Cycling is a great way to stay fit, explore the outdoors, and have fun. However, to fully enjoy this activity, there are several skills that every cyclist should learn. In this blog post, we'll cover some essential skills that will help you become a more confident and competent cyclist, including how to use tire levers.
- Bike maintenance
Keeping your bike in good working order is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. Learn how to maintain your bike, including cleaning, lubrication, and basic repairs such as fixing a flat tire or adjusting the brakes. Check out The Ultimate Guide To Bike Maintenance.
- Cycling safety
Knowing how to cycle safely is crucial for your well-being and that of other road users. Learn how to signal, how to ride in traffic, how to navigate different road conditions, and how to use hand signals. Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing when cycling.
- Riding skills
Riding skills are essential for efficient and enjoyable cycling. Learn how to use gears effectively, how to climb hills, how to descend safely, and how to brake correctly. Practice riding in different conditions such as on gravel, in wind, and in rain.
- Bike handling
Bike handling skills can help you avoid accidents and improve your performance. Learn how to balance your bike, how to ride with no hands, how to corner smoothly, and how to bunny hop over obstacles. These skills will make you a more confident and competent cyclist.
- How to use tire levers
Flat tires are an inevitable part of cycling, so it's essential to know how to change a tire. To remove a tire from the rim, you need to use tire levers. Here's how to use tire levers:
- Remove the wheel from the bike frame and deflate the tire.
- Insert one end of the tire lever under the bead of the tire and hook it onto a spoke.
- Insert the second tire lever a few inches away from the first one, and use it to lift the bead over the rim.
- Slide the tire lever around the rim to lift the entire bead over the rim.
- Remove the inner tube and replace it with a new one.
- Reinstall the tire onto the rim, starting at the valve and working your way around the rim, pushing the tire bead into the rim.
- Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.
Cycling is a fantastic activity that provides many benefits for both physical and mental health. By learning these essential skills, you'll become a more confident and competent cyclist, allowing you to enjoy all the rewards that cycling has to offer. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and start pedaling!
