, rain water, or any type of residue to protect from rust and deterioration
• Oil and clean the chain, brake lines, derailleur, and crank set
• Take the bike in for an annual performance adjustment, especially if you’re an advanced rider.

Don’t have all of these items? Paul says at a bare minimum, make sure you have a helmet if you want to hop on your old bike and ride. Be sure to bring a phone (in case of an emergency) and your favorite Amino in a bottle with you. Thanks to our Team Amino Vital Athletes for sharing their expertise!
Additionally, head over to Derek’s blog to tackle the must know tips for cycling uphill, downhill and on flatlands! We’ll go more into detail on this when we cover cadence 101 in a few weeks! Stay tuned and until then…it’s time to get moving! Grab a bike and hit the trails!

Original article is here