Cycling - getting started - Print version

You don't need any special equipment – other than a bike of course – to start riding. Most bikes are suitable for road use and you don't have to spend a fortune.  Sometimes, the best bike is the one you already have – but if you want peace of mind, book your bike into your local cycle shop for a check up.  Some major employers and institutions run "Doctor Bike" sessions – including on both University campuses [https://www.facebook.com/thebroomwagoncyclery] – where bikes can be checked and simple repairs done on the spot.  Ask your employer or institution for more information.

For advice on what kind of bike to buy [https://www.thecyclingexperts.co.uk/get-cycling/buying-a-bike/choosing-the-right-bicycle/] visit a local bike shop [/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike].  There are also bike recycling [/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike/2] projects which are another way to get into cycling.

Bikes are available to hire from West Midlands Cycle Hire [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/wmcyclehire] at docking stations in and around the city centre and also at the University of Warwick campus.

Bike basics and maintenance

Choosing a bike

Just like shoes for walking, your bike should be the right size for you.  Normally being able to touch the floor comfortably with the balls of your feet is a good guide. Cycling UK [https://www.cyclinguk.org/advice-beginners] offers advice for beginners, including choosing the right size bike for a child [https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-guide/right-size-bike-child]or for an adult [https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle/size-bike-need]. 

If you also want to ride the bike 'off-road', you may want to consider using a mountain bike, which will have bigger tyres and better suspension. 

Buying a second-hand bicycle [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike/2] is a good way to get into cycling without spending too much.

Before you ride

Check that the tyres and brakes on your bike are in good condition and do a simple "M-check" before you set off. [https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/get-active/2019/everyday-walking-and-cycling/mcheck]  

Always use front and rear lights in darkness or poor light.

Bike maintenance

A big advantage of cycling is that routine maintenance can be done much more cheaply and easily compared to cars.  You will soon have peace of mind that you can rely on your bike, and even when things go wrong it can often be fixed quickly yourself rather than waiting for someone to come out to you.

Bike shops [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/200123/cycling/1803/buying_a_bike] can offer advice and service your bike.  Like a car, servicing your bike regularly means you will get more out of your cycle and it will last longer.

Cycling UK [https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/simple-bike-maintenance-guides] has produced five guides on bike maintenance, designed to be downloaded to your phone for reference for wherever you travel.

The five guides cover: 

• Before you set off (M-check) [https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2019/06/guide_1_cycling_uk_bike_maintanence_before_you_set_off_1.pdf] [PDF]
• Essential tools [https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2019/06/guide_2_cycling_uk_bike_maintanence_essential_tools.pdf] [PDF]
• Repairing a puncture [https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2019/06/guide_3_cycling_uk_bike_maintanence_repairing_a_puncture.pdf] [PDF]
• Adjusting your gears and brakes [https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2019/06/guide_4_cycling_uk_bike_maintanence_adjusting_your_gears_abd_brakes.pdf] [PDF]
• Repairing a broken chain [https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2019/06/guide_5_cycling_uk_bike_maintanence_repairing_a_broken_chain.pdf] [PDF]

What to wear

If you are cycling a short distance, it will often be most comfortable to wear your normal clothes – whatever you would wear for walking, you can wear for cycling. 

As you won't be able to easily carry an umbrella, waterproof jackets and over-trousers would be useful when it rains.  They can be bought from most cycle shops [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/buying-bike] and outdoor sports shops, including in bright colours and reflective. 

Cycle helmets are not mandatory, but the Highway Code [https://highwaycode.org.uk/cyclists/] does recommend you should wear one.  It is a legal requirement to have front and rear lights [https://highwaycode.org.uk/rule-60/] when you cycle at night.  

Ask your local cycle retailer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/buying-bike] about fitting a pannier rack and bag, as this can make it much easier to carry things with you on a bike compared to using a backpack.

If you are travelling to work [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling-1/cycling-work], you may want to pack spare clothes.  Your workplace may have showers and changing facilities.