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Cycling Tips

If you're just getting into cycling, make sure you familiarize yourself with some of the basics so you get the most out of your ride. Talk to other cyclists and pick their brain about keys to safe bike riding. As a cycling shop with nearly 40 years of working with local cyclists, we've gained valuable insights into the industry. So here are some cycling tips, especially for those of you just getting into the game. We want you to love cycling. Most importantly, we want you to ride safely. We're here to help. We're available and happy to answer you immediate questions. Email or call us at 914-666-4044. Enjoy the ride!

Bicycle Maintenance

Bicycle maintenance is key to a trouble-free ride. Maintaining your bicycle is critical.

Tip #1:

Keep proper pressure in your bicycle tires. Good bike tires and tubes are porous, and they slowly leak air. So inflate your bike tires using a quality bicycle floor pump with a reliable gauge before each ride. By taking this step, you reduce your risk of flats. 

The suggested tire pressure for your bicycle displays on the sidewall of the bike tire. We stock a large variety of quality pumps and adapters from Topeak, Bontrager, Serfas, and Genuine Innovations.

Tip #2:

Keep your bicycle clean and dry. After wet rides, dry the bike and lube the chain and cables. We’d be happy to help you select the proper lube and accessories for your riding conditions and show you how to use them. 

We are a certified maintenance shop for:

 For more details about our professional maintenance and bike repair services, click here, or call us today at 914.666.4044.

Cycling Nutrition

Proper hydration is critical for all types of exercise. At least one bottle per hour is the amount of water you should drink to stay hydrated while riding your bike. If the weather is warm, you may need to consume more. It’s also important to start drinking about an hour before your workout. 

Remember not to over hydrate, however, as your body can adequately digest about 16-24 ounces of liquid per hour. On rides of up to 2 hours, you’ll need to replace electrolytes and minerals and consumer about 150 calories per hour. On rides over 2 hours, consider adding protein to promote better recovery and sustained energy levels while consuming about 150 calories per hour. 

If you have problems with cramping or decreased energy, please ask one of our trained salespeople for assistance in determining the best product for your needs. It's vital to drink and replenish minerals that are sweating out of your system in the heat. Electrolyte powders, tablets, gels, chews, and bars can all help keep you nourished while it’s hot. 

Insulated water bottles are another great way to keep your beverages colder longer. Try freezing them for a few hours before riding to keep your drink even cooler. We carry a large selection of bicycling nutrition products designed to improve your workouts by GU, Hammer Nutrition, EFS, Clif, Accelerade, Endurox, Honey Stinger, Nuun, Saltstick, Skratch, Sportlegs, Tailwind, Jelly Belly, Osmo, Kate’s Real Food, Enduro and more. See our cycling nutrition page for more information.

Recovery Following a Ride

Recovery can be just as important as staying hydrated and nourished while riding. Recovery products help with muscle rebuilding and decrease the amount of lactic acid that builds up during exercise. Recovery is essential on multi-day rides, during which you need optimum energy day after day. 

It would be best if you ate a healthy meal after your workout to replenish and rebuild. However, recovery products will incorporate protein to aid the muscles if that's not possible. We carry recovery drinks from Clif, Endurox, and Hammer Nutrition. Let us help you choose the right recovery product for you! We have a wide selection of cycling nutrition products at our bike shop in Mt. Kisco, NY.


Bike Safety

Tip #1:

Bicycle safety is one of our main goals to keep you riding trouble-free. Like any sport, bicycling has its risks, so you need to know and practice the rules of safe and responsible riding. It’s essential to know and obey all local bicycle laws and regulations. 

It’s also crucial to wear a correctly fitted bicycle helmet that meets the latest certification standards. Helmets are now really well ventilated and weigh mere ounces, so there is no good reason not to wear one. Our staff is readily available to help you choose an appropriate helmet for the type of riding style.

Tip #2:

It’s always wise to conduct a pre-ride bicycle check before you ride. Be sure to air up your tires to the proper pressure, check that the brakes are working correctly, and ensure that all bolts are tight. Then, once a year, bring your bike in for a complete tune-up to ensure optimal performance.

Tip #3:

Lights, lights, lights -- we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to use lights during the day and at night! Any time you’re on your bike, you should be using lights. We love to talk bikes! Please stop by our bike store anytime to check out the shop.

Preparing for a Bike Ride

Tip #1:

Don’t underestimate the importance of bicycle ride preparation. It’s essential to check your bike before each ride to ensure it’s safe. Spin the wheels and squeeze the brakes to ensure they stop the wheel. Air up your tires to the proper pressure listed on your tire’s sidewall. 

Check that all quick release levers are closed properly, that the chain is lubricated, and that all bolts are tight. Make sure you load your seat bag with everything you’ll need to change a flat. Finally, get out there and have a great ride!

Tip #2:

It’s also a good idea to be familiar with your cycling route before starting your ride. If you’re riding in new territory, have a map or GPS that gives you directions to stay on course, and don’t forget to pack your cell phone. 

We carry several GPS-enabled computers to help you stay on your route. If you’re riding alone, always let someone know where you’re headed and when to expect you back.

Bike Transport

As your cycling endeavors expand, at some point, you'll likely want to invest in a bike car rack to transport your bike. A car rack lets you take your bike on vacation or in more remote locations. You must select a rack designed to work with your vehicle and that it's installed to the manufacturer's specs. 

Our bike shop carries roof, hitch, and rear mount racks by ThuleSarisSeasucker, and Kuat. Costs vary, so you'll want to select a bike car rack that meets your level of intended use. Our factory-trained staff will help you choose the right car rack for your vehicle. We also stock multi-sport accessories and cargo carriers from Thule. 

As a courtesy to our customers, we install all hitch and rear mount racks and instruct you on proper usage. In addition, we install roof racks for an additional charge and by appointment. 

Cold Weather Biking

Cold weather biking can be tricky, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Layering for cold allows you to add or remove clothing as needed. In cold conditions, a cycling base layer is critical. It’s tight to the skin and draws moisture away from your body to keep you warm. In addition, include an insulating layer of microfleece or wool. Then add a jacket on the outside to keep out the wind. 

The insulating layers and jackets come in various thicknesses to accommodate all different temperatures. Consider wearing bright colors to increase your visibility on the bike. Arm and leg warmers can help take the edge off the cool temps in the fall and spring, but you’ll need to move to full tights in extremely frigid cold conditions. 

As a general rule, you’ll want to be a little cool when you first start to ride, and you’ll warm up as the ride progresses. Remember to cover your knees in any temperatures below 60 degrees to keep the muscles warm. 

Protecting your hands, feet, and head also helps as those are usually the first areas to get cold. Headbands, skull caps, and full balaclavas help keep your head warm, and gloves and booties come in different thicknesses to address different riding temperatures for your hands and feet. 

Please stop by our bike shop near you in Westchester County and talk with our cycling experts about cold weather riding and proper layering. Choose from a wide variety of layers and outfits designed to keep you comfortable and looking good! 

Cycling Training in Winter

Do you want to retain peak conditioning for bicycle riding, especially during the cold months? Try these tips:

1. Cross-training is great for cycling. Whether you run, lift weights, go to spin classes, or work out at the gym, staying active is critical for launching your cycling season.

2. Working out on an indoor bike trainer is great for cyclists. Attach your bike to a resistance trainer, and you ride as you would typically ride on the road. Then, when the spring rolls around, just unplug your bike and hit the road without having to adjust to a new body position. 

Trainers are a great way to keep riding all winter without breaking the budget. Please stop by our bike shop, see our large selection of indoor trainers, and bring your bike to try one out! To see our in-stock trainers, click here.

3. Whatever you do, just stay active! Fitness apps are great tools to keep you motivated. For a list of suggested apps, click here. Our bike shop has been serving Westchester County for nearly 50 years. We have a full selection of bikes as well as cycling gear. Y

Riding at Night

Even though visibility diminishes at dusk, we recommend front and rear lights for riding at ALL times of the day for increased visibility. Headlights, taillights, reflective vests, and reflective tape can all help with that effort. 

You'll want to pay attention to these items for bike lighting:

  1. Pick the right lights. What you need for riding in town differs significantly from what you'll need on a back-country road.
  2. Make sure drivers can see you. Ride a little way onto the road. That allows you to avoid obstacles on the side of the road while also letting drivers see you better.
  3. Use reflectors on your bike. You should include a white reflector on your bike's front, a red deflector on its rear, and pedal reflectors.
  4. Make sure you fully charge your lights before heading out. At the same time, select a lighting mode that gives you enough burn time for your ride. You should also have some type of backup lighting.
  5. Let someone know where you're going.

Our bike shop carries many bike lights and other cycling gear to meet all needs and budgets. Our trained staff will be happy to help you choose the proper lighting and install it for you at no additional charge.

How to Change a Flat Bike Tire

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so check out this clip on YouTube: How to Change a Flat Bike Tire.

Fundamentally, the process includes these steps:

  1. Remove the wheel from the bike
  2. Remove the tire
  3. Determine the cause of the flat
  4. Patch the area if possible
  5. If not, install a new tube or tire
  6. Inflate the tire
  7. Install the wheel

Check the sidewall of your tire to get the exact dimensions of your tube when purchasing a new one, and be sure to buy the proper valve (Schrader or Presta). 

Presta valves come in different lengths to accommodate the thickness of your rim. You want to inflate the tire without pulling on the valve stem. Smooth Presta valves also help keep the gasket in your floor pump working longer. Typical valve lengths will be 34, 48, 60, or 80mm. 

Don’t want to change your flat? Bring it in, and we’ll do it for you while you wait! Our bike repair shop handles all kinds of repairs, from changing flats to complete bike overhauls. Our bike store is in nearby Mt. Kisco, NY. We have a great selection of bike tires and tubes. Stop by, and we’ll help you pick the correct setup for your bike.

One Last Cycling Tip - Purchase from a Local Bike Shop

Bicycles are vehicles that can travel at high speeds and withstand demanding conditions. Their construction requires high-quality materials, assembled by competent and trained bicycle mechanics, and be properly adjusted to fit you right. By purchasing from our local bike shop instead of a mass merchant or online, you’ll get professional expertise that will ensure you enjoy a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.

Bike Comfort and Fit

People come in all sizes and need the expert fit that we provide. We offer bike fitting services to make sure your new or used bike is the right size and adjusted correctly just for you. Test rides and follow-up tuning are part of buying a bike here. The result is easy, efficient, and safe cycling- and more fun!

Selection

Our bike shop carries a wide selection of bicycle models, sizes, styles, and colors. Our expert staff will coach you through the process of finding the best bike for you.

Safety

Bicycles come in boxes and require careful assembly to be safe, work right, and hold up. Our bikes are assembled in-store by experienced mechanics, and each is test ridden to ensure proper function and safety. They are then carefully fit you at the time of purchase. Again, test rides, tune-ups, and instructions assure safe and great rides.

Cycling Gear

Our bike store offers a wide selection of quality cycling gear, bike helmets, and cycling clothing in many models, colors, and sizes. Our staff will consult with you to find the right accessories and cycling gear for your bike. We can also help you figure out the best places to ride.

Expertise

Our shop employs knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff; most are cyclists with detailed knowledge in the field. Our only job is satisfying your cycling needs, and we love doing it!

Warranty

Bicycles sold at our shop come with full warranties. So we can resolve most problems in-house. We stand behind our bikes and products with experienced mechanics and riding experts. Our bicycle repair shop was voted one of the best in New York.

Community

Our bike shop is near you and part of the community. We’re a central resource for more than just great bicycles, cycling gear, and cycling clothes. We can help you find great rides with the latest cycling information, and we often serve as advocates for better bike paths and facilities in our area. Additionally, we provide bike repairs for several local rides each season and donate to local charities. 

We pay taxes to our town and county to improve local infrastructure and schools. Every year we donate reconditioned children’s bikes to the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester and the Community Center in Katonah during the holidays. Giving back to our local community is a large part of our mission. Buying from Amazon doesn’t do anything to support our local economy!

Value after the Sale

Our experienced staff welcomes post-sale service and adjustments. We want to satisfy your needs and help you thoroughly enjoy cycling! The NBDA cited our cycling shop as one of America’s Best Bike Shops for nine years in a row. Please stop by and see for yourself why we’ve earned that accolade.