There’s no doubt that fall is a great season for riding, with its beautiful colors and comfortable temperatures. We’ve seen many DAHON riders post about their rides on social media which have looked like a lot of fun!

To help fans prepare better for rides for cooler temperatures we’ve put together a special checklist.

Prep to think about before riding:

1. Try and get a decent sleep the night before riding to help prevent colds and improve immunity, so you feel fighting fit on your ride!
2. Eat some high-calorie food. And getting more vitamin C in your diet is another great way to improve your health.
3. Makes sure you warm up with stretching before riding. It warms up the body and can also avoid straining.
4. Carry a thermos bottle with enough hot water or hot drinks.
5. Pack a raincoat, as there’s more chance of rain during cooler times of the year.

What to pay attention to when riding a bike:

1. The riding speed of a road bike is fast, so stability riding downhill can be poor. When riding, make sure you pay full attention your bicycle’s movements.
2. Wear long-sleeved cycling clothes and knee pads when riding in autumn and winter to prevent leg cramps when you’re cold and on slopes. The knees are more prone to dampness and cold when there is a sudden change in heat and cold.
3. Pay attention to roadside animals, some may get in your path suddenly so it’s best to slow down in advance when you see them, especially when going downhill.
4. When encountering a detour on a slope, slow down in advance. Don’t compare it to the downhill speed of a certain section of the road.
5. Try to avoid sharp stones on the road, it could puncture your bike. Flat tires can be dangerous especially at high speeds.
6. Keep hydrated with water throughout your trip. Although you won’t sweat much cycling in autumn and winter, your body will still lose a lot of water. Adding some sports drinks in the mix can also reduce tiredness after cycling and help restore physical strength.

Cycling maintenance tips:

• Don’t forget to check if the tires need replacing regularly. If the tires are very worn, or are always punctured on the road, it is time to replace the tires—try to replace the front and rear tires together with the inner and outer tires. It is best to keep using the original tire specs that came with the model. After replacing new tires, it is good to monitor it closely to check it fits correctly by looking at the turning and braking to see if it feels smooth.
• Before riding your bike, check the chain, shifting gear, brakes, pedals, and saddle, fix the saddle firmly, and check whether the “quick release” parts of the wheels are tightened (to avoid them falling off on the road).

We hope you find this article useful and enjoy great rides in the coming months, stay safe!