True or false? 7 cycling myths that everyone knows
Text: Kerstin Börß
A wide variety of myths abound in the most diverse areas of life. Of course, this also applies to cycling. Often these have existed for so long that they are hardly ever questioned. However, they are still myths. Which are true and which are made up? We want to dispel the following seven cycling myths.
7 cycling myths - explained!
1st cycling myth: I need strong legs to cycle
There's no denying that the legs do most of the work when cycling. However, it is worth broadening your perspective. A big keyword here is core training. And of course, many people are already waving it off: I want to spend the time I have for my sport cycling and not doing exercises. But if you strengthen your core, you will notice positive effects on the bike. Posture improves and tension and pain can be prevented. So get on the mat and do the forearm support!
In addition to strength training, yoga is also a good addition to cycling, as the pros show us. Demi Vollering, who won the Tour de France Femmes this year, has firmly integrated yoga into her daily schedule - in order to remain flexible despite hours on the bike. It is also an important building block for regeneration, the Dutchwoman reveals on Instagram. "It helps me to relax my body and calm my mind. It teaches me to go further, to push my limits." Because in addition to legs, core muscles and the like, you also need your head to cycle in order to pursue new fitness goals and keep pedalling uphill despite burning thighs.
Myth 2: If you want to get ahead, you need big gears
Chain right! Big leaf! The bicycle myth surrounding thick gears has spawned many pithy phrases. So if you only use the big ring and have the chain all the way to the right, you'll struggle along the road in the heaviest gear possible. That may sound heroic. But is the resulting low cadence really the smartest choice? You can get lost in reading studies on this question. The low cadence (chain on the right) usually puts more strain on the leg muscles, while the high cadence puts more strain on the cardiovascular system.
It is much more exciting than the theory to try out different gears and pedalling frequencies yourself - both on the flat and in the mountains. What do I find strenuous? Do I manage to stay on the bike at a high frequency or do I wobble around? For example, you can count your cadence for 15 seconds and then extrapolate this to one minute.
Slovenian professional cyclist Matej Mohoric won the title at the Gravel World Championships in autumn. One of the things that impressed him there was his high cadence, which he was also able to maintain when tackling the extremely steep climbs in northern Italy. Mohoric recently spoke to the French press about the gear ratio factor. "Nowadays, it is possible to equip a racing bike with a lighter gear ratio that allows us to turn the pedals at a comfortable cadence, somewhere between 80 and 105 revolutions per minute, even on steep climbs."
3. cycling myth: winter is the off-season
It's getting cold and uncomfortable outside - high time to send your bike into hibernation. At the earliest in spring, when the first cycling classics flicker across the TV screen, you can start thinking about getting your bike out of the cellar again. Is the cycling myth that winter is the off-season true? Of course, there's nothing wrong with a short break from sport. And even if it gets dangerously slippery outside with snow and ice, the bike should not be moved. But a complete winter break is not necessary.
Because those who cycle through the winter with thermal clothing and warming thoughts will have more fun on the group excursions in spring than those who have taken a long break. And if it's too nasty outside, indoor cycling is a good option. Thanks to smart roller trainers and detailed online training platforms, you can quickly transform your living room into the Champs-Élysées.
4th myth: If you want to ride sporty, you need a narrow saddle
An extremely wide and super-padded saddle, perhaps with a lambskin cover to top it all off: if you're travelling like this, you often get disparaging looks. After all, it is generally accepted wisdom that anyone who sees a bicycle as a piece of sports equipment needs a remarkably narrow saddle. However, if you take a look at how different the bodies are that whizz around on their two-wheelers, you should quickly realise that this rule cannot be universally valid. And this is exactly how the bicycle industry now sees it, with German companies such as SQlab and Ergon leading the way.
The only important law should be this: The saddle must fit ergonomically. And if a person's sitting bones are further apart, then the saddle must also have a wide seat. Other components are cut-outs on the saddle, the length of the saddle nose and, of course, the degree of firmness. If the saddle has the right dimensions and the seat bones are loaded instead of the fabric around them, you no longer need lambskin. A suitable saddle is essential for a good riding position on the bike - one that enables better power transmission and longer rides, for example.
5th cycling myth: Only fast training is good training
On a leisurely group ride, there's always that one person who stresses out because they're going too slowly. But there are good reasons for a relaxed pace. Dr Inigo San Millan, for example, is a great advocate of this type of training. And the Spaniard knows what he is talking about. After all, he works as Head of Performance at the UAE Emirates cycling team, which also includes two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. San Millan swears by hours of training in the basic endurance zone, or Zone 2 as he calls it. The fact that it is also possible to have a chat while riding casually is probably not one of San Millan's main arguments, but it is definitely a plus point for a nice group ride.
6th myth: It's easier to roll with a smile on your face
There is nothing but truth in this cycling myth. Because cycling makes you happy - whether in a group or alone. And if you have a smile, a nod or a quick hand greeting for the other cyclists, the joy of cycling is doubled.
7th cycling myth: Don't eat too much on the road!
If you want to use cycling to lose weight, try to burn as many calories as possible. Refuelling with snacks on the way seems counterproductive. But the opposite is the case: if you set off on an empty stomach and then don't eat anything during the ride, you'll soon get the receipt. Then the engine stops and the famous hunger pangs strike. The ride is over and fitness is not helped. Only those who eat well can enjoy long rides. You can watch your calorie count again after cycling, when a greasy dinner with a sweet soft drink beckons.
