Nigeria Cycling Embassy

Participating and winning a cycling race takes some preparation. You need to have a plan, set your racing goals, devise your tactics, get your bike in shape and feed yourself properly for the ride.

We have taken time to develop an in-depth article on what you need to make sure are in place when you are going for a cycling competition.

Please read more at: https://bobnati.github.io/Nigeria-Cycling-Embassy/16-How-To-Win-A-Cycling-Race.html

Preparing for a competition begins with making sure your bike is in good shape. How do you ensure this? We have made a post to assist you with tips on how to prepare your bike for a competition.

Read More:

https://bobnati.github.io/Nigeria-Cycling-Embassy/15-How-To-Maintain-Your-Bicycle.html

Get ready for some cycling fun in Lagos this October! The 2023 Cycling Lagos Tournament is back, and it's going to be a wheelie good time. From October 21st to the 28th, all Nigerian cyclists are invited to join in on the action.

Read More: https://bobnati.github.io/Nigeria-Cycling-Embassy/14-Cycling-Lagos-2023.html

It is one of the most debated topics in cycling communities over the world. Helmets. What are they and why are they so important (or not)?

We share our opinion in this blog post: https://bobnati.github.io/Nigeria-Cycling-Embassy/04-Helmets.html

Do you wear a bike helmet when riding at all? How often do you wear your helmets? Let us know in the comments.

Cycling shoes are necessary to maximise power transmission, improve efficiency, and provide comfort as you are riding, particularly on longer rides. Your cycling footwear should ordinarily be the ones with firm soles that maximise power transmission to the pedals while protecting your feet from sharp objects, stones and other minor hazards. You also want your shoe to be "breathable" to keep your feet comfortable, cool and not sweaty, particularly when you ride in sunny or rainy.

There are a variety of cycling shoes and depending on your pedal systems, different compatibilities exist (See attached image for details). Mountain bikers would typically use shoes with more protective features and "walkability."

If you are a roadie, your cycling shoes will typically be lightweight and likely will contain cleats for pedalling efficiency and for better aerodynamics.

With all that said, what is important is that your ride your bicycle! You can ride your bicycle bare-footed but it is usually better to wear good cycling shoes, trainers or even canvas for a better riding experience.

Image Credit: exploringwild.com

Your handlebars are the dashboard of your bike. Important riding functions and bike components are on the handlebars.

For example, on your handlebar you can grip and steer your bike in desired direction, use your brake levers and gear selectors (if your bike has a gear).

You can also attach all sorts of things to your handlebars such as headlights, reflectors, bells, power meters, phones, camera and other things like drop bars for faster riding.

You can also increase your riding comfort or reduce wrist pain if you can customise your handlebars.

A good way to do this is to wrap special foam or electric tape around your grip areas to increase the thickness and give your grip a springy feeling.

Doing this will protect your palms and wrist by absorbing shocks when your front wheel is riding in a rough area.

What do you have on your handlebars naija cyclists?
Let us know in the comments below.

Know Your Bike: The Drive-Train

Your bike Drive Train contains the key components of the bike.

Here you can find your pedals, chain, front and rear derailleur (Gears), Chainrings and Cogs (geartooth), your bottom bracket and wheel hub.

Think of it as the engine and transmission of your bicycle where your leg power is delivered to the bike from your pedals, through the chain and the Gears to the hub of your rear wheel.

Anatomy of a bike.

Wheels

Your wheels is one of the most important parts of your bike.

They determine a huge part of the bike size, weight, and grip meaning that merely changing from one type of wheel to another can cause massive changes in comfort, top speed and safety profile of your bicycle.

Also, your wheels determine if your bike is ridable at all (think flat tires!).

Know the parts of a bicycle wheel.

Have any questions on bicycle wheels? Ask us!

From us at Nigeria Cycling Embassy Happy Eid to everyone celebrating today!