That said, transitioning between disciplines can be daunting, and motivation can fade quickly if you allow the dreaded imposter syndrome to take hold. Thankfully, with the right mindset and approach — you can happily conquer your fears and embark on thrilling new adventures on two wheels. Here are some tips to support you along the way.
Understanding the different disciplines
Each cycling discipline offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Road cycling emphasises endurance, speed, and smooth surfaces. Mountain biking requires technical skills, handling rough terrain, and navigating obstacles. Gravel biking combines elements of both, emphasising versatility and adventure. Track cycling focuses on speed, strategy, and precision on a velodrome. BMX is all about short, intense bursts of power and agility on small, challenging courses, while fat biking allows riders to tackle extreme terrains such as snow and sand with oversized tyres for extra stability and traction.
From road cycling to mountain biking
Transitioning from road cycling to mountain biking involves adapting to new equipment, terrain, and techniques. Here’s how to make the switch:
Gear up: Invest in a mountain bike suited to your riding style (cross-country, trail, enduro or downhill). Equip yourself with safety gear such as a sturdy helmet, gloves, knee pads, and eye protection. This will not only keep you safe but also give you the confidence to push your limits and explore new terrains.
Learn the basics: Attend beginner clinics or join group rides to learn essential skills such as body positioning, braking, and cornering. Start with beginner-friendly trails to build confidence.
Embrace the challenge: Expect a learning curve and celebrate small victories. As you master basic techniques and conquer more technical trails, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will boost your confidence in your cycling abilities.
Insider tip: Drop your saddle slightly lower than you would for road cycling. This will give you more control on descents and technical sections, allowing for easier manoeuvring.
From mountain biking to road cycling
If you’re a mountain biker looking to experience the speed and efficiency of road cycling, consider these tips:
Choose the right bike: A lightweight road bike with drop handlebars will provide the aerodynamic advantage needed for road cycling.
Adjust your technique: Road cycling requires a steady cadence, efficient pedalling, and smooth gear shifts. Practice maintaining a consistent pace on flat and hilly terrain.
Join group rides: Riding with experienced road cyclists will help you adapt to road etiquette, drafting techniques, and pacing strategies.
Insider tip: Pay attention to your cadence. Road cyclists often aim for a higher cadence (around 90 RPM), which differs from the typically lower cadence in mountain biking. This helps with efficiency and endurance on longer rides.
Exploring gravel biking
Gravel biking offers a blend of road and mountain biking, allowing you to tackle a variety of terrains. Here’s how to get started:
Versatile bike: A gravel bike with wider tyres and a relaxed geometry will handle diverse surfaces, from paved roads to gravel paths.
Plan your routes: Explore mixed-terrain routes that combine pavement, gravel, and dirt trails. Apps like Komoot and Strava can help you discover popular gravel routes.
Pack smart: Gravel rides often take you into remote areas, so carry essentials like spare tubes, a multi-tool, hydration, and nutrition.
Insider tip: Use tubeless tyres. They offer better traction and reduce the risk of pinch flats, which is crucial when transitioning between different types of terrain.
Trying track cycling
Track cycling is all about speed, precision, and strategy on a velodrome. To make the transition:
Track bike: A track bike with a fixed gear and no brakes is essential. Velodromes often have rental bikes if you’re just starting out.
Learn track etiquette: Track cycling has specific rules and etiquette. Attend introductory sessions to learn about the lines on the track, starting and stopping, and riding in a group.
Focus on technique: Track cycling emphasises smooth, powerful pedalling and maintaining a high cadence. Practice riding on a stationary trainer to build leg speed and strength.
Insider tip: Work on your “pedal stroke efficiency”. Unlike road cycling, track cycling benefits significantly from a smooth and even pedal stroke to maintain speed and conserve energy.
Getting into BMX, fat biking, and bikepacking
If you’re ready to dive into BMX, fat biking or bikepacking, here’s how to get started:
For BMX, choose a small, sturdy bike designed for tricks and dirt track racing, ensuring it matches your height and intended use (freestyle, racing or flatland). Start with fundamental skills like bunny hops, manuals, and cornering, and practice regularly in controlled environments to develop agility and quick reflexes. Lowering your tyre pressure can enhance grip and control on dirt tracks and in skate parks.
For fat biking, select a bike with oversized tyres that offer excellent traction on snow, sand, and loose surfaces. Dress in layered, waterproof gear and insulated gloves and shoes to stay warm in extreme weather conditions. Adjust your technique by lowering tyre pressure for better flotation and maintaining a steady, smooth pedal stroke to avoid getting bogged down. Using a lower gear can help maintain momentum on soft surfaces.
When bikepacking, choose a sturdy bike with comfortable geometry and the ability to carry gear, such as gravel, mountain or touring bikes. Plan your route carefully, considering the terrain, weather, and available resources, and pack lightweight and compact essentials to ensure stability and comfort. Apps and websites like Bikepacking.com offer useful route suggestions and tips for successful bikepacking adventures.
Tips for racing
Regardless of the discipline, entering a race can be a thrilling way to challenge yourself. Here are some general tips for getting started with racing:
Choose the right race: Start with a beginner-friendly event that matches your skill level and interests. For road cycling, this could be a criterium or a time trial, while for mountain biking, a cross-country race might be a good starting point. Many local cycling clubs offer introductory races, so be sure to check their schedules.
Prepare physically: Incorporate interval training and structured workouts into your routine to build speed, endurance, and power. Consistent training will improve your performance and confidence.
Understand race tactics: Study race strategies such as drafting, attacking, and pacing. Watching race videos and analysing tactics can provide valuable insights.
Mental preparation: Racing can be mentally demanding. Practice visualisation techniques, set realistic goals, and focus on staying calm and composed during the race. Also, remember to take breaks and listen to your body to avoid burnout.
Insider tip: Pre-ride the course if possible. Familiarising yourself with the route can give you a strategic advantage and help reduce race-day anxiety.
Overcoming fear and building confidence
Transitioning to a new cycling discipline can be intimidating but overcoming fear is part of the adventure. Here are some strategies to build confidence:
Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. Read articles, watch videos, and talk to experienced riders to understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Set incremental goals: Break down your journey into small, achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone, whether completing a new trail, mastering a technique, or finishing a race.
Seek support: Join clubs, participate in group rides, and connect with other cyclists. A supportive community can significantly improve your confidence and enjoyment, and you’ll feel reassured knowing that you’re not alone in your cycling journey.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll become. Consistent practice helps build muscle memory, improve skills, and boost overall confidence.
Embrace mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process. Each fall, misstep or challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve.
Insider tip: Keep a cycling journal. Documenting your rides, what you learned, and how you felt can help you track progress and identify areas for improvement.
