The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new boom in cycling in the U.S., the third time this many people have taken to two wheels since the bicycle was invented.
The original fascination with cycling took off in the late nineteenth century. It launched an entire bicycle manufacturing industry, velodrome racing and women’s specific cycling gear, and helped fuel the women’s movement, amongst other things. It faded fast, once the automobile caught on as the fashionable way to get around.
The second boom took off in the 1970s, when gas prices, the fitness phenomenon and ecological awareness combined to focus on the bicycle as the answer to many problems, large and small. For a few years, bikes sold so fast manufacturers couldn’t keep up with demand, and millions of new cyclists took to the roads. Cities planned bike-first infrastructure projects, and it seemed the automobile age might be over. Unfortunately, once gas was abundant and affordable again it was all over.
Now cycling is booming again, with a new set of circumstances that make cycling an obvious great answer to urgent problems, and a fun, wholly beneficial thing to do.
This time people are pulling neglected bikes out for the first time in years, even decades, and emptying the racks in bike shops, all because of COVID-19. Cycling is a great alternative to crowded public transportation, gives people more space than busy sidewalks, and lets cabin-fevered people escape from isolation to get healthful exercise.
It seems more people are cycling now than ever before, and we at Terry are delighted that many of them have discovered us on their journey as new cyclists.
If that’s you, welcome! We’re glad you’re here, and we’re happy to help if you have any questions, especially about cycling clothing and saddles.
Here are some resources to help you find your way as a newcomer to cycling.
A lot of the most important information for new cyclists is about how to ride comfortably, and avoid pain. You’ll find some great tips and resources here on our blog, especially in the Cycling Savvy category.
Here’s a selection of favorite posts, organized by the kinds of issues that cause problems for newcomers to cycling and experienced riders alike: bike fit, riding position, saddle choice, and clothing choices. These all work together to make cycling either a joy, or a literal pain in several areas of the anatomy.
Good bike fit and comfortable riding position for new cyclists
Enjoyment of cycling starts with a bike equipped for the surfaces and terrain you will ride on, adjusted to give you a range comfortable riding positions. A properly fitted bike lets you pedal efficiently, with no straining to reach bars or pedals, and no awkward movements sapping your energy.
Bicycle Fit: Start Here in Your Search for Performance
Correct Bicycle Fit for your Upper Body
Eliminating saddle pain for new cyclists
Eliminating pain at points of contact is a constant quest for cyclists. Maybe it’s a measure of how rewarding cycling can be that so many of us put up with so much discomfort before finally finding the right saddle and bike shorts. We love when customers let us know they are riding pain free now, and wish they’d found us years ago… it happens quite a bit!
You’re lucky – as a new cyclist who already found Terry, you get to skip years of discomfort and get right to the good parts: these posts will help you find the ideal saddle for your unique shape and the kind of riding you do.
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT BIKE SEAT FOR ME? – FINDING YOUR PURRFECT SADDLE.
10,000 MILES ON THE WRONG SADDLE. – now we don’t have to just put up with it any more.
The Terry Saddle Selector – answer 6 easy questions about how you ride, and get a personalized recommendation for your ideal bike saddle.
Choosing the best bike gear for new cyclists
Choosing the right clothing for the job can also make or break the ride. The right cycling gear helps you feel comfortable in a variety of conditions, supports your movements, enhances your performance, and has features to make your rides more enjoyable.
These posts will guide you through the many options around the fabric, format, and fit of dedicated cycling clothing. You can decide which features matter to you, and see how the different choices translate to comfort and performance. You will be an expert cycling gear shopper in no time.
HOW TO CHOOSE BIKE BOTTOMS. – this one includes links to mini-guides on how to choose the best bike shorts, cycling knickers, and cycling tights.
HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING TOPS. Sleeves or not? Athletic or Relaxed? This fabric or that? This post will help you prioritize and choose the bike jerseys you’ll love the best.
If you need more help with product choices and fit, reach out to our customer service team – they have a wealth of knowledge and love to help.
Are you cycling again for the first time in years? Or for the first time ever? Let us know in the comments how it’s going, and what kind of information you would find helpful.
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