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Recommended tire pressure varies depending on factors such as riding surface, tire width and rider weight. For example, sport-level bikes tend to use wider tires that are more suitable for lower tire pressures. However, heavier riders should increase tire pressure slightly. Overall, research has shown that a lower tire pressure can improve comfort and efficiency, as obstacles are rolled over more easily.

In any case, do not exceed the maximum pressure suggested on the tire. And to lower the risk of puncture, clean the surface of the tire and remove foreign objects. If you spot a significant cut, change the tire for a safe ride.

The wheels on your bike are attached using a quick release skewer or a thru-axle. These mechanisms make it easy to remove or install a wheel, but it is important to check that they are tight and secured.

If the quick release is too loose, open the lever completely, hold the quick release nut with one hand and turn the lever with the other hand to tighten. Then, try to close the quick release lever again. The ideal lock position is achieved when you need to apply some force to close the lever.

Brakes should be checked regularly. Ensure that all the components are properly positioned and don’t show any irregularities in their alignment. Over time, disc brakes tend to lose some of their effectiveness, mostly because of worn pads. This can lead to poor braking performance, so it’s important to remove the wheel and inspect the pads. If they appear worn, remove them from the calipers and replace them.

Lastly, check that the brake rotors are firmly attached to the wheels and that they don’t show any sign of damage such as gouges or warping. If they do show signs of damage, the rotors should be changed.

To ensure your bike runs smoothly and to extend the life of the drivetrain, you should always keep the chain clean and lubricated. A quick and easy way to do this is to hold the chain in your hand with a clean rag and spin the cranks backward a few times to wipe the chain clean.

Once the chain is clean, you can apply lubricant as needed. Don’t use too much lubricant, as that can make it easier for the chain to pick up dirt.

Routinely check all bolts to ensure that your parts are safe and secure. Otherwise, you could experience several problems. For example, a loose stem bolt could cause you to lose control, and a loose saddle clamp bolt might cause your saddle to slip out of the proper position.

The right clothing can help you feel comfortable on your bike. As with any exercise, you will likely sweat—so cotton clothing is not ideal. Instead, you can wear a base layer, in cold or hot weather, to keep your skin dry and the temperature stable. You can then wear a cycling-specific jersey over the base layer for comfort and performance.

A proper pair of padded bib shorts will also improve your comfort. Make sure you try a few models to find your ideal fit.

Lastly, a good pair of cycling-specific eyewear will protect you from sun, wind and other potential hazards including dirt and bugs.

Choosing the right cycling shoes depends on your pedals. If you ride with flat pedals, you don’t necessarily need cycling shoes, but we still recommend shoes with a stiffer sole to help transfer more power to the pedals.

If you ride with clipless pedals, you'll need cycling shoes and cleats to match the pedals. Clipless pedals improve your pedaling efficiency and give you a close, connected feel on the bike.

You don’t need to buy a lot of equipment to start riding. You should focus on the essential gear first and then upgrade later.

A helmet, lock, and lights should be your initial investments. There are a lot of options out there, but it mostly depends on personal preferences. If you want to be able to repair tires on your own, you should also consider buying tire levers, a spare tube, a mini pump or CO2 inflator, and a patch kit.