Cycling Skills: Introduction and getting your first bike

I thought to share some of my cycling experience through my training and trips that I made so far.  The reason I write this is to let others know that not only cycling can be safe, it is also healthy and inexpensive to get around. Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced rider, what I am going to share (in the later part of Cycling Skills) contains tips and and techniques that I gathered and used it to for my training, ride in Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra mountainous region. I hope after reading it, you will be a safe and confident cyclist on the road.


Practising bike control and handling


I will start with Cycling Skills:  Introduction, this is for those who wanted to start to ride a bicycle or not very sure what type of bicycle to buy.

Finding the bike that suits youThere are all sorts of bike at your local bike shop. The question I usually ask myself is this, "what I am going to do with my bicycle? Commuting? Long distance touring? Riding with my friends in trails? Ride it to the Prata Shop? Ride for fun?"

I know what I wanted to do with my bike - All the above! But let us be honest, you cannot have everything in a bike. You need to give and take. Most importantly, the bike that you going to buy must suit you. Because that will make it easy for you to control your bike and make it really comfortable too.

My bike before- bought it at S$180.00 from Cash Converter

What is the right size?Not to make it complicated,  I will start with the frame size. You must be able to stand flat footed over your bike's frame and with at least some space (2-5cm). If you're a woman, your base of your saddle should be at least 5cm above the seat tube when the tips of your feet touches the ground

Seat and handlebar adjustment
Usually your local bike shop will help you with the adjustment. But if you willing to read, this is what you can do;

SeatThe height adjustment is very important in order for you to power your bike efficiently and to avoid straining your knees. To ensure your seat is at the correct height, take a sit on the saddle with the balls of your feet on the pedals. At the bottom of your pedal stroke, your legs should be almost straight with your knees slightly bent. (Go, give it a try. I am still here when you're done)

HandlebarsI changed as many as 4 handle bars to get the right posture. So what is the correct handlebar or correct riding position?

As I am going the distance, my normal riding position in order to be comfortable is that I wanted my weight to be balanced and allowing me to rest my hands lightly on the handlebars and at the same time to be able to control the bike. To be able to get this right, you might need to adjust the tilt of your seat and the height of your handlebars to achieve a good balance of weight.
It is important for your handlebar and your seatpost to be at least 5cm into the frame. If there should be no marker indicating the maximum point, quickly go get it mark now. If you need a long handlebar stem of seatpost, ask your friendly local bike shop.

Where do I go to get a bike?Now that you're thinking, "Hmmm, I am ready to get a bike and give it go...where do I go to get my first bike?"

There are loads of bicycle shop. Every corners in Singapore you'll see one. High end bicycle shop. Your friendly uncle bicycle shop, classic bicycle shop. As for me, I like a bicycle shop that I can rely on - after sales service and I am very fortunately to have Song Seng Chan as my supporters. I frequent Song Seng Chan frequently to learn bicycle maintenance and repair as I travel mostly on my own and this skills is essential to me. If you want to give it a try, the address is below;

My once a week training at Song Seng Chan bike shop

Song Seng Chan
434-436 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427648
Tel: 6344-0690 (Uncle Teck)

Now that you're serious on getting a bike, but before getting on the roads, make sure you are;
- Fully equipped (helmet, lights, visible vest) and your bicycle is road worthy (brakes working, tires in good condition
- Know rules of the road
- Observed your surrounding not only the front and look out for hazards ahead
- Ride responsibly

If you need someone / group to ride with, do look me up and I will point them to you. I can be contacted at
fluidrider@gmail.com

Ride safe!