Skip to main content

How to Start Cycling this Year 


Another new year is upon us and for many that means adhering to resolutions. Most people have resolutions such as losing weight or waking up earlier, but we have another suggestion: How about getting into cycling? Cycling is great for a number of reasons, whether it be transportation, getting some exercise, or even fulfilling an adrenaline crave. Whether you’re a novice that knows how to ride or a seasoned veteran who’s ready to get back into the saddle, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get into cycling this year. 

How to Overcome the Expense

There are few impediments to cycling, but the expense is probably the largest hurdle for most people to overcome. It is true that cycling can be pricey, but fortunately we’ve got several low cost options to help break down this barrier. Generally, purchasing a new bike will cost you somewhere in the $500-1000 range for something reliable. This will at least ensure you have a good bike with high-quality parts that work well and last. Sure, you can go to the local superstore and pick up something that looks similar for cheaper if you want. However, please consider that this lower price point is often associated with lower quality parts that wear out and need replacement within a year. Additionally, these bikes are typically assembled by kids compared to seasoned mechanics. There’s nothing worse than having your new bike break down in the middle of a ride. Trust us, spending more money up front will usually lead to fewer mechanical issues and problems down the road, and less cost overall. New not your thing? No problem! There are plenty of options for bikes on the used market, just make sure you look for signs of wear and tear before buying. This article from bicycling.com lays out what to look for when buying a used bicycle. Of course, we’re always happy to answer questions about buying used bikes or let you know about our sale prices on new bike models.

Cycling is a Great form of Exercise

Maybe you’re looking to lose weight this year but don’t like to go to the gym. Cycling is also a great option. We may be biased, but riding bikes is one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise. Most of the time you are outside, getting fresh air and feeling the sun on your face. You can also progress at your own pace to control the intensity. Want to get your heart pumping? Try shifting down the gears or finding some nice hills to pedal up. Some popular road bike climbs include Emigration Canyon, Old Snowbasin Road, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and American Fork Canyon.  If you prefer something more leisurely try finding a nice bike path and pedal at a steady pace. Moreover, the rhythmic motion of cycling naturally puts less stress on your joints, so it’s even easier on your body than running on a treadmill. 

Where to Ride

At this point I hope you’re interested, but you’re probably wondering what to do now that you have your bike. If you’re not sure of where to ride or just don’t want to be around cars, there are plenty of options. For road biking I’d recommend riding in either a quiet neighborhood or on a bike path. These are both great options for newer riders who are just getting the hang of using gears and riding a bike. Both of these settings ensure a generally low-risk environment that is ideal for learning. Some of the best paved bike paths include the Jordan River Parkway in the Salt Lake valley, Legacy Parkway in Davis County, and the Park City Rail Trail system. If you’re on a mountain bike I’d recommend going to trails with a lower difficulty rating (green, blue) or a mountain bike specific skills park like Trailside bike park, located near Park City. Both of these are great options for honing your skills and getting the hang of using a mountain bike. Apps like Trailforks and MTB Project are great ways to find new trails and places to ride.

Who to Ride With

If you follow our advice, you’re now well underway with your new hobby. However there is just one problem, you might not have anyone to share your hobby with. What’s the fun of riding a bike if you can’t do it with others? This can introduce aspects of camaraderie and motivation that you won’t experience riding alone, and we have a few good options for finding others to ride with. Check out the Ascent Cycling Club (sponsored by yours truly) which is a Utah-based cycling team with a goal of empowering cyclists to improve, create meaningful friendships, and race competitively (if you want to).  Ascent is one of the popular clubs in the area that has a large presence at road races, as well as gravel and mountain bike races.  We also organizes group trail rides a few times a year during the summer and fall so be sure to check our events page to find the next one.