10 Things You Should Know When You Start Cycling
Cycling has taken me further than I ever imagined. Over the course of my career, I would go on to win more professional races than any Australian woman in history. But here’s the part that often surprises people: when I started riding, I made the same mistakes almost every new cyclist makes.
I overcomplicated things. I chased advice that didn’t suit where I was at. I ignored comfort because I thought discomfort was just part of being a cyclist. And for a long time, I assumed struggling was a requirement rather than a warning sign.
Experience taught me otherwise.
Whether you’re riding for fitness, freedom, mental clarity, or simply to enjoy being outdoors, cycling doesn’t need to be extreme to be meaningful. What matters most is building the right foundations early. These are ten things I wish every rider knew when they started cycling, plus one bonus habit that can make all the difference over time.
1. Cycling does not need to hurt to count
One of the most persistent myths in cycling is that discomfort equals progress. It doesn’t.
Many new riders push too hard too early because they believe that’s what “real cyclists” do. In reality, consistency and enjoyment are what matter most. Riding at a pace where you can breathe comfortably, feel relaxed on the bike, and finish your ride feeling positive is how habits form.
Cycling should challenge you occasionally, but it should not feel punishing. If riding consistently leaves you exhausted, sore, or unmotivated, something needs adjusting.
2. Hydration is a foundation, not an afterthought
Hydration is one of the simplest things to get right and one of the easiest to overlook.
Waiting until you feel thirsty is often too late, particularly if you’re riding regularly or in warm conditions. Dehydration affects energy levels, focus, and how your body feels during and after a ride.
For most everyday rides, water is enough. You don’t need sugary sports drinks unless the ride is long or demanding. Developing good hydration habits early makes cycling feel easier and more sustainable.
If you want to understand hydration in more detail, we’ve covered it thoroughly here: Hydration for athletes.
3. Comfort starts with bike fit
If cycling feels uncomfortable, it’s rarely because that’s just how cycling is meant to feel.
A good bike fit helps you pedal efficiently, reduces strain on your neck, back, and hands, and allows you to ride for longer without fatigue. Fit is not just about height. Reach, saddle position, handlebar width, and balance all matter.
Addressing fit early can completely change how cycling feels and is often the difference between someone sticking with riding or giving it up altogether.
4. Don’t shy away from a quality bike
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting cycling.
A quality bike does not mean the most expensive bike. It means a bike that is well designed, thoughtfully engineered, and built to ride well over time. A good bike feels stable, predictable, and confidence-inspiring, especially when you’re still learning.
At Hosking Bikes, we design bikes for real riders on real roads. Comfort, durability, and ride feel sit at the centre of every design decision. When a bike feels right underneath you, you ride more often, explore further, and enjoy the experience rather than fighting the equipment.
Choosing a quality bike is not about status. It’s about removing barriers and setting yourself up to enjoy cycling from day one.
5. Saddle comfort matters more than you think
Saddle discomfort is one of the most common reasons people stop riding.
While some adaptation is normal when you start cycling, ongoing pain is not something you should accept. Saddles are not one-size-fits-all. Anatomy, flexibility, and riding position all play a role.
If something doesn’t feel right, address it early. Comfort is not a luxury; it is essential for consistency.
6. Learn basic bike maintenance early
You don’t need to be a mechanic, but knowing a few basics will save you time, money, and frustration.
Being able to fix a flat tyre, clean your chain, and check your brakes gives you independence and confidence, particularly if you ride alone or explore quieter roads.
We’ve put together a simple guide covering the essentials here: Top six bike maintenance tips.
7. A bike computer can be a helpful tool
A bike computer can make riding more enjoyable, particularly when you’re discovering new routes.
You don’t need advanced metrics or constant feedback. Navigation, distance tracking, and basic ride information are often more than enough.
Here are our top choices
- Garmin Edge 130 Plus – simple, reliable, and easy to use
- Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt – intuitive setup with excellent navigation
- Garmin Edge Explore 2 – ideal for riders focused on exploration
8. Fueling off the bike is just as important
What you eat away from the bike has a direct impact on how you feel on it.
You don’t need a strict plan or special diet, but you do need enough energy to support regular riding. Balanced meals that include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats help with recovery and consistency.
9. Consistency matters more than distance or speed
Improvement comes from regular, manageable rides, not occasional big efforts.
Riding for shorter periods several times a week is far more effective than one long ride every fortnight. Consistency allows your body to adapt gradually and reduces the risk of burnout.
10. Start simple and build gradually
There is no rush to learn everything at once.
Quiet roads, achievable distances, and simple goals are the best place to start. If you’re new to road cycling, our beginner guide is a helpful place to begin: A beginner’s guide to road cycling.
Bonus: Stretching will keep you riding longer
Stretching is one of the most overlooked aspects of cycling.
Cycling places your body in a fixed position for extended periods. Without balancing that with mobility work, tightness and discomfort can build over time.
Even five to ten minutes of stretching after a ride can improve comfort, reduce stiffness, and support long-term consistency.
Final thought: Cycling should feel sustainable, confidence-building, and enjoyable. The right foundations make all the difference.
— Chloe Hosking