Where do I go for a ride?

Craig says: “Good local bike shops are always a good start to ask because you are dealing with people who do ride and know the local area. Other than that websites like Sustrans have really good information on where is good to ride. There are maps on the Sustrans websites that highlight where to go.

“Most local parks are cycling friendly, but it’s worth checking. There are some local parks that cyclists are discouraged from using. Coastal roads tend to be flatter and have paths running beside them.”

What do I ride?

Craig says: “Whatever you’ve got handy at the time, get it into a shop and get it good and safe and get out and get riding. You don’t have to spend a lot of money but the more you spend the easier it is going to be and the more you are going to enjoy it.

“Identifying the right kind of bike for the type of riding you want to do is key. There is no point buying a heavy, cheap full suspension bike if you are going to only ever ride on the roads. Your local bike shop will be able to advise you on what you need.”

How should I set up my bike?

Craig says: “The biggest mistake people getting into cycling tend to make is setting their saddles way too low, which simply means when they pedal their legs are coming up way too high, which is really hard work. It makes you feel confident because you can get your feet on the floor, but it’s not the most efficient way to ride.

“The real technique is getting yourself higher in the seat, which means you won’t be able to put your feet on the floor while riding. You’ve got to learn to set off without sitting on the saddle. As you push down on the pedal to set off you put your backside on the saddle. That nice high saddle means pedalling is much easier.”

What about getting used to going up hills?

Craig says: “The more you do it the easier it is. Something less experienced riders tend to do is choose a really easy gear that actually means your legs spin really fast and it’s really hard work. So choose a gear that is appropriate for a nice smooth pedal stroke.

“Try and keep a nice steady cadence you can keep going. If you are in too big a gear you will be overworking the muscles and you’ll get tired and a lot of fatigue in your legs. If you are in too easy a gear your legs will go around too fast and your heart can’t keep up and you will get tired very, very quickly.”

Why not go electric?

Craig says: “For people who have maybe got hip problems or knee problems, or they are just not as fit and they want to get into it, an eBike, which is a power assisted bike and not an electric bike, is the absolutely perfect thing.

“You decide how much assistance you want and the bike starts helping you as soon as you turn the pedals. The motor assists that pedal stroke and you decide how much assistance you want."