cycling
16. September, 17:25 Uhr
Figured out after 2 weeks of riding around feeling absolutely miserable that my seat was too low, adjusted it properly, holy fucking shit I can actually ride with less leg pain and less effort put in, more power output... what is this wizardry??
Note to self - proper bike fit would have been a great idea rather than "Yeah, looks alright!". NO. GET FITTED!
Properly charge bike lights BEFORE a night ride, make sure you have decent backups. Riding in the dark with a dinky $2 light is impossible and you'll probably crash. 0/10, do not recommend.
Reflective vests, while make you look like an absolute dickhead, save your life. Even a twat on his phone will notice a sudden blinding reflective flash in time to avoid hitting you... barely.
Water bottle cages can't be randomly attached if your bike unless you have specialised tools for stabilising the frame. (and those suckers cost $$$)
Also, don't drill into your seatpost and then almost permanently bolt it in place all because the only place the cage would fit is under your seat. So stupid...
Probs cheaper to just make sure your bike has the capability of the cages before you buy it. Or get a cycling jersey and shove your bottle in there.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, AVOID THE CHAFING AT ALL COSTS. LADIES ESPECIALLY, NOTHING WORSE THAN NUMB AND PAINFUL BITS... sweet jesus.
Ladies, embrace the butt-floss underwear under tights if you can't afford proper bike shorts, will save your ass and bits from the chafe curse until you get the padded shorts.
Don't skimp on a helmet. Do not buy the first cheap piece of shit you come across like I did. Try as many helmets as you can till you find your bae. Fits well, clings in all the right places, and will save your goddamn brain. Spend the $$$ if that's what it takes.
I regret my stupid $20 helmet so much, getting a better one soon, one that doesn't feel like the back of my head is being stabbed in one spot.
Don't push your body if you aren't feeling it. Proper recovery is key. Eat right, drink enough, ease into it and RECOVER, and life will be 10/10.
Ignore all this and you'll become a sobbing wreck who hates life and/or is in so much pain you gotta stay in bed for a week. (thanks Fibromyalgia)
Fibro buddies, take it slow, take your recovery supplements, plenty of food and water (and a nice massage after each ride to help the muscles relax)
You got nothing to prove and nobody cares if you can do 2kms or 20kms. You're on a bike, you're a cool motherfucker, the rest doesn't matter so just enjoy it! Don't stress about having to be like the 'pros' do it at your own comfortable pace. :)
And finally... GEARS, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS GEARED CORRECTLY TO DO CLIMBS. NONE OF THIS SINGLE SPEED OR ~CRUISER~ 7-SPEED BULLSHIT THAT'S ONLY GOOD FOR FLAT ROAD. Save yourself the pain and suffering. Make sure your bike is suited to your needs.
So much regretti for not getting a proper bike with the right gears :(
I'm sure reddit will make me realize many more errors of my ways... Cheers everyone, I'm learning something new everyday that I can improve on. Please feel free to share what you've learned from experience and/or the help of reddit! :D