Beginner’s Guide to Getting into Cycling
Thinking of taking up cycling? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy the countryside at your own pace, cycling is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding ways to get around. And at Cycle Revival, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
As a family-run bike shop in Heathfield, East Sussex, we’ve been guiding new riders for over 40 years. This guide is designed to help you get started with confidence. Highlighting everything from choosing the right bike to getting the gear you’ll need, as well as staying safe on the road.
Why Cycling is a Brilliant Choice
Cycling offers so many benefits, both physical and mental. It’s a low-impact activity that’s gentle on your joints and it’s easy to start regardless of your age or experience. Riding regularly can boost your heart health, improve your mood and even save you money on commuting costs. It’s also a fantastic way to explore the local area, enjoy fresh air and feel more connected to your surroundings.
Best of all, cycling can be adapted to suit your lifestyle. You can use it to commute to work, go on weekend adventures, or simply enjoy a peaceful ride through the park. Whatever your reason, we’re here to make sure you enjoy every moment of it.
How to Choose the Right Bike
The type of bike you need will depend on where and how you plan to ride. If you’re mainly cycling through town or local roads, a hybrid bike offers a comfortable and upright position that’s great for everyday use. For longer distances or faster commutes, a road bike provides speed and efficiency on smoother surfaces. If you’d like to explore the countryside or off-road trails, a mountain bike offers the durability and control needed for rougher terrain.
At Cycle Revival, we also stock a growing range of electric bikes. These are perfect if you want a bit of extra assistance on hills or longer rides, without losing the joy of pedalling. Are you tight on space or using trains as part of your commute? Our folding bike range, including the popular Brompton models, is a smart and stylish option.
If you’re unsure which bike would suit you best, come and speak to our team in-store. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, explain your options clearly and help you test out a few models so you can feel confident in your choice.
Getting the Fit and Setup Just Right
A comfortable ride starts with a properly fitted bike. At Cycle Revival, we don’t just hand over the box and send you on your way. Every bike we sell is adjusted and fine-tuned to fit you properly, from saddle height and handlebar reach to brake positioning and gear set-up.
A bike that’s the right size and fit will not only be more enjoyable to ride, but it’ll also help prevent injury or strain as you build up your time on the saddle. Our in-store team (aka Matt!) is always happy to make adjustments and explain how everything works. You’ll leave feeling comfortable and confident.
What Else Will You Need?
To get started, you don’t need loads of expensive equipment, but a few essentials will make your experience safer and more enjoyable. A properly fitting helmet is a must for safety. You’ll also need front and rear lights if you’re riding at dusk or in low visibility, along with a secure lock to keep your bike safe when it’s parked.
Punctures are a part of cycling life, so a simple pump and repair kit are useful to carry with you. As for clothing, padded shorts can be a game-changer even on shorter rides, and gloves will help protect your hands and keep you comfortable on longer journeys.
All of these items are available in-store at Cycle Revival, and we’ll help you find what suits your budget, your bike and your style of riding. No hard sell, just honest advice.
Looking After Your Bike
Keeping your bike in good condition is essential for performance and safety. That means keeping it clean, making sure your tyres are properly inflated and checking your brakes and gears regularly. We know this can feel daunting if you’re new to cycling, which is why we offer full servicing and support through our in-house workshop.
Whether you’ve bought your bike from us or elsewhere, we’re happy to help. From routine tune-ups to more complex repairs, our expert mechanic will keep your bike in top shape so you can ride with confidence.
Taking Your First Rides
When you’re ready to get out and ride, start with short, easy routes that feel manageable. Local parks, quiet roads or cycle paths are ideal places to build confidence without the pressure of heavy traffic. As your comfort and fitness grow, you can gradually take on longer distances or explore new areas. And don’t forget the bike racks so you can venture out even further!
If you’re based in or near Heathfield, ask us in-store for route recommendations. We know the local roads and trails well and are happy to share advice to match your confidence and goals.
You’re Not Alone
Starting something new can be intimidating, but you’re never on your own at Cycle Revival. Whether it’s choosing your first bike, fixing a puncture or simply knowing what to wear, we’ve helped hundreds of people just like you begin their cycling journey. And we’re always here if you have questions or want to build on your experience.
From friendly support and proper fittings to high-quality bikes and accessories, Cycle Revival is your go-to shop for everything you need as a new cyclist.
Ready to Begin Your Cycling Journey?
We’d love to welcome you into our shop in Heathfield to help you get started. Come and see us for a relaxed chat, test out some bikes, and let us help you find your perfect fit. You can also get in touch here to ask any questions or book a service with our workshop.
Our East Sussex shop offers a wide range of bikes, including road bikes, hybrids, and electric options, perfect for winter cycling. Need a tune-up before hitting the road? Our experienced technicians provide top-notch servicing and repairs to keep your bike in tip-top condition. We stock a wide range of children’s bikes, electric bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, adventure bikes, women’s bikes and trikes, all from our cycle shop in Heathfield. Give the shop a call on 01435 866118, email or fill out our contact form for more information. We also offer bike service and repair too! There’s never been a better time to get into cycling. Let Cycle Revival be the reason you love every ride.
