Chapter two of Bike Easy will help you get comfortable on your bike. This can be a bit of a challenge. Cycling puts pressure on your hands, it makes you arch your back and crane your neck, it stresses your knees and it can chaff your nether regions.
So getting truly comfortable may take a while. It’s partly a matter of getting used to everything – kids take to cycling pretty much instantly but it can be a longer process for adults. If you’re new to cycling or coming back to it after a gap of several years, ease yourself into it gently. Go on short rides that end long before discomfort sets in. Wearing the right sort of clothing [see Chapter 3] can make a big difference too.
Comfort is also about setting the bike up properly and making adjustments and alterations where necessary. Sometimes a little trial and error are needed. Cycling guru Richard Ballantine tells the tale of two intrepid cyclists who embarked on a globe-trotting trip. Their bikes were equipped with the best of everything, but each was racked with saddle soreness. No matter how they adjusted their saddles or improvised bits of extra padding, neither could get comfortable. Eventually, in desperation, they did a swap – and both riders experienced instant and enduring comfort. The moral of the tale is to keep on trying. Track it down! Someone, somewhere has made a saddle that will suit you perfectly.
As well as the saddle, just about everything on a bike can be fine-tuned or swapped for something better. Whatever your shape or size or riding style, with perseverance and patience you can achieve a perfect fit. Get it right, give everything a chance to bed in, and you’ll find that hopping on your bike will feel as natural and as comfortable as pulling on your favourite jeans or slipping into a well worn pair of walking shoes. More>>>
