Indoor training upgrade: from smart trainer to Tacx Neo Bike Smart
Jana and I recently decided to change or rather upgrade our indoor training and say goodbye to our previous smart trainer. In the past years, we trained with a Tacx Flux S Smart Trainer and an old road bike and were satisfied with it at first. But at some point, more and more problems arose.
Problems with our old smart trainer and road bike
Our smart trainer repeatedly had problems properly controlling certain training programs in ERG mode. This mostly occurred when a specific power output combined with a specific cadence was to be ridden. Also, the road bike fit both of us about equally well/badly. This didn't bother us much before, but after having our Gravel bikes fitted during bike fitting and realizing how much better it feels to be on a bike that fits perfectly, sharing a bike was no longer realistic.
At first, we gave Björn's Canyon Grail a try, but the seating position never really suited either of us and the constant back and forth with the settings was simply impractical. We knew it was time for a change. We decided to buy a Smart bike, and we can tell you it was the best decision we could have made.
In search of the right smart bike
But before we decided on a bike, we first had to see what the market had to offer. And wow, there are plenty of smart bikes on the market that are suitable for indoor cycling. Some of the most popular and frequently used models are the Wahoo Kickr Bike, the Tacx Neo Bike Smart, the Peloton Bike, the Wattbike Atom and the Stages Bike.
Smart Bike Comparison: Wahoo Kickr Bike vs. Tacx Neo Bike Smart
We mainly focused on the Wahoo Kickr Bike and the Tacx Neo Bike Smart and can say that both devices have their own advantages and disadvantages. The Wahoo Kickr Bike can adjust the incline angle of the entire bike to the currently ridden incline in real time. A really cool feature, but ... do you really need it? We didn't think so. Also, the app that helps adjust the bike is certainly a very cool thing. However, the higher price was an argument against it for us. We had set ourselves a budget, and it didn't fit in there.
Our decision for the Tacx Neo Bike Smart
We can now go more in-depth on the Tacx Neo Bike Smart (who actually came up with this name? Why not Smart Bike?), that we have been using it since October 2022.
The Tacx Neo Bike is quiet, precise and realistic. Exactly the qualities you expect from a smart bike.
Even at first glance, you will notice how flexible you can adjust the bike. You can adjust the pedals, the saddle, the handlebar and the crank length to suit your outdoor bike. The second thing you might notice is the display. The bike has a 4.5-inch screen that displays your data such as heart rate, cadence, power and the currently selected gear. If you like, you can charge your smartphone or tablet, or even both, with the two USB chargers built into the bike.
What's also exciting about the bike is that you don't necessarily need electricity to use it. You can power most of the bike's functions simply by pedaling. Plugging it in will give you the descent feature and power for the USB ports. If you use these two features regularly, we recommend that you leave the bike plugged in while you train.
This smart bike allows you to adjust the saddle (tilt angle and forward/backward) and the handlebars (up/down and forward/backward). The crank is very flexible. It can be adjusted from 170 mm to 175 mm, so you can find the perfect setting. This is also very convenient when you have multiple users at home.
The front of the bike has the bike console with the display and a small tray for your cell phone, food or other things. Inside the flywheel there are lights that light up when you pedal, for a little bit of disco feeling ...
On this bike, the shifters are on the handlebars, just like on a normal road bike. The brakes work, and you feel resistance on the flywheel when you pull on it. You won't feel a difference when shifting on this smart bike, but the bike's technology mimics the feel internally. The bike decelerates the motor for a fraction of a second, almost like an outdoor bike. The gear change is indicated to you on the bike's display. Unfortunately, the shifters don't feel as realistic as they do on a road bike (which has been improved on the second generation of the bike that just launched).
The dynamic moment of inertia function is worth mentioning in detail. It is difficult to simulate all parts of the ascent and descent on an indoor bike. However, this bike mimics riding uphill almost perfectly. The bike gives you a sense of acceleration as you go down the hill.
The Tacx Neo Bike Smart supports most training apps and is compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart to display your data and store it in your favorite training app.
Advantages of the Smart Bike over a Smart Trainer
One of the biggest advantages of the Smart-Bike over the Smart-Trainer is that we now no longer have to switch bikes, but can quickly and easily adjust the riding position to suit us with just two/three quick-release adjustments. Another advantage is that the Smart-Bike is much quieter than the Smart-Trainer. Since it has no chain and no "real" gears, there is less noise when riding, which should please both us and our neighbors. We live in a small, light-sounding apartment and the noise level was already a problem. The smart bike is also built a bit smaller and more space efficient than a bike smart trainer option, which is especially handy for us since we don't have a lot of room in our apartment. The ERG mode now works smoothly, and we have additional data in our evaluation, as the Smart-Bike also measures the power transmission and does so without additional watt measurement pedals.
All in all, the Smart Bike is a big step up from our old Smart Trainer, and we are excited about the new capabilities and benefits.
The Smart Bike offers many functions and options that we particularly like. A very simple one is the possibility, Zwift to use via the iPad, without additional mounts or the like, because the mount is integrated into the bike. Everything is simple and practical. Another feature we like is the Tacx Neo Bike Smart's "Road Feel" mode. This mode simulates on Zwift how it feels to ride over cobblestones or similar and you feel a slight vibration in the pedal and have to pedal significantly more watts on such a surface. We also really like the Gear Feel mode, which simulates the shifting of the chain, so that you have the feeling of shifting, although there is no real gear shift. This makes the riding experience very realistic. Another advantage of the smart bike is that you can completely customize it to your own needs. In just a few steps and in under a minute, we can adjust the bike's geometry settings to suit us. We also like the small fans that can adjust their strength in different strengths and, for example, depending on the speed ridden or heart rate. They provide a pleasant cooling during the workout and it's great that you don't always have to set up an additional device.
Conclusion
All in all we are very happy with the Smart-Bike, we got it in October 2022 and have noticed that we spend more time on Zwift than before, not only because it is so much more convenient than our "bike on Smart-Trainer" solution before, but because it is just so much fun and works so precisely. Since the smart bike is much quieter than our previous solution, we no longer feel guilty about riding the trainer for an hour at 7am before work. We also no longer get frustrated with the annoying back and forth with the bike's settings or problems with sensors not being recognized.
In the end, I can say that switching from a smart trainer to a smart bike was a great decision for us. We finally have the flexibility we needed and training has become much more enjoyable and effective.
If you're thinking of doing the same, remember that it's an expensive purchase, but if you have multiple cyclists in the household, it may be worth it. Also, if you live in an apartment and are worried about the noise of a regular roller, a smart bike can be a practical solution. And please keep in mind that there are older models of the Tacx Neo Bike Smart that may be less expensive and have the same functionality as the newer models.
We are happy that we decided to switch from a smart trainer to a smart bike, and highly recommend it if you are looking for a better training experience. It's an investment that has really paid off for us.
Cycling beyond stereotypes: Find your place in the cycling world
Have you ever felt unsafe getting on a bike because of your body shape or size? You're not alone. The stereotype that all cyclists must be slim and fit can make it difficult for many people to feel comfortable in the world of cycling. But what if we told you that cycling is a sport that should be open to every* person, regardless of their body shape or size? Join us as we explore the idea of diversity in the world of cycling and how it relates to the principles of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality.
Understanding the principles of body positivity and body neutrality
Body Positivity is a movement that aims to promote self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of one's body shape or weight. It encourages people to accept their bodies as they are and reject societal beauty standards that promote a narrow definition of what is considered "beautiful".
Body Neutrality encourages people to treat their bodies with kindness and respect, rather than emphasizing whether they are "good" or "bad." By embracing these principles, we can learn to love and accept ourselves, regardless of our size or shape, and focus on the things that really matter.
The principles briefly summarized:
| Body Positivity | Body Neutrality |
|---|---|
| Promotes self-acceptance and self-love regardless of body shape or weight | Encourages people to treat their bodies with kindness and respect, rather than viewing them as "good" or "bad" |
| Rejects societal beauty standards and encourages people to accept their bodies as they are | Focuses on the treatment of the body neutral and without judgment |
| Emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance | Emphasizes the importance of kindness and respect for one's body |
| Encourages people to love and accept their bodies, regardless of size or shape | Encourages people to respect their bodies and see them as tools that support them in their lives. |
Advantages of a dual approach
Although the "body neutrality" movement was originally designed to overcome the problems of the "body positivity" movement, there are also benefits to incorporating both approaches when considering your own body. This type of dual approach allows you to reap the benefits of both approaches.
These benefits include:
Body positivity can help improve mood and reduce negative thoughts. It also allows us to be happy with our bodies, regardless of what society says about them or despite negative messages we may have received in childhood.
Body-Neutrality is a good approach when positive behavior doesn't feel real or is too big a step to take. It takes the pressure off of loving your body when you may not, and only asks that you accept it for who it is and appreciate it for what it can do for you.
We are humans who are constantly changing, which means that some days we will love our bodies, while other days self-love can feel like too much to ask. By incorporating both Body Positivity and Body Neutrality into our lives, we can choose the approach that best fits our mindset on any given day.
About losing and rediscovering my enthusiasm for cycling
On my journey as a cyclist, I will share with you my experiences and challenges with being overweight and not being fit. I didn't feel like I belonged in the world of cycling. Yet, I have found a sense of belonging, freedom, and self-acceptance by advocating for Body Positivity and Body Neutrality. Come learn how to overcome stereotypes and find the right bike and community. Join me on this tour, and let's break down barriers together.
As a long-time avid cyclist, I've always been attracted to the freedom and independence that comes with riding a bike. For years I was heavily involved in the fixed gear scene where I found a sense of belonging in the community of outcasts and misfits. Due to a bicycle accident that caused some problems for me as a self-employed photographer, as I was unable to work for a few weeks after the accident, I lost my passion for cycling for a few years and became a pure commuter. As I moved less and sat more, I eventually gained weight. As I began to struggle with my weight and fitness, I experienced firsthand the fear and trepidation that can come with the thought of getting on a bike and entering the world of cycling. The stereotype that all cyclists must be thin and fit made me feel like I didn't belong.
Exploring the roots of the stereotype
First, it's important to understand where this stereotype comes from. In professional cycling, lean, fit athletes dominate the sport. These athletes train for hours every day and must maintain a certain level of fitness to compete at the highest level. For most recreational athletes, however, this level of fitness is not required. Instead, cycling is a great way to improve overall health and fitness, regardless of the individual's starting position.
Embracing body positivity and body neutrality in cycling
By embracing the principles of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality, you can learn to love and accept yourself, regardless of your figure or weight, and find a sense of belonging in the world of cycling.
One of the best ways to practice Body Positivity and Body Neutrality while cycling is to focus on the benefits of cycling for overall health and wellness, rather than fixating on a specific body shape or size. It's important to remember that cycling is a low-impact sport that is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It's a great way to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, and even help with weight loss (if that's what you're aiming for). It's also a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family.
Finding Inclusive and Welcoming Communities
Another aspect of feeling excluded from the world of cycling is the experience of being left behind on group rides. For heavier or less fit individuals, the physical demands of group rides can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. This is especially true for those who do not have the same fitness level as the other rider:s in the group. Fear of being left behind can be a significant barrier to participation in group rides and can make it difficult for heavier or less fit individuals to enjoy the social aspects of cycling. However, it is important to remember that cycling is a sport for all, and there are many inclusive groups that provide support and encouragement for cyclists of all abilities. Further, there are also opportunities for group rides where the pace is adjusted to the different abilities of the rider:s, which contributes to an inclusive experience.
Find out about inclusive and welcoming groups that promote diversity and reject societal beauty norms. Joining a cycling group or club can be a great way to meet like-minded people who share your passion for cycling. There are welcoming communities such as the "All Bodies On Bikes" community (https://www.allbodiesonbikes.com/) or the "everyBODY Rides" in London. Such communities offer support and cohesion among like-minded people who share your passion for cycling, and can help you overcome stereotypes and barriers that may have held you back.
In summary, cycling is a sport that should be open to everyone, regardless of their body shape or size. By internalizing the principles of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality, you can learn to love and accept yourself and find a sense of belonging in the world of cycling. Whether you want to improve your health and fitness or simply enjoy the freedom and independence that cycling offers you, cycling is a great way to do so.
So don't let clichés stop you. Go out and try it - you might surprise yourself!
Work-ride balance is an illusion: why I try anyway
Have you ever felt like you're spending too much time working and taking care of other obligations? Like you don't have time to take care of yourself and your needs anymore? I know that feeling all too well. Nowadays, it sometimes feels like you have to be constantly available and do more and more to be successful. But in the long run, this can be really exhausting and endanger our mental and physical health.
I know I'm not alone in feeling like I've lost, or perhaps never found, work-life balance (or as some call it, work-ride balance). Let me be completely honest and upfront: I'd be lying if I said this felt like an achievable goal to me.
Work-ride balance and the seasons
In the summer, it seems more tangible when the alarm clock rings early in the morning and I can throw on my cycling kit and then go for a ride around Hamburg and only then sit at my desk and stare at a screen for the remaining 8 hours until the evening.
In winter, however, only the Indoor Bike is attractive because I do not really like to ride in the dark. I want to be able to see, perceive and enjoy the surrounding nature, in winter this is actually never possible before and after work. In such moments, I feel more attracted to riding on Zwift instead of motivating myself to ride outside in the cold and dark. Riding indoors is no substitute for cycling outside, but it's still better than nothing and allows me to get moving and get my heart rate up. My home office workspace next to it isn't always the best view, though. It's hard to switch off from work sometimes. The disadvantages of a small apartment.
40 hours & countless tabs
Many of us work at least 40 hours a week. So do I. I like my work, and I'm happy to be able to do something that I also enjoy most days and that gives me the feeling of doing something with meaning. But with an 8-hour day in the winter, starting in the dark and ending in the dark, a day then feels pretty darn short. Achieving a work-ride balance like that? I think that's very difficult. I often describe my to-do list in my head with the image of a browser with far too many tabs open. Every time I close and reopen the browser, those tabs are there again, telling me what I still have to do. Housework, cooking, taking care of loved ones, taking time for myself ... and riding my bike. I often get the feeling that there aren't enough hours in the day. To manage everything? Impossible. Something always has to fall behind, something is always left for the next day.
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
- Albert Einstein
The bicycle as a place of retreat
Cycling is always high on the priority list for me. It is an important part of my life, and I happily leave other things to do it. I love the feeling of being free and alive when I'm on my bike and riding through the countryside. But cycling also means so much more to me. It helps me calm my constant carousel of thoughts and focus on the right here, right now. The impressions, the fresh air, the movement of my legs and the feeling of my pulse picking up speed are soothing for my soul. For a while, I can push my thoughts, to-dos and worries aside and just enjoy the moment. So cycling helps me find my work-ride balance and feel mentally and physically healthy. It's an important part of my life and I would always prioritize it, even if that means leaving other things behind. It's just something that means an infinite amount to me.
Finding and maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult. We all have commitments and obligations that take up our time, and sometimes it feels like we don't have enough hours in a day to get everything done. Add to that the pressure to always be productive and successful, both at work and in our free time. It's no wonder that many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed, and struggle to find a work-life balance.
My tips for achieving work-ride balance:
But there are ways to get closer to and maintain work-life balance. Here are some tips that can help you, which I am also currently trying to implement for myself:
#1 - Prioritize:
It is important to become clear about what is essential for us in life. What are the things that make us happy and give us energy? What are the necessary duties that we need to fulfill? When we know our priorities, we can better decide how to allocate our time and which things we might prefer to exclude to have more time for the crucial things in life.
#2 - Realize that a day has only 24 hours:
It is important to realize that we have limited time and that it is impossible to accomplish everything we set out to do. Each one of us experiences this. But the next day will certainly be different again. So pay attention to the good things and don't ruminate too long about all the things that didn't work out. It is important to remain realistic and to focus on what is crucial and makes us happy.
#3 - Accept or change:
When we don't like or feel good about something in our lives, there are two options: Either we accept it, or we change it. If we cannot change something, it is important to accept it and learn to deal with it. If we can change it, we should have the courage to do so, even if it is sometimes difficult.
#4 - Be open:
Every person is different and has different needs and priorities in life. That's why it's important to be open to the possibilities that life offers us, and not just do what others expect of us or what society considers "right". Instead, we should listen to ourselves and do what is good for us and makes us happy.
When I first heard about work-life balance, I thought to myself, "Yeah sure, that would be nice. But who can really manage it?" I'm enough of a realist to know that there are days when I have to choose: Work or play? Work or exercise? Sometimes it feels like I always have to choose one side and neglect the other. But still, every day I try to make the most of it and feel balanced.
And you?
As I said, I'm trying to implement these tips for myself right now, but I'm sure each of us has found different ways for ourselves. So, I'm curious: What are your tips for getting closer to work-ride balance? You are welcome to share them with me in the comments.
New Bike Day - Ribble CGR SL Gravel Bike Shimano GRX Di2
Let's start at the very beginning of the story. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Stop, stop! Not so far at the beginning. So... Our "old" Gravel Bikes accompanied us now since the middle of 2020 on the most different undergrounds and some short and a few longer tours.
The reasons for choosing our bikes was "then", as I'm sure it was for many of you: availability. To be precise: the availability in the right frame size and in the right budget. Getting a suitable bike was really a challenge in the summer of 2020 (not that it isn't just as difficult now). Björn was able to secure his Canyon Grail CF SL as a job bike, while I rattled off various stores in Hamburg and online stores for the right bike for me. In the end, it was then a Specialized Diverge Base Carbon, which was slightly above my budget and actually could have been a frame size larger. Except for a few criteria, we had little idea of what we really needed when it came to bikes. We just wanted to make us outside a nice time for two on the bike.
Something we didn't know at the time? How our ideas about cycling would change in two years.
Bikepacking was in any case in the year for us no topic at all and therefore we have not paid attention to whether this would be possible with the bikes at all. After our first bikepacking experience, where we were on the road without tent, sleeping bag and Co, but only with clothes for a few days, it was clear to us: for tours where we want to be completely independent, our bikes are not optimal. Well, especially Björn's not. The Diverge fits there quite well, but that's another topic.
In our search for suitable bikes and / or possible bike partners, we finally came across Ribble Cycles from England or instead were made attentive. So one thing led to another, and we could acquire Ribble as a partner. We are very excited about this.
After a few impatient weeks of waiting, our new bikes finally arrived.
Since we will never be super sporty cyclists and don't intend to be, we chose the bikes according to our needs and purpose. Fortunately, Ribble offers a massive selection of bikes that can be built according to your wishes. The Bike Builder on Ribble's website makes it easy, and in the end, you don't get a bike off the rack as everyone else might have.
The bike of our choice: The Ribble CGR SL
Due to difficult availability, the Ribble CGR (Cross. Gravel. Road) SL is currently the best alternative to the Ribble Gravel (Explore. Race. Escape.) SL, which would be the dream bike for us to bike pack. The frame of the Gravel SL offers more possible bolt-on locations than that of the CGR.
We have opted for 650B tires in a 47 wide. The wide tires are suitable for a variety of surfaces and give us a safe feeling even with a lot of luggage.
Of course, the WTB tires are tubeless-ready, and one of our next steps will be to put this to use. There is still plenty of clearance in the frame of the CGR SL - which means we could even fit wider tires if we wanted to. The carbon frame of the CGR SL has a sporty geometry, so 28-inch wheels and narrower tires could be installed as well. This definitely makes this bike a perfect "all-rounder" for us.
A stable aluminum LEVEL handlebar with plenty of room for bags through a nice flare, a Shimano GRX Di2 shift group 1×11 speed and a Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brake complete the whole.
Especially the electronic groupset impressed us directly on the first ride. We no longer want to do without it. The difference to mechanical shifting (especially the Sram Apex 1 on my Diverge) is gigantic.
Visually, the Ribble CGR SL is also very nice to look at. As soon as we are back home after a ride, we can hardly wait to go again with the new Ribble bikes.
The bike and its components are a lot of fun. Next, we test the bikes for their bikepacking capabilities. We suspect that this experience will also be really good!
Technical facts
MATERIAL
Toray T1000/T800 full carbon monocoque
GROUPSET
Shimano GRX Di2 RX815 1×11 speed
BRAKES
Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc
HANDLEBAR & STEM
Level Gravel light alloy 6061 31.8 Flared handlebar // Level 1 light alloy stem
WHEELSET
Mavic ALLROAD SL DISC CL Road+ wheelset
TIRES
WTB Byway Road Plus TCS Tires Tan 650 x 47c
VIDEO
Check out our NEW BIKE DAY vlog on YouTube.
Cycling as a couple: how to have fun together on the bike
Couples, including us, don't always share the same interests and goals in all situations. Supposedly, however, this is precisely how tensions and stress can be reduced. I wonder if that's really the case.
It's easy to see - both of us love to spend our time together outdoors on the bike. It just makes us happy to be able to share this passion.
In our experience, it's nice to know that when free time comes up, like most weekends, we don't have to leave our partner at home.
By the way, this also makes the question of what we're gonna do the following weekend superfluous.
Whether our tours are romantic every time? Probably not. Nor are they always harmonious, because on some days there's always something to complain about, which can be challenging. That goes for both of us. But most of the time we have a lot of fun together. We laugh a lot, motivate each other with funny things and nonsense, listen to each other when they need a break, something to eat, or something else and love to discover the surroundings together. Especially on longer routes, we can motivate each other - or when it's time to get up early. It's not that we love getting up in the dark.
Whether we individually would have come up with the idea to spend whole days or more on the bike? We can not know what if, but we can assume that we would not necessarily have come alone. Björn was always relatively urban with his fixies, and riding a road bike as a sport was never his thing. And for me, the bike was always a means of transportation. But I also didn't have a good bike before I met Björn. So we both benefit from it because our joint tours, experiences, and plans for cycling bring us closer together.
The advantages of cycling with your partner? We know each other so well and know exactly where the other's challenges lie. We know each other's fitness levels, consider this when planning, and motivate each other when one is more, and the other is less keen. We spend the time planning together and, in the end, riding together. Simply put: share quality time together, away from everyday life and many other people.
The key to a relaxed bike ride with your partner is thoughtfulness. What feels like a challenge the first time is soon replaced by safety. You know how your partner behaves on the bike (at least most of the time). You get to know each other away from all the distractions of our modern world. You can also learn how to manage crises together. May that be only a mechanical problem, a flat tire, or feeling good old hangry during a tour, this can also be transferred to everyday life. After all, most problems can be solved.
You're in love with cycling, but your partner isn't? Share your passion. Enthusiasm for something can be contagious.
We have 8 tips for you, which can help you to awaken the enthusiasm for cycling in him/her. Most importantly, remember what sparked the fire in you.
// TIP #1 - MATCHING BIKE
It is important that you make sure that your partner has a bike that fits him/her. An important criterion is the size of the bike. If you have a super light road bike, but your partner is still riding a heavy Dutch bike, it won't be fun for either of you. Instead, you should make sure that your partner has a bike that fits him/her well and makes cycling fun for him/her.
// TIP #2 - PLAN TOGETHER
It is important that you plan your tour together and stay realistic. So talk to each other about your preferences and needs and find a tour that works well for both of you. It is not necessary that you make a tour of 100 km. Instead, you can choose smaller routes and slowly work your way up to longer tours. This way you can make sure that you enjoy your tour and can do it without stress.
// TIP #3 - PAUSES
It is important that you take enough breaks while you are on the road. Make sure you give each other enough time to catch your breath and recover. Remember to have enough to eat and drink, or make sure you have access to food and fluids along the way. Breaks are important to make sure you both stay fit and rested and to avoid injury and overexertion. Take care of each other while you are on the road.
// TIP #4 - REWARDS
It is important that you occasionally reward yourselves while you are on the road. One way to do this would be to reward yourselves with a delicious meal after your journey together. Or you can schedule specific breaks where you can reward yourself with a piece of cake or a scoop of ice cream. Rewards are important to make cycling a more enjoyable experience and keep you motivated. After all, it's nice to treat yourself to something special every now and then. So make sure you reward yourself while you're out and about and enjoy life's little pleasures.
// TIP #5 - ANTICIPATION
It is important to ask your partner what he/she likes and if there are certain places he/she would like to visit. There may also be special preferences that you should take into account when planning your tour. By involving your partner in the planning and taking into account his/her wishes and preferences, you can not only increase the anticipation of your tour, but also significantly increase motivation. After all, it's much nicer to do something that you really enjoy and that you like to do.
// TIP #6 - EXIT STRATEGY
It would be really bad if during your first tour together you get stuck in "nowhere" and can't move on when there are problems, whether they are mechanical or physical. Therefore, it is important that you plan your tour so that there is always a way out nearby. This could mean choosing a route that is close to villages or towns, or always carrying enough provisions and tools to make minor repairs yourself. This way you can ensure that you will always be able to continue your tour, even if there are unforeseen problems. This way you can be sure that you will enjoy your tour and be able to do it without stress.
// TIP #7 - SUITABLE SEASON
It is important that you start your tour at a time when the weather is good and you do not have to be out in the cold and rain. After all, the conditions should be as pleasant as possible so that you can enjoy your tour. Summer is often the best time for this, as the weather is usually warm and dry. Of course, there are good opportunities for a bike tour in other seasons as well, as long as the weather is good. Focus on what is really important: the time together and the cycling.
// TIP #8 - WITHOUT PRESSURE
It is important that you are patient and that you listen to your partner. Observe how he/she feels and share your enthusiasm for cycling. Don't put pressure on your partner, but give him/her the time and space he/she needs to get used to and enjoy cycling. Encourage him:her, but don't push him:her to do something he:she doesn't want to do. This way you can make sure you have a great time together and that you can enjoy your ride without stress or frustration. Don't forget that cycling should be first and foremost a pleasure and that it is important that you are both happy with it.
Have fun on the bike and tell us if it worked out. Also tell us about your tips that we might be able to add.
Welcome to Ride Punk Ride
Moin and welcome to www.ridepunkride.com!
We are Jana & Björn, two enthusiastic cyclists, who like to share everything cycling in our lives. So far, we've only done that on our Instagram profile, but we want more. We really like Instagram and spend a lot of time there, but there are just some things we don't like about the platform.
For example, Instagram is very restrictive when it comes to image formats. We've had many discussions about how a picture looks much better in landscape format, but is displayed too small on Instagram to attract attention. Text length is also limited on Instagram and sometimes there are photos that just don't "work" on the platform.
With this website, we solve all these problems for ourselves because we can write in more detail about things that are otherwise overlooked on Instagram. We can share more photos and publish them in appropriate size and quality. Plus, it's fantastic to have something we can work on together. After all, we share a passion for cycling and also for photography and social media. So, why not try to make more of it?
Besides this website, we are making plans and thinking about ideas for the future. In this crazy year of 2020, we decided to take advantage of the time and start new projects. It's going to be exciting for sure.
Would you like to learn more about us? Then visit our "About us" page. There you can learn more about our history, our passion for cycling and us personally.
We are happy to have you here and hope you enjoy our posts!
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