Grasp your campus commute or take to the paths with this how-to information for brand spanking new cyclists
With UVic’s BikeHub reopening this summer season and parking charges at an all-time excessive, it’s by no means been a greater time to get round Victoria on two wheels. The saying goes, “it’s identical to driving a motorbike,” however for first-time riders or these getting again within the saddle after a protracted break, biking can appear something however easy.
We’ve compiled this information for selecting the best bike, what tools you want, and what to put on for a easy experience to campus this September.
A used bike is a superb alternative, saving you money and a motorbike from the landfill within the course of. Some locations to look are specialist bicycle outlets, storage gross sales, on-line marketplaces equivalent to Fb, and even some thrift shops. Search for a hybrid mannequin — these beginner-friendly bikes mix the velocity and lightweight weight of a highway bike with the suspension and luxury of a mountain bike. They’re versatile and appropriate for roads and most trails.
To search out out which dimension you want, a fast google search brings up sizing guides by peak or inside leg measurement. As completely different producers, makes, and fashions range, it’s finest to buy round and sit on a number of bicycles to see what works for you. It is best to be capable to attain the ground with each toes whereas sitting within the saddle, however not fully flat-footed. (Suppose tiptoes, like a ballerina) Preserve a slight bend in your elbows when reaching for the handlebars. If it’s important to straighten your arms or pressure to achieve, it’s possible the body is simply too large on your physique.
Typically we’re blinded by a discount! Minor scrapes and scratches might be anticipated in terms of shopping for pre-loved bikes however examine the body tubes for cracks or dents as these pink flags might point out extra critical injury. Earlier than you go wherever, take your new wheels to a cycle store or the UVic BikeHub for a upkeep examine and tune-up. For a price, an expert can look over main elements equivalent to brakes, chains, and pedals to make sure your bike is able to experience.
You should definitely examine any bike you discover from a non-official vendor or highway aspect in opposition to the police division’s registry: 529 Storage. You need to use their service to seek for the make, mannequin and/or location and reunite the bicycle with its proprietor if it was reported stolen. It’s additionally free to register your individual bike with this service, making it faster and simpler to report any loss or theft to Victoria PD.
For the commitment-phobes amongst us, renting is a superb compromise. A number of bicycle shops in Victoria provide short-term loans, together with Cycle BC (Humboldt Avenue), Oak Bay Bicycles (Oak Bay Avenue), and The Pedaler (Bellevue Avenue). In the event you’re trying to preserve your experience all through the semester, the UVic BikeHub program loans used bikes which were refurbished by their workforce for a number of phrases.
There are a plethora of additional devices, instruments and knick-knacks obtainable to riders, which may go away even essentially the most seasoned bike owner confused. Whether or not you intend to experience on or off-road, helmets are the primary accent and a authorized requirement in B.C. Additionally, you will want a entrance white mild and a pink rear reflector or mild. All the time examine that your lights or reflectors aren’t obstructed by any tools or baggage earlier than you set off.
Different necessities on your equipment ought to embody a sturdy u-lock, transportable bike pump, a patch equipment for emergency punctures, cable ties to tighten up free components on-the-go, electrical tape for wheel tears, and a spare interior tube for greater punctures. Don’t neglect to convey loads of water and a carbohydrate-rich snack equivalent to an apple or a granola bar.
You don’t should put on a full lycra bodysuit (except you wish to), and might go for fitted and comfy clothes equivalent to shorts or leggings in a moisture-wicking material. In the event you plan to go for lengthy rides, you too can put money into bottoms with an additional padded lining, referred to as a “chamois” for consolation across the interior thighs and groin. A lightweight rain jacket that’s sufficiently small to roll up in your pack can be a fantastic choice, particularly in Victoria! Clothes with shiny colours or reflective strips may even assist enhance your visibility to autos.
Now you’re able to hit Victoria’s stunning trails or glide as much as campus with confidence and ease.
Additional assets embody the BikeSense Information to brush up on finest practices and security suggestions, and the Capital Regional District’s Cycle Map to plan your subsequent route.