GET SET FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE WITH OUR GUIDE TO CYCLING
Published: 08/12/2021, updated: 03/09/2025, By Will Sendel
It’s no secret that cycling has a lot of benefits. It’s a great way of getting in shape for all ages, keeping you fit as you get from A to B. Every ride gets you stronger, breathing deeper and connecting with the world around you. As with many sports, getting started is often the biggest obstacle in your way. This guide cuts through the clutter with a breakdown of what you’ll need to kick start your cycling journey. Prepare to learn, discover and unlock the best rides of your life with The Zone.
Whether you’re hitting the road, conquering rugged trails or climbing to a mountain summit, finding the right gear seems daunting. It’s no secret that to master two wheels, you’ll need a fair bit of kit. Choosing your bike; finding apparel; perfecting your footwear; accessorising your bike; getting the helmet right - it can all get a bit overwhelming.
A BICYCLE BUILT FOR YOU – FIND A BIKE SUITED TO YOUR RIDE
Let’s start with the fundamental question: what sort of cycling are you planning?
Where and how you ride will determine the bike you need. A daily commuter calls for something very different from someone tackling rugged trails or steep mountain climbs. Think about your goals, your routes, how you’ll transport your bike, and where you’ll store it.
BEGINNING WITH A CLASSIC: ROAD BIKE
Road bikes are lightweight, efficient bikes with drop handlebars (the curved bars that allow you to change hand positions) and narrow tires designed to reduce resistance on smooth surfaces. These features make road bikes ideal for cycling on paved roads, helping you ride faster and more smoothly compared to other types of bikes. Road bikes are great for fitness, commuting, or long-distance rides because they’re built to be aerodynamic and comfortable for riding over long stretches.
TAKING IT OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: MOUNTAIN BIKE
These bikes are built chunkier and stronger than road bikes, with wider, textured tires that provide better grip and durability on rough surfaces. They’re designed to handle uneven terrain like dirt trails, rocky paths, and mountain roads. Because of their sturdy frame and tires, mountain bikes are great for off-road adventures and exploring places where a smooth road bike wouldn’t be suitable.
FUNCTION AND FORM: FOLDING BIKE
These are fully functional bikes that can be folded down into a compact size, making them easy to carry and store. Because they’re portable, folding bikes are perfect for daily commuting – especially if you need to combine cycling with public transport – or for sightseeing on weekend trips where space is limited.
POWERING THROUGH: ELECTRIC BIKE
Electric bikes (or e-bikes) have a built-in motor and battery that help you pedal, making it easier to ride – especially uphill or over long distances. When you start pedalling, the motor provides extra power to help you, so you don’t get tired as quickly. They’re perfect if you want a little boost to enjoy the ride.
ADVENTURING AND RACING: GRAVEL BIKE
Gravel bikes are built for cycling on mixed surfaces like gravel roads, dirt paths, and pavement. They have drop handlebars (just like road bikes) that let you ride faster and change hand positions for comfort. Their tires are wider and have a bit more tread than road bikes, giving you better grip and stability on rough or loose surfaces. Gravel bikes are great if you want to explore beyond smooth roads but still want a bike that’s fast and versatile.
JUMPS AND TRICKS: BMX
Bike motocross bikes – or BMX – are built for stunts, jumps, and tricks. They have small, lightweight frames that make them easy to manoeuver in the air and on dirt tracks. Because they’re sturdy yet agile, BMX bikes are perfect if you want to do tricks at skateparks or race on specially designed BMX tracks. Though they’re not as good if your goal if your goal is to go on long rides.
CYCLING IN COMFORT WITH THE RIGHT GEAR
Once you’ve determined where you’re going to be cycling, our expert cycling apparel has you covered with what you’ll be wearing. From sweat-wicking technology and ventilation for summer to padding and thermal underlayers for winter, we’ve got what you’re after, from top brands including Muddyfox, Odlo and Pinnacle.
STARTING AT THE TOP: HELMETS
Bike helmets save lives; finding one that is perfect for you is an absolute necessity.
To begin with, you’ll need to find one that’s the right size for you. To measure for a helmet, take the circumference of your head from about two finger widths above your eyebrows. Your helmet should not be uncomfortable or put any pressure on your head, but should fit snug. You can make sure your helmet fits just right by adjusting the retention system, side buckles and chin strap.
Again, it’s important to keep in mind what cycling you have planned, because the helmet you’re looking for should be tailored to the activity. Helmets built for mixed terrain offer extended coverage and a more versatile fit to suit your riding, whilst road helmets are lighter and more aerodynamic to boost your performance.
Put safety first with our array of specialist cycling helmets – engineered for perfection, designed for style.
LOOKING THE PART: CYCLING JERSEYS
Let’s face it - to feel the part, you’ll need to look the part. Cycling jerseys, as well as letting others know that you’re serious about your cycling, are streamlined and close-fitting, keeping you aerodynamic as you push on.
Aside from speed, a top-quality cycling jersey also offers thermal insulation for warmth without adding too much bulk. When you’re on a ride, you don’t want a massive, padded coat weighing you down (trust us – we learned the hard way). Instead, invest in a cycling jersey that keeps you toasty without being cumbersome.
PREPARING FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE: JACKETS AND WATERPROOFS
As we say, when you’re riding, you don’t want a heavyweight layer slowing you down. Jackets and waterproofs that are crafted for riding offer protection from the weather, keeping you riding through the wind, or rain, or whatever else you might be facing.
More often than not, these jackets are designed to be easy to stash when the sun comes out, meaning that when it clears up you can go back to enjoying the sun… until the next shower at least.
KEEPING IT COMFORTABLE BELOW: CYCLING SHORTS AND BIBS
Your legs are going to be doing a lot of moving as you cycle. Shorts designed for riding are crafted to stretch and move with your body, so that no matter the speed you stay comfortable.
Bibs take the support one step further, adding shoulder straps that reduce pressure on the waist, keeping your mind on the road ahead and not niggling discomfort.
BUILDING ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS: CYCLING SHOES
You might think that these aren’t too important, and that you can do the job without. But after your flat-sole shoes have slipped from the pedal for the tenth time, you’ll realise why most cyclists use shoes dedicated for the ride.
With a cleat at the sole that clips your feet to your pedals, you can be confident that your efforts won’t go to waste. If distance cycling or racing on the agenda, a pair of cycling shoes is a must-have.
BIKE? CHECK. GEAR? CHECK. LEVEL UP WITH ACCESSORIES
There’s more to cycling than keeping your legs moving. If you want to master your ride, there are a few accessories that’ll make the journey that bit easier:
KEEPING YOUR ESSENTIALS SAFE: BAGS AND BASKETS
If you’re looking to take your belongings with you as you cycle, a dedicated cycle bag or basket is a must-have. Designed to stay comfortable, they’re as ideal for storing your office equipment on a commute as they are for keeping you fuelled on a long ride.
SOUNDING THE PART: BELLS AND HORNS
People are unobservant – it’s annoying but it’s true. To stay safe on your bike, you’re going to want a loud bell or horn. It might seem trivial but making sure that people around you know that you’re there are essential for keeping you (and everyone around you) safe.
SAFETY, ON AND OFF THE BIKE: LIGHTS AND LOCKS
Good lights keep you visible as you ride into the night. A solid lock keeps your ride where you left it. If you want to keep yourself and your bike secure, they’re both essential.
STAYING PUMPED AS YOU RIDE: BIKE PUMPS
Don’t let a flat tyre deflate your mood. A top-quality bike pump will keep you rolling on mile after mile.
PREPARING FOR THE WORST: SPARE PARTS
An on-the-spot fix can save you money, as well as a long walk home. Making sure you’ve got the right spare parts means you can plan for any mishaps that might occur, keeping your mind and bike on the road.
KEEPING YOUR PERFORMANCE AT ITS BEST: SPORTS NUTRITION
Think of yourself as if you are a car: if you want to keep going mile after mile, you’ll need the right fuel on board. Browse our range of sports nutrition supplements to keep yourself in top condition for riding.
CYCLING JARGON BUSTER
To the uninitiated, cycling talk can seem like a new language. To keep you in the conversation, we’ve broken down the jargon that you’re likely to hear, and what it all means.
AERO
Short for aerodynamic, describes gears which are designed for minimal wind resistance.
BREAK
The system that slows the bike when you pull the levers. Top quality brakes mean more control and a safer ride.
CADENCE
Number of revolutions per minute; the rate at which the cyclist is pedalling.
CHAIN
A loop of roller links that transfers power from the pedals to the rear wheel to propel the bike forward.
DERAILLEUR
A mechanism that moves the chain between gears. It makes climbing hills and riding fast on flat roads much easier.
DRAFTING
Cycling behind another rider so they block the wind, reducing the amount of energy required to pedal.
FENDERS
Also known as mudguards, fenders protect your body and bicycle from the water, mud, and grime which can spray up during your ride.
FIXIE
Short for fixed gear, this is a single-speed bike, so whenever the bike is moving, your legs will be too, simply pedalling backwards to stop.
FORK
Part of the bicycle which holds the front wheel, typically consisting of 2 blades which are joined at the top by a fork crown.
GEAR
The settings that adjust how easy or hard it is to pedal. Lower gears help with climbing hills, whilst higher gears are harder to rotate but boost your speed.
HANDLEBARS
The steering controls of the bike. They provide spots to mount brakes, shifters, and accessories.
INNER TUBE
A rubber bladder inside the tyres that holds the air. If it punctures, you’ll need a quick repair or replacement.
KICKSTAND
A small stand that folds down to prop up your bike when it’s not in use. Handy for quick stops and parking.
PEDALS
The parts you push with your feet to power the bike. Every pedal stroke turns the chain and moves you forward.
PELOTON
Large group of riders bunched together on a race route, also known as a bunch or pack.
SADDLE
The seat of the bike. A well-fitted saddle keeps you comfortable, no matter how far you’re riding
SHIFTING
The transition from one gear to another, helping the cyclist to achieve a constant cadence.
SPOKES
Number of rods connecting the centre of the wheel to the outer rim.
STEM
Component which connects the handlebars to the frame of a bike.
TYRE
The rubber covering around the wheels. Tires provide grip, cushioning, and speed, depending on their design.
WHEELIE
A cycling trick where the front wheel is lifted off the ground momentarily.
