How to Love Your Bike (even more)
I’m sure you know how it goes. You bought a bike, you got a bike fit, you ride it for a while, and then things start to get stale. Maybe you’ve fallen into a rut when it comes to training routes. Maybe you are tired of spending the colder months on the trainer. Or maybe things just feel a little off. As a triathlete for 21 years, and a coach and bike fitter at Playtri (the official bike shop of Ironman), I have seen and experienced this very thing countless time. Below are my top 5 things to do to love your bike even more this year.
Get a Bike Fit update. If you feel like your bike doesn’t fit like a glove anymore or it has been more than a year since your last bike fit or you are returning to cycling after an injury, it might be a good time to schedule a new bike fit. As we age and our bodies change, it is important make sure you are comfortable and safe on your bike. A good bike fit goes a long way in helping you bike faster and enjoy the ride more.
Schedule bike maintenance. The more you ride, the more wear and tear there is on your bike. It is important to do a safety check before every ride (yes, even if you are indoors on the trainer) and it is important to bring your bike in for regular maintenance to make sure everything is working efficiently and safely. A properly working bike that is safe and efficient makes a happy cyclist.
Explore new routes or ride with a group. If you have a regular bike route that you do over and over, it can be exciting and fun to put your bike in the car, drive 30-60 minutes away, and ride from there. Some of my most favorite rides were when I did just this as I set out on a ride with new terrain, new scenery, and new gas station stops. Likewise, if you regularly ride alone, the camaraderie of riding with a group can help you enjoy the ride even more.
Buy upgrades. With deference to the great Eddy Merckx, who said “Ride up grades, don’t buy upgrades” when he was asked about improving as a cyclist, sometimes a new set of wheels, a new saddle, or even CeramicSpeed upgrades can add a little more enjoyment to your ride.
Reflect on how far you have come. If you find yourself in a rut or not having as much fun riding, it can be incredibly helpful to look back on how far you have come. In 2017, I had shoulder surgery that required a recovery time of approximately 6 months. I couldn’t swim, bike, or run while I was recovering from surgery and doing physical therapy. My first bike ride after that surgery lasted 15 minutes and was on a recumbent bike at the local YMCA. It felt both defeated and invigorated to get back on the bike. Now, when I’m not enjoying the bike as much, I look back on that moment and am incredibly grateful that I’m able to ride as often as I do.
If you have any questions about anything in this article, bike fitting, performance testing, or coaching, please contact me at jim.rowe@playtri.com. Happy training and racing this year!
Jim Rowe is a Playtri Level 4 Coach and Coach Education Lead, a USAT LI Certified Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and an Ironman and 70.3 World Championship Qualifier who works with adult athletes from beginners to IRONMAN World Championship qualifiers. Learn more about Jim at www.playtri.com/jim-rowe