What are some good rules of thumb for starting out long-distance biking?

Before you start out on a long distance ride, you must ensure that the bicycle you plan to ride on is of the right fit for you. If you want to have an enjoyable ride, read up about the kind of touring bicycles that are good for long distance ride as you will be required to carry a pannier for tools, spare tubes, food, drinks and other stuff that you may need on the journey.

If you expect that it will rain at places that you will be cycling to, be prepared for it. Make sure that you properly dressed for your ride.

However, if you plan to travel overseas on your bicycle, it maybe a good idea to consider getting a folding bike for ease of moving it on public transport. Find out how you can ship it internationally.
Do you have the stamina for it? Learn how you can build it up. You should also learn how to ride so that you will not tire yourself out sooner than you should. Cycling in bicycle-friendly countries can also reduce the stress of long distance rides.

Learn how to service your bicycle regularly and how to figure out what is wrong with it so that it can be maintained to run efficiently. The very basic that you must know is how to change your tyres and tubes.

For your own safety, make the following checks before you start your ride.
Checklist before going on a bike ride

What's the best way to teach my little sister to ride her bike?

Most balance bikes can take weight load of up to 20kg. Another option to balance bike for a child who is older and heavier is the Scoot and Ride which can take a weight load of 50kg.



The best part about Scoot and Ride is that you can also use it as a scooter.

For a child 6 years and above, you can also consider getting a 12", 16" or 20″ alloy folding bike for her to practice on. An alloy folding bike being lighter than a steel bike will be easier for her to handle.


The toptube of a folding bike is low so she will not be hurt if she falls as both her legs will be touching the floor. Lower the seatpost so that she can walk while sitting on the bike.

Bring her to a park with grassy slopes and let her slide down on the foldie. As the bike builds up its momentum as it rolls down the slope, it will be easier for her to learn to balance herself before she starts pedaling.

This video shows how adults are taught to ride on a folding bike which will give you a better idea of how it can be done.

Is a folding bike more convenient than a regular bike to carry on board public transit?

Different countries have different regulations about traveling with a bicycle on public transport. I think it is best to know what is acceptable in your country before you make a decision to carry one on board.

A regular alloy 26″ bicycle can weigh 15kg or less while a 20″ alloy folding bike can weigh between 9kg to 12kg. Which of these weights are manageable for you to carry around?

If you travel with a folding bike, once it is folded, it does not intrude the space of fellow passengers. As the pedals can also be folded you do not have to worry about anyone bumping into them or your handlebar and getting hurt.

You can also get a bag for storing your folding bike before boarding a public transport. That way, you can be assured that it does not get scratched by your own carelessness or by passengers bumping into it.

This folding bike bag comes with a storage bag that you can hang on your handlebar when it is not in use. If you leave the folding bike bag at home, you can use the empty storage bag as a handlebar bag.

This is also a bag for folding bike but with wheels attached. It will be easier for you to move your bike around if you do not intend to ride it after alighting from the public transport.

Here are guideline provided by Rapid KL of what you must look out for when traveling on their trains with a foldable or non bicycle in tow.

Provided you are lucky enough to find a friendly bus driver who is willing to accept a token from you to help, most bus company in Malaysia will not allow you to take bikes onboard their buses.  However, if it is a folding bike packed in a bag small enough to store in the bus luggage compartment, the driver will consider it a piece of luggage.

What should an elderly person be cycling on?

When a customer comes into my shop looking for a suitable bicycle to buy, the first question I will ask is if he will be cycling with a group of friends. If you are joining a group, you should actually consider what they are cycling on.

The reason is, if they are cycling on MTB, you will have a problem joining them when they ride off road if you have picked a road bike or a hybrid. If they are cycling on 29ers, you will have problem catching up with them if you have decided on cycling on a recumbent bike for comfort.

You should select the kind of bicycle the group members are cycling on with similar wheel size and tyre thread. It should be one with gears if you will also be cycling over hilly terrains.

Following are things you should note when checking out bicycles at a shop:

1. Are you still as limber? Try getting on the bicycle. Is it easy for you to get on and off it? Choose a bicycle with lower toptube if that is an issue. Most cruiser and leisure bikes are designed with lower toptube.
2. Do you find the saddle on the bicycle comfortable? Most bicycles are supplied with small narrow saddles. Ask the shop attendant to recommend a more comfortable saddle if you have a wider girth.
3. Straddle over the toptube. Does your leg touches the floor? As you age, your bones become more brittle and may break more easily. So, it is best to choose a lighter weight bike which is not too large for you to handle.
4. Feel the reach of the handlebar as you sit on the bike. Is it too far for your reach? You can request the shop to change a stem with shorter length or one that is adjustable so that the handlebar can be raised up closer towards you.

But before you start with any group, make sure that you have the stamina to join them. However, here is a quote to remember from a cyclist who had only learned to ride in his 50’s, “I’ve yet to discover the hill you can’t quite happily walk up. Why kill yourself doing it? I like biking, but I’ve no intention dying from a heart attack dressed in Lycra.”

So, if you find the exertion too much and have to get down to push your bike don’t be embarrassed to do so.

For my customers who are in their 60s, I usually ask if they will be cycling with their grandchildren. If they are, I will recommend them to get a 20” folding bike. That way they could ride along with the grandchildren who are usually cycling on 12” to 20” bicycles.

Moreover, a folding bike with high handlebar means that you do not have to lean forward as much to ride which is good for the back. In fact, one of my customers was advised by her doctor to get a folding bike as she has issues with her back.

Once you have reached a 100 years old, you may want to consider getting a tricycle.

Unfolding your Doppelgänger

If you bought yourself the Doppelgänger folding bicycle from Japan like this model,...

...you need to learn the special safety mechanism it has to unfold one.

  

Yes, they also have full suspension foldable bikes running on 26" wheels.




I know, because they are selling at:

Jom Johan Trading and Services
No 43A, Jalan Prima Saujana 1/1A
Taman Prima Saujana Sek 1
43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-87369398 / 012-3867558