How to Get Back Into Cycling

Starting Out (Without Overdoing It)

Here's the thing - your brain might remember those epic rides from years ago, but your body needs time to catch up. Start with short rides on flat, familiar routes. Yes, you might feel wobbly at first. Yes, your butt will probably hurt. And yes, that's totally normal.

Give yourself permission to be a beginner again. Those bike handling skills will come back quickly - just give it a few minutes of awkward wobbling first.

Let's Talk About Comfort (Because It Matters)

Nothing kills the cycling buzz faster than being uncomfortable on your bike. And let's address the elephant in the room - a sore butt can turn a great ride into a suffer-fest real quick.

Here's what actually matters:

• Get a Saddle That Works: Your sit bones will thank you. If your current saddle feels like a torture device, it's probably the wrong size or shape for you. Don't suffer through it.
• Wear Something Comfy: Look, not everyone wants to squeeze into pro-cyclist spandex. That's exactly why we made Civilized Bibs - you get the padding and support you need without looking like you're heading to a superhero convention. They're for regular folks who just want to ride without chafing.
• Check Your Bike Fit: If your back, knees, or shoulders are screaming at you after a short ride, your bike probably needs adjusting. Small tweaks can make a huge difference.

Gear You Actually Need

Skip the fancy stuff for now. Here's what really matters:

• A helmet that fits (seriously, protect that brain)
• Lights so cars can see you (even during the day)
• A mirror to watch your back
• Some basic gloves to prevent numb hands
• Padded shorts or bibs (we're partial to our Civilized Bibs, but any padding is better than none)

Building the Habit

Here's the secret to getting back into cycling: consistency beats intensity every time. A couple of short rides a week beats one epic weekend suffer-fest that leaves you too sore to walk.

Start with what feels manageable - maybe that's just cruising around the neighborhood for 20 minutes. That's perfect! Build from there.

Time to Ride