Road to Fahrradmaus –
your way onto the bike with Paula
You would like to get into cycling but don’t know how? Then do like Paula. With no prior knowledge and a lot of passion, she wants to become a real what she calls herself “Fahrradmaus”, a person that’s a cycling enthusiast. We accompany Paula on her journey – so that you too can get started more quickly.
)
)
This is Paula.
On her Instagram channel @paula.enx, Paula Enzweiler takes her followers with her on her journey to her first half marathon. Now the 25-year-old from Berlin has set herself the goal of becoming a Fahrradmaus. Highly motivated, enthusiastic and sometimes a little chaotic, she discovers the first questions about necessary equipment, riding technique and shifting systems.
Come along and accompany Paula on her way to becoming a Fahrradmaus.
-
- Age
- 25 years
-
- paula.enx
-
- Place of residence
- Berlin
-
- Hobbies
- Running, surfing, travelling, cycling
)
)
Safety first: These are the basics
You can't do without a helmet. Paula learns the dress code straight away: Mountain bikers have a visor, road cyclists don’t. Otherwise keep in mind: The main thing is that the helmet fits and that you like it. Cycling glasses protect you from the wind and insects. What else? Sure, pedals. Flat pedals are best to start with. A jersey and cycling trousers are not a must, but they keep you dry and protect your bum.
For the pro look, add white cycling socks, with a high cut of course. Style check: Go.
)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
Nice to have:
Accessories for relaxed tours
A beautiful bike also needs to be properly secured. That's why a good bike lock is indispensable. A bottle cage is super practical for long tours. Paula also recommends a frame or saddle bag to stow repair kits, a pump and – the most important thing – snacks. By the way: At the latest after you have shouted "sorry" or "hello" 10 times, you will prefer a bell on your bike. We promise.
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
Tips for your first ride
Finally, you’re ready to go. Find a quiet road and familiarise yourself with the brakes, gears and handlebar. The basic position is at the front – the top is for relaxed passages, the bottom for fast ones. Use both levers to brake. Shift gears so that you feel comfortable. If it gets too hard, shift down – and vice versa. Over time, you can start pedalling faster, which saves energy and is easier on your joints – even if it doesn't feel like it at first.
Pimp my ride
If you ride a lot, you get lost a lot. For this reason alone, a GPS with a map function makes sense. In addition, you can make your progress more visible. If you're also riding in the evening, lighting is of course necessary. And even if rain can’t stop you from cycling, mudguards are a good idea.
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
Time for a firm commitment
Have you completed your first rides and feel confident on the bike? Then it's the right moment to get more out of yourself – time for clipless pedals. They make pedalling more efficient and enable faster cadence. Don't worry, you'll be able to click in and out as quickly as Paula.
)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
;BackgroundColor=ffffff)
Stay tuned.
Find out what happens next on Paula’s Instagram account.