5 Cycling Mistakes That Ruin Your Ride (And How to Fix Them)
Comfort starts with the right gear — not the toughest legs
If you’ve ever finished a ride with sore muscles, saddle pain, or drenched in sweat, chances are you’ve fallen into one of the most common cycling traps. But don’t worry — even experienced riders make these mistakes. The good news? They're easy to fix with the right gear and preparation.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 of the most common cycling mistakes and show you how to avoid them so you can ride longer, stronger, and pain-free.
1. Wearing the Wrong Clothing
The Mistake: Riding in gym shorts, cotton t-shirts, or anything that isn’t designed for cycling.
The Result: Sweat buildup, chafing, and discomfort just a few kilometers into the ride.
The Fix: Invest in moisture-wicking, breathable, and padded gear that’s made for performance. The right clothing reduces friction, regulates temperature, and provides strategic support in areas that matter most.
Recommended gear:
- Cycling Underwear – Anti-Sweat Quick Dry Shorts: With 5D gel padding and breathable mesh, this base layer absorbs road vibration and keeps you cool and dry, even on long rides.
- Men’s Cycling Jersey – Short Sleeve: A lightweight jersey designed for warm weather, featuring moisture-wicking fabric, full front zipper, and rear storage pockets.
2. Poor Bike Fit
The Mistake: Riding a bike that’s not set up for your body.
The Result: Knee pain, lower back aches, numb hands, and reduced power output.
The Fix: Adjust saddle height, reach, and handlebar position to match your body and riding style. A professional bike fitting is a game-changer — but even basic DIY adjustments can make a big difference.
3. Ignoring Hydration and Fueling
The Mistake: Forgetting to eat or drink during your ride.
The Result: Energy crashes, dizziness, and a serious drop in performance (aka “bonking”).
The Fix: Hydrate consistently throughout your ride, even before you feel thirsty. For rides over 60 minutes, bring along snacks like bananas, energy bars, or electrolyte drinks.
4. Skipping Padded Shorts
The Mistake: Riding without proper padding, or using casual shorts over long distances.
The Result: Saddle sores, discomfort, and the urge to never ride again.
The Fix: Wear high-quality padded cycling underwear or bib shorts. They’re designed to reduce pressure points and friction during movement — and yes, they’re meant to be worn without underwear for maximum comfort.
Try this: Cycling Underwear – Anti-Sweat Quick Dry Shorts offers gel-padded shock absorption, sweat control, and a true-to-size fit. It’s your saddle’s best friend.
5. Overtraining or Undertraining
The Mistake: Either riding too hard too often, or not training enough to see results.
The Result: Burnout, plateaus, or even injury from lack of recovery.
The Fix: Follow a balanced training plan with varied intensity. Mix long endurance rides with recovery days and strength-building sessions. Progress comes with consistency — not exhaustion.
Bonus Tip: Fix These Mistakes with Smart Gear Choices
| Pain Point | What Helps |
|---|---|
| Saddle pain and chafing | Gel-padded cycling underwear |
| Overheating on warm rides | Moisture-wicking short sleeve jersey |
| Unstable pockets | Rear pockets designed for cycling (like in our jersey) |
| Low visibility | High-visibility accessories and reflective gear |
Final Thoughts: Let the Gear Work for You
Every cyclist makes mistakes — but with the right gear and a bit of know-how, you can prevent most of them. Prioritize comfort, hydration, smart training, and proper apparel, and your rides will become more enjoyable and efficient.
Ready to ride with more comfort and less guesswork? Equip yourself with purpose-built apparel that supports your goals, from base layers to jerseys.
Explore our full line of cycling underwear and summer jerseys at Velo Cycling Store.
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