When Are You a "Real Cyclist?"

Cycling culture can feel intimidating for beginners. Flashy gear, technical jargon, and experienced riders crushing kilometer after kilometer can create a sense of inadequacy. New cyclists might doubt their place in the community, questioning if they’re “real” cyclists yet. This feeling is common… but remember, everyone starts somewhere! Keep reading to find out why you ARE a cyclist, regardless of skill level, starting right now.

Photo from Steve (via Flickr)

Cycling can be intimidating, especially from the outside looking in. Maybe you’ve seen a riding group coming down your street, looking all dressed up and perfectly synchronized. Or maybe you’ve just seen some of the price tags on the bikes with all the bells and whistles at your LBS. That perception isn’t just limited to folks who’ve never pedaled a day in their life. If you’re a new cyclist starting out, there can be immense pressure to keep up — even with other beginners.

So you just bought your first bike and got out on the road. You might already be wondering: am I a cyclist now? You don’t quite fit in with the group ride folks yet, and you don’t know if you ever will. After all, they look so kitted out and organized. When does a beginner make that leap?

But don’t worry. This isn’t the Tour de France, and you don’t have to win a sprint or a summit finish to enjoy cycling! Because for amateurs, cycling is about joy, not competition. Forget the image of lycra-clad speed demons. Most people enjoy leisurely rides for exercise, exploration, or simply the feeling of the wind in their hair. Focus on your own enjoyment — every day in the saddle is a victory, regardless of pace or distance.

What makes it so difficult to determine when you are a “real cyclist?”

New cyclists often struggle to feel like “real” cyclists due to the vast gap in experience. Advanced riders navigate technical routes with ease, while beginners might still be mastering basic skills. This disparity can be discouraging, making some feel they haven’t “earned” their place in the cycling world. What else contributes to this feeling?

Training and nutrition can be complex.

The depth of cycling training plans, specific nutrition advice, and the meticulous preparation involved in cycling at the highest level can be intimidating for beginners. New cyclists might be discouraged by the complex and nuanced information they find online, leading them to believe cycling is overly complicated.

Group encounters may not inspire confidence.

Fast group rides with unspoken etiquette can be overwhelming for beginners. Unfamiliar routes, technical skills expected by the group, and maintaining pace can all contribute to feeling anxious or out of place on a group ride. In fact, this is why many beginners tend to shy away from group riding at first.

Cycling isn’t common in all parts of the world.

In many regions, cycling infrastructure is limited. Maybe there are only a few routes in your hometown, or riding on the road is unsafe. Consequently, dedicated bike shops or beginner riding groups are scarce. A lack of support can make finding guidance and fellow enthusiasts difficult for new cyclists, hindering their motivation.

Cycling gear can be expensive, especially for beginners.

High-end bikes and cycling attire dominate the scene, creating pressure for beginners. The perception of needing expensive gear to fit in discourages some from joining the cycling community in full.

Do beginner cyclists have imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome trips up high-achievers, planting a seed of doubt about their skills and successes. This can happen in their career, school… or even hobbies like cycling. They worry they’ll be exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence of their competence. This internal critic constantly whispers negativity, hindering confidence and enjoyment. It can even prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Beginner cyclists often grapple with imposter syndrome because of all the factors mentioned above. Seeing experienced riders can trigger feelings of inadequacy. Doubting abilities or fearing judgment can hold someone back from venturing on new routes or attempting difficult climbs, hindering their exploration and enjoyment of cycling.

If you want to enjoy cycling to the fullest, it’s important to be aware of this and conquer your imposter syndrome one step at a time! Put focus on your progress, celebrate your milestones (no matter how small), and remember — everyone starts somewhere. If you find yourself facing these feelings, it’s time to shift your focus from comparing yourself to others to just enjoying your own ride.

Bottom line: there is no such thing as a real cyclist.

Forget the myth of a “real cyclist.” Beginners are just as much cyclists as the guy with expensive gear or the folks leading the group ride. There’s no finish line or qualification test to be a cyclist. Cycling is for everyone, regardless of experience or skill level. Keep your eyes on the joy of riding and the sense of accomplishment you earn with every pedal stroke.

Above all, ignore the elitists who gatekeep cycling. Elitist cyclists can lurk in online forums, high-end bike shops, or even your local trail or bike path. Their negativity might come in subtle forms like scoffs at basic gear or dismissive comments about pace. Remember, their judgment reflects poorly on them, not you. Cycling is for everyone, from leisurely cruisers to weekend warriors. Your enjoyment is the only metric that matters.

Cycling is more accessible than ever.

Remember that spin classes and Peloton bikes brought cycling indoors, making it more accessible to a wider audience. People who might not have considered cycling outdoors due to weather, safety concerns, or lack of dedicated space can now experience the workout benefits and exhilaration of a bike ride in a controlled environment. These options offer a variety of difficulty levels, catering to both beginners and seasoned cyclists, and many even boast a strong sense of community that keeps people motivated and engaged. They also mean that you can be a cyclist even if you’ve never ridden out on the road!

Turn your doubts into development.

That nagging feeling you’re not a “real cyclist?” It could be a hidden opportunity. It might signal a desire to push your own boundaries and explore new aspects of cycling. Embrace this! Challenge yourself with tougher routes, consider upgrading your gear, or join a cycling group to learn and advance your skills. When you redefine your cycling life like this, it’s on your own terms.

Read more: 5 Classic Cross-Training Workouts to Boost Your Cycling This Year (CyclingScoop)

How can you feel more like a real cyclist?

It’s easy to say stop worrying about imposter syndrome — it’s much more difficult to do it. If you’re new to cycling and feeling like an outsider, don’t worry. Elitist attitudes or your own doubts shouldn’t be enough to hold you back. Here are five easy ideas to shrug off those negative feelings and truly immerse yourself in the joy of cycling, regardless of experience level.

Explore Unfamiliar Paths: As you might have guessed, there’s no routes that a “real cyclist” prefers over others. For your next ride, plan a beginner-friendly adventure on a new bike path or scenic trail. You might be surprised by the great discoveries you make.
Fuel Your Fun: Embrace the “coffee ride” concept! Grab a friend (beginner or not!) and explore a local route with a delicious coffee stop as your reward. It’s about the journey, not the miles.
- Read more: coffee ride
Spread the Cycling Joy: Organize a “learn-to-ride” group outing with friends who’ve never biked before. You may be able to find a bike rental shop in your area that will help them get geared up for a fantastic day on the road together. Sharing your passion and seeing them have so much fun doing a hobby you love is a win for everyone.
Gear Up for Comfort, Not Competition: Ignore the fancy gear if it’s outside of your price range. Invest in basic safety gear and prioritize comfort upgrades like a well-fitting seat or padded gloves. Enjoying the ride is your goal, not keeping up with the Joneses.
Level Up on Your Own Terms: Redefine your cycling life through personal challenges! Set a realistic goal, like a short hill climb or a longer distance ride. You can even create a training plan to build up to it over time. Celebrate every accomplishment and watch your skills — and confidence — soar.

Read more: The Joy of the Coffee Ride (CyclingScoop)

Read more: What to Expect on Your First Cycling Group Ride (CyclingScoop)

Closing thoughts.

Cycling is a gift: the freedom of the open road, the satisfaction of physical accomplishment, and a unique connection to the world around you. Don’t let fear of not being a “real cyclist” prevent you from experiencing its magic. You can celebrate every milestone, big or small. And keep cycling on your own terms — ultimately, it’s about what you want it to be, not what others think.

Remember, there’s a vibrant cycling community waiting to welcome you, filled with people who share your passion for the ride. Dust off that bike in the garage to explore a new route or grab a friend for a coffee ride.

Every cyclist is a real cyclist when they make every ride a chance to create new memories and experiences.

Do you consider yourself a real cyclist? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! ★

When Are You a “Real Cyclist?”