Becoming Stronger on the Bike

Whether you’re a new cyclist or a seasoned veteran, there’s always room to improve your cycling technique. With the right training tips, you can become a stronger and faster cyclist -- no matter if you’re preparing for an important race or just looking to get a great workout.

In this post, we’ll share five of the top training tips to help you improve your form on the bike. From creating a training plan to investing in the right gear, keep reading to find out how to update your routine to become a better cyclist.

1. Make a plan and set goals

If you don’t already have a training plan and goals, now is the time to create them. When you write down specific objectives and develop a roadmap for achieving them, you’re more likely to be successful. In fact, studies have indicated that people who document their goals are 33% more likely to achieve them than those who only commit their objectives to memory. Plus, goal-setting has been proven to boost self-confidence and motivation.

2. Track your progress

Once you’ve established your goals and plan, you can start monitoring your progress. By doing this, you can understand where you currently are in terms of speed, fitness, and endurance. From there, you can see how your performance improves with consistent practice. One of the easiest ways to track your progress is with a smartphone app like Strava or TrainingPeaks. Not only will these platforms offer insights into your speed and pace, but they can also analyse your long-term progress to see how far you’ve come.

3. Cycle with others

If you’re training for a race, you should try to mimic the conditions that you’ll face on race day -- including cycling alongside others. Of course, cycling alone is still valuable and will help you improve your overall technique. But by training in a group, you can experience how it feels to share the track and understand others’ riding styles.

4. Train in the gym

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, boosting your cardiovascular health and toning your muscles. However, to get your body in the best all-around shape, many experts recommend other types of training in addition to riding. For example, lifting weights can help you build muscle and increase your strength to exert more power on your bike. Similarly, activities like yoga and pilates will improve your stability and flexibility, which is useful for extended rides.

5. Invest in the right gear

Our final tip is to invest in proper cycling gear to stay safe and give yourself a competitive advantage on the track. Your bike should be an appropriate size for your body and be built for the conditions you’ll be riding in, with the right brakes, gears, and suspension for your needs. Similarly, you’ll want to purchase high-quality cycling apparel that’s breathable, durable, and weather-appropriate and facilitates, not hinders your ride.