What I Wish I Knew as a Beginner Cyclist

Mirrors: Your Secret Weapon for Staying Safe

Mirrors aren't the coolest thing on your bike but it's the most impactful. You will use them multiple times on every single ride, so it's best to purchase them early on in your cycling habit.

You can find mirrors that fit inside your handlebars for a more low-key look. We actually recommend these over mirrors that fit in your helmet or over for handlebars. Learn about cycling mirrors and radar here.

Why it matters:

• Avoid last-second surprises from cars, e-bikes, or other riders.
• Make lane changes and turns without second-guessing.
• Ride more confidently knowing you're aware of your surroundings.

If you're serious about riding safely, a mirror is a game-changer.

Lights Aren't Just for Night Riding

Lights aren't just for night rides, they're necessary for morning/afternoon rides. Front and rear daytime running lights are essential to safe cycling on the road.

What you need:

• ✅ A bright front light (preferably 500+ lumens) to be seen and light up the road ahead.
• ✅ A rear blinking red light to make sure cars notice you.
• ✅ Lights always on, even during the day. Studies show daytime running lights reduce accident risk significantly.

If your budget allows for a rear light with a radar (Garmin Varia), we highly recommend it! Check out our 2025 bike lights guide here.

Cheap Tires = Expensive Problems

But we recommend upgrading to more performance-oriented tires (Continental GP5000 are the gold standard) so you can enjoy riding even more!

Here's what makes a difference:

• Grip & Traction: Have more confidence when cornering and descending.
• Rolling resistance: Smoother tires = more comfort.
• Improved Performance: Quality tires will make you go faster, making rides more enjoyable.

Don't wait years before experiencing superior tires. I wasted too much time on suboptimal tires, never again!

Learn How to Change a Flat

Knowing how to change a flat tire separates you from non-cyclists. You will get one eventually, so it's best to know how to fix it! Changing a flat isn't hard but requires practice.

What to do:

• 🔧 Watch a tutorial and practice at home.
• 🔧 Always carry a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump or CO2 inflator.
• 🔧 Know how to remove your wheel (especially if you have disc brakes).

It's better to practice in the comfort of your home rather than the side of the road.

Climbing is Easier with the Right Gears

Hills are scary when you're just starting out on the bike. And while gravity is working against you, so is your bike.

For some reason, bike manufacturers think it's a good idea to put small gears for normal people. That's ridiculous! You need larger gears. Read our Bicycle Gears Basics guide →

Bigger cassette + smaller chainring = easier pedaling uphill. If your climbs feel like pure suffering, consider:

• ✅ A cassette with a larger biggest cog (e.g., 34T instead of 28T).
• ✅ A compact or sub-compact crankset for lower gearing.
• ✅ A trip to your local bike shop to see what's upgradeable on your bike.

Spin it to win it.

Ride Smarter in Comfort