Now that you have decided to cycle all the way to health and glory, let us also look at some of the important tips that you need to be aware as a rider so it is a happy riding every time for you and everyone.

We the leading bicycle shop Dubai ensure to look at some important safety tips across leisure riders, commuters and adventure bikers.

Wear a helmet at all times

Wearing a helmet is a sign that you are a responsible rider, any time of the day, please make sure you are wearing your helmet. It’s not the law actually, it is safe that’s the key. It also helps you buy a good one that meets the requirement and fits in snug on your head. Check out yourself before closing on one, because your being at leisure is very important that you have a free and safe head.

If you are taking to the hills or mountains, be sure to wear the gloves, knee pads in the event of fall, this will see you through with minor bruises.

Pro tip: Add cycling sunglasses to this list, will help you protect from bugs, stones, sun and rain.

Cleaning & Oiling

Given the climate has its effect on the chains, it would be better to oil the chains regularly or at least a day before you are going to take out the cycle. Ideally no one would love the creaking sound that chain gives when you are cycling. That’s a minor distraction that you would want to avoid.

Keep the cycle clean, it helps you see the wear and tear if any when you do the cleaning.

Know the traffic

Always anticipate the way traffic will be on the road that you have decided to take, take precautions in terms of traffic diversions or traffic jams, with knowledge you will be more confident on the road.

You have the right to the road and exercise them with caution without causing any problem to the other users.

Pro tip: Check Google map for traffic updates and use riding app to keep track.

The Puncture Kit

As with everything else there is a necessary evil, yeah, we know, keep a puncture kit handy and you never know when you are going to use them. But for all you know the kit would be god send on those ill-fated days and also get to know how to use them efficiently. It helps you get back on road easily.

Pro tip: It helps to know how to pin up a broken chain, snap it up and get back home riding or walk all the way.

Always be on the right speed

Being on the right speed helps you and everyone on the road, use signage and hand signalling wherever necessary. The speed is the one which is for the bikers on road, be at optimum pace, you aren’t running a race.

If you are an early starter, please keep yourself on the move and pace up in phases. Be mindful of lanes and pedestrians on the road.

One step at a time

This is a bit psychological, in a way, increase distances and speed in a step by step manner. Take time to get used to the roads, the traffic and people as you start off. It should not be that you take a big bite not able to chew. This is because it affects you mentally and physically could be tiring. The physical strain could be little high if you go that extra mile without getting prepared over long run.

Going in a group

It helps being in a group, you get to learn and unlearn a lot with the bikers around. It gets you on the habit and makes you confident, and it helps to be a part of the group and you could change positions and keep pace and do things together. Take professional advice if you are keen to take up long distances. Don’t go by your gut feel. Prepare mentally and physically for such tasks.

Above are some of the basics for beginners, and it applies to everyone, but then as you go full throttle these will see you in good stead, of course you will get to learn a lot on maintenance and other things which happens during short stints to help you during your long distances.

Will come back with more, till then happy and safe cycling!

One should never explore the wild without a multitool on them at all considerable times. The more tools the merrier, but possessing one with a built-in chain, a T25 torx, flathead and Philips screwdrivers, and at least 2.5 3,4,5,6 and 8mm Allen keys, and the most common spoke tool sizes. You never know when one might come in handy, and getting stuck on a bicycle trail isn’t one of the best weekend’s getaways. 

• Mini pumps and plugs kit

Deflated tyres can be undoubtedly a huge inconvenience. It most likely won’t happen, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Like being said thoughtfully, hope for the best and sufficiently prepare for the worst. Consistently carry a mini pump and tyre repair kit with you because one is absolutely useless without the other. We’re certain you’ll be walking your bike back weren’t what you had planned when you left.

• Water

It seems like a no brainer but we had to include this obvious item in our checklist as first timers frequently forget its importance and the availability of convenience stores in the forest. So always pack enough water and nutrition bars to typically power your legs because a properly serviced and functional bike will typically get you nowhere if you are left severely dehydrated. 

• Spare chain 

Ever felt a direct snap and lose control of your modern bike only to instantly realize the chain had dropped? That being the best-case scenario it is important to be ready if the worst-case scenario presented itself, the chain snapping in two. It is essential to include a spare or a repair kit on you as well as knowing how to utilize before pedaling off vigorously into the woods.

• S.O.S. device.

Smartphone’s are unreliable at times and the wild can be naturally a terrible place to get lost in, just ask James Franco from 127 hours. So just to make sure it doesn’t come down having to cut your own arm. Make sure you always carry a S.O.S. device on you, no matter how well you know the trail. It’s precisely a small precaution worth taking.

• Action camera

This isn’t exactly an essential requirement but believe when I say you shall be appreciative that you took one along with you. In our day to day urban lifestyles, it’s not very often that we get to see breathtaking sights that you will no doubt encounter on your excursion. In these moments you will realize that you want to capture this moment for life, and you will regret not having a camera on you. Action cameras are versatile, portable and easy to use; it won’t hurt to maintain one in your back pack.

• Torch

It’s a brilliant idea to keep a small torch in case of emergencies. There’s always a distinct possibility that you might not make it home before sunset and packing a small torch will sufficiently prove to be the best decision you’ve typically made. 

So head out, heartily enjoy the pleasant weather and kick some dirt but above all be safe, take precautions and constantly be prepared because adverse events typically have a possible way of not going as we plan sometimes so hope for the best but properly prepare for the worst.

Browse through our impressive lineup of modern bikes at our online bicycle store and standard accessories because we are certain there is something in there for you.