Bike Fitting and Cycling rules : let’s do it right!
Bike fitting and Cycling rules – As our biking adventures together are fast approaching – Spring in gorgeous for biking in Tuscany! – today we want to give you some useful tips to go safely, leisurely and enjoyably!
Below a few easy-to-remember rules making it happen almost effortlessly:
- Always ride on the right side.
Backroads we bring you thru are awesome, quite yet narrow.
However remember there might be cars, motorbikes or another cyclist coming from the left line. - Always STOP if you need to get off jacket/fleece, answer the phone, drink.
- Always indicate change of direction showing your extended left/ right arm.
Also when you go by your own – PRIOR to adjusting course left or right, always first look back behind you to make sure it’s clear , then signal your intent.
Please notice that this is not necessary when you cycle with
Bike Florence&Tuscany.
Elena & Piero take good care of this so you will not have to care. - Whether with us or by your own always stop at signals and red traffic lights.
- DO NOT crossing pedestrians zebra while cycling.
Please get off your bike and walk. -
You don’t want car drivers get nervous and honk… So annoying! Do cycle in line ( in vertical row) not in group occupying the whole line road.
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Most frequent Q&A must find the right answer !!
While biking on rolling hills, which lever changes which bike gear?
Left-hand shifter/lever: controls the front derailleur which guides the chain over the chainrings
Right-hand shifter/lever: controls the rear derailleur, which guides your chain over the back cogs
The gears
For cycling in Tuscany, what bike gear should I be in?
LOW GEAR – Great For Climbing
Switch down to this combination as you approach the climb so you’ll be able to climb slowly and with less effort.
Front gear = Small chainring
Back gear = The largest cogs
MIDDLE GEAR – Great For Everyday Terrain
The medium gear is perfect for flat or undulating terrain.
Front gear = Middle chainring on triple
Back gear = The middle cogs
HIGH GEAR – Great For Descending
Switch down to this combination with the big chainring at the front and small cog at the rear.
Front gear = Big chain ring
Back gear = Smallest cog
You will also want to get into a high gear for accelerating.
Which bike gears should I avoid?
AVOID This Combination Of Gears → Front gear = smallest chain ring + Back gear = smallest cog
as they will wear your chain out quickly
When to Shift
KEEP PEDALLING WHILE SHIFTING GEARS
- Shift to an easier gear on climbs or when you’re riding into the wind.
- Use a harder gear on flats or if the wind is blowing from behind.
When in doubt, shift before the terrain changes.
RECAP
For: Uphills and headwinds → Use: Small or middle front chain ring + bigger rear cogs
For: Downhills → Use: Large front chain ring + a range of rear cogs
For: Flat terrain→ Use: Small or middle front chain ring + smaller rear cogs
Top tips on how to brake efficiently:
Remember the back brake is for regulating speed (RIGHT lever) and the front for really stopping (LEFT lever).
- Start by pulling the back brake to start to slow your speed
- Look at the point you want to stop at, NOT right in front of your wheel
- Keep your arm and shoulders relaxed
- With even power (don’t grab!!) start to pull the front brake to slow yourself down
- Once you are at the speed you want release the front brake gradually
- Keep using the back brake to regulate speed or bring yourself to a stop
All good & crystal clear isn’t it?
Well… we know this all takes a little practice especially if you are almost used to flat or don’t go often out for biking.
NO PROBLEM! We are totally aware so we will take the right time for the briefly talk and related explanation before giving the first stroke. Elena and Piero are super attentive and will always give you a look to make sure you are having fun, no worries!