How to Enjoy Cycling | Cycle In Kyushu

Get started with cycling easily

Beginners are often worried about whatthey need to get started,and what kind of items are necessary.

For this reason, we have summarized the information a potential cycler should know before going on a full-fledged course.

The clothes you need depend on your cycling speed and distance.

If you want to enjoy cycling casually, comfortable clothes are all you need, but if you go over ~20km/hr, the wind will catch in your clothes and make it harder to move forward, so sportswear is recommended.

If you have clothes for jogging, you can wear those. If you cycle at or above an average speed of 30km/h or more than 50km in a day, you will want specialty cycling gear such as racing pants. Gloves and eyewear can help make you more comfortable. Wear a helmet and prepare for emergencies. Particularly, please note that it is required by the Road Traffic Act for children under 13 years of age to wear a helmet.

Under the Road Traffic Law, bicycles are classified as "light vehicles", so traffic laws do apply and if you do violate those laws, penalties or fines may be imposed.

Under the Road Traffic Law, bicycles

As of June 1, 2015, the Road Traffic Law was revised, becoming stricter in regard to bicycles. Please try your best to ride safely and abide by traffic laws, such as riding on the left side of the road, not riding in parallel, and if you are riding at night please be sure to have lights/bells/reflectors equipped on your bike.

Sports bikes are split into three large categories: Road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes.

Road bikes

Road bikes commonly have drop handlebars and thin tires. They excel at speed. Operating one of these bikes requires some time to get used to how they work, so beginners are advised to practice sufficiently.

Mountain bikes

These bikes are suited to traversing uneven offroad terrain. They are commonly fitted with shock-absorbing suspension to make them comfortable to ride. They have large tires so they feel heavier to ride. Please note that in Japan, certain bikes called 'look bikes' are sold; these are inexpensive bikes that look like mountain bikes, but care is necessary when using them to go downhill because there is a risk of injury or death via accident due to damage to the bike's body.

Hybrid bikes

These bikes look like a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. They are slower to ride than a road bike, but they are lighter than a mountain bike. They are ideal for casual riding through an urban area. They are fine for somewhat long rides as well.

Don't forget money and your cellphone.

Rather than bringing your wallet or purse, take a small pouch etc. to cut down on how much you're carrying. If you have a cellphone, it can help in an emergency or for checking maps, but be careful of running out of battery. You will be exercising, so bring a light sports drink, as well as a sweet snack to help replenish your blood sugar.

As you become a skilled cyclist, you will want to prepare for trouble while riding by bringing portable tools, a replacement tube, patches for tire puncture holes, and a portable tire pump. It's a good idea for beginners to practice repairing tire punctures, but if you find yourself having difficulty, it's recommended you ride with experienced cyclists first.

If you are renting a bicycle and it gets damaged or a tire puncture, make sure to notify the rental facility. If you push yourself too hard while cycling you may find yourself without any energy to pedal the bike. It's important to take a break before that happens, and be sure to frequently eat and drink.