Bike Comfort

​Have you ever wanted to get into biking but had concerns about discomfort? Worry no more. Here are some words from the wise on how to maintain the utmost comfortability when biking.

Barnett Bicycle Institute instructor Chris Caunt knows a thing or two about cycling after 40 years of riding and fixing bikes. His sage advice: "Body comfort is huge. It doesn't matter how slick your derailleurs are, if your buns are hurting you hate cycling. If your rear end is comfortable you'll have a great time. The three points of contact: your rear end your hands and your feet are very important. Then you have to add a helmet to be safe."

Even if your plans are solely recreational, always remember your head, hands, feet and seat when you're heading out for a bicycle ride:
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1. HEAD
Which of the pictures at left is not a bicycle helmet? Trick question, they're all helmets! Whenever you're biking remember to always stay safe. Regardless of you being into style or speed, there is a helmet for you and they all perform the same basic functions: keeping you safe and protecting your head.

Every time you ride your bicycle wear be safe and wear a bike helmet with the straps fastened under your chin. As a beginner you'll want to test your helmet's fit before heading out on a ride. To do this, put the helmet on your head and fasten the straps under your chin, then shake your head yes and shake your head no. If it stays still and doesn't tip forward or backward or slide from side to side across your forehead then you're ready to ride! Not sure if your helmet fits the way that it should? Take your helmet to your local beginner-friendly bike shop and they will be able to help and make adjustments you may need to keep you safe on your ride. Not sure which shops cater to beginners? Contact your local beginner-friendly expert.

For the utmost bike comfort, let's have a look at the three points of contact:

2. HANDS
Chris says bike gloves are "like helmets for your hands." They give you extra padding and grip and help cushion your hands when you're leaning on the handlebars for long periods of time. They also keep your hands from sliding off the handlebars when you sweat. In case you fall off of your bicycle, gloves protect your paws and can help prevent or reduce injury.

3. FEET
Sneakers or cycling shoes with clips are best. If you're wearing regular shoes, do your toes a favor and avoid biking in sandals! The main benefit of cycling shoes over sneakers or regular shoes is that you are able to "clip in" with cleats to special pedals that attach your feet to the bike. If you're a beginner these cycling shoes will certainly feel different but have no fear. Just as helmets and bicycles have different shapes and sizes – the perfect cycling shoe is out there for you. Learn about the perfect bike fit here. Cleats allow you to push down and pull up on the pedal, which will help you be able to ride longer and faster. Mountain or casual cleats are set back into the shoe sole, which makes them easier to walk around in when you get off your bike. Road cleats stick out from the shoe sole. Make sure that your cleat matches your pedal, and talk with your local bike shop to adjust the tension and learn how to "clip in" and "clip out" with ease. For more info on road biking click here.​
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4. SEAT
Bike comfort is crucial to enjoying your experience and bike shorts are highly recommended for men and women to keep you comfortable on longer rides. For more women's biking tips click here. Cycling shorts come in many colors and lengths so you can find one that works for you. The padding in bike shorts is also called a "chamois" and puts some cushion between you and the bike saddle. The chamois thickness varies, the longer your rides the thicker padding you'll want.

Questions or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us.