Spring is right around the corner, meaning it’s time to dust off your bike and hit the road! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting back into riding, taking the proper preparation steps will make your experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. From choosing the best bike for spring conditions to building strength and endurance, here’s how to get into top riding shape before the season begins.
1. Find the Perfect Bike for Spring Riding
Bike Pictured: 700c METRO H1 | Hybrid Commuter Bike
Spring weather can be unpredictable, bringing wet roads, muddy trails, and lingering winter debris. Choosing a bike that can handle these conditions is key. A hybrid/comfort bike is a fantastic option for versatility. Hybrid bikes are designed for pavement and light gravel, offering more stability than a road bike while being lighter and more agile than a mountain bike. Look for a model with a front suspension to absorb bumps and a 21 speed drivetrain for tackling varying terrains. To keep yourself dry and protected, consider adding mudguards to the front and back of your bike. This setup will keep you riding comfortably, no matter the conditions.
2. Build Strength with Targeted Training
Bike Pictured: 27.5" Haven® Horizon 8 Step Thru | Comfort Hybrid Bike
Cycling isn’t just about pedaling; it engages your core, upper body, and glutes. Incorporate strength training into your weekly routine to improve your posture, endurance, and pedaling power. You don’t need a gym membership to build strength for biking. Simple bodyweight exercises like planks, lunges, squats, and twists can make a big difference. Just 20 to 30 minutes a few times a week can significantly improve your balance, power, and overall biking performance.
3. Ride Indoors When the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate
Bike Pictured: 12" Kazam V2E | Balance Bike
Spring weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings and sudden rain showers. Staying consistent with your training is essential, and an indoor cycling setup can help. Consider using a stationary bike or a smart trainer to maintain endurance and build cycling-specific strength. If you’re short on time, try interval training, where you alternate between short bursts of high-intensity pedaling and recovery periods. This is one of the fastest ways to improve cardiovascular fitness and prepare for outdoor rides.
4. Cross-Train to Prevent Injuries
Bike Pictured: 29" Univega USA® Rover RM29 | Mountain Bike
Cycling is great for cardio, but relying solely on one activity can lead to overuse injuries. Mixing up your workouts will help keep your body balanced and prevent strain. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and light hiking can complement your cycling fitness while keeping you active on rest days. Adding yoga or Pilates to your routine will improve flexibility, balance, and overall body strength, reducing stiffness and enhancing your riding posture.
5. Ease Into Longer Rides
Bike Pictured: 26" Villy Custom | Jennie
Take it slow if you’re eager to break in a new bike or get back on the saddle after winter. Jumping into long-distance rides too quickly can lead to soreness or injury. Instead, gradually increase your mileage and intensity. Start with shorter rides and progressively add distance each week. Your body needs time to adjust to the seat, posture, and continuous movement. By pacing yourself, you’ll build endurance and strength without unnecessary discomfort.
Ready to Ride Into Spring with Mendham Bikes?
Bike Pictured: 26" Thruster® BMX Street Style | BMX Cruiser Bike
At Mendham Bikes, we make finding the perfect ride easy and affordable. We offer a huge selection of clearance bikes from top brands, with free delivery in the contiguous U.S. Whether you’re looking for a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, electric, or kids’ bike, we have you covered. With our Best Price Guarantee, you’ll always get the lowest price available. If you find a better deal from a reputable source, we’ll match it. As a factory-direct bike company, we eliminate the middleman, passing the savings directly to you.
Shop now and get ready for your best spring rides yet!
Have any questions? Contact us via LiveChat, email us at info@mendhambikes.com, or call us at (973) 434 - 8197