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You’ll possibly be the first to point it out when other cyclists do it, but you’ve likely picked up some bad habits yourself. Cycling is a fairly straightforward sport, but it is actually more complicated than people think. Unfortunately it is easy to pick up habits that are harmful to your health. Cycling Conwy is a repetitive sport, which means that you might easily pick up some less than ideal techniques over time. Here are some of the worst bad habits you should try and avoid. 

Not Wearing a Helmet

Ever since we learned how to ride a bike, it’s been drummed into us that we need to wear a helmet - but as we’ve gotten older, some of us might have begun skipping wearing this important piece kit. Wearing a helmet when you’re riding can help to protect you from serious brain injuries should you get into an accident. 

Even wearing a helmet that doesn’t fit properly is actually quite harmful. If you are wearing an ill-fitting helmet and fall off your bike, it could come off during the impact and increase your risk of a brain injury. Don’t make excuses either, that five minute journey might be the last one you make if you don’t wear a helmet. Your head needs to be protected at all times on a bike - so just wear the helmet. 

Bad Form

You might be under the impression that cycling isn’t a rigorous form of exercise, but you still need to have the correct set up for your body. Inexperienced cyclists often jot their knees outward instead of tucking them inward. 

Inexperienced cyclists also tend to ride with their seat too low to the ground - pay attention to your seat height. Start by aligning the seat with the top of your hip. Sit on the saddle, extend your leg and then adjust the height of the seat until you have a thirty-degree angle in your knee. 

Not Paying Attention

It is very easy to get lost in your surroundings while cycling, you could be going along a beautiful hiking trail and spend too much time looking at the pretty scenery instead of the path in front of you. This is a dangerous habit - being distracted causes a lot of cycling accidents. You might be oblivious to car horns or emergency sirens, or you might not see fellow cyclists or runners on the same trail.

Even something as small as wearing your headphones whilst you’re cycling is very dangerous, you’re not fully aware of your surroundings - you won’t only be keeping yourself safe, but also the other cyclists in the area too. 

Not Warming Up or Cooling Down

You’ve been told from a young age to warm up before you exercise, you need to stretch your muscles beforehand to prevent cramping. You might hate having to stretch before or after exercising, but it’s the best way to prevent injuries. For cyclists, a runner’s lunge to elongate the hip flexors is recommended as they usually tighten up during cycling movements.