4 Things You Need to Know to Start Biking like a Pro

Congratulations on getting your first bicycle! Now that you have one, it’s time to start gearing up for all those future afternoons seeing the sights while pedaling all over Singapore.
Here are four things you need to know to start pedaling like a pro:

1. If you can walk, you can ride a bike.
Leaning how to ride a bicycle is easier than you think – all it takes is a little practice and a willingness to take the time (a few hours at worst) to learn.

If you’re having trouble with getting your feet on the ground, adjust the saddle height. This keeps you from falling by allowing your feet to reach the ground enough to stop and balance yourself.

2. Always have spare parts on hand.
Whether it’s a tire, a whole rim, an extra chain, or an extra set of brake pads, having these in handy does a lot to minimize the hassle of having to look for replacements from your nearby bicycle shop in Singapore, especially for customized bikes or hybrids.

When it comes to bicycle accessories, be sure to get ones that are best suited to the kind of cycling that you’re planning on doing. For instance, there’s no need to attach a basket on the front of your mountain bike or dirt bike, as chances are that whatever’s in there might simply bounce and fall off because of bumpy terrain.

The same could be said for you. Cycling can work up your muscles and tire you out, so always be sure to carry a towel and a bottle of water whenever you pedal.

3. Traffic safety!
Use the sidewalk (or the bicycle lane) when cycling on the road. As much as possible, stick to the sides to minimize any chances of you running into angry drivers, metaphorically and literally.

Follow traffic signals and pedestrian lanes! As a cyclist, you fall somewhere between a vehicle and a pedestrian, which means you have to give priority to both.

4. Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance.
This is especially important when you’re planning on off-road biking in Singapore, as rough terrain can easily wear out certain parts of your bike. The same can be said for the brakes (a simple way for knowing when to replace them is by checking if there are no grooves on the brake pads).

But this can also apply to ordinary bikers as a precautionary measure. Even though a bicycle shop is just a few minutes away, you would find that constantly replacing parts and bicycle accessories can be a bit of a hassle.

Fortunately, looking for a bicycle shop is easy in Singapore, and you can even order from a wide range of spare parts, bicycle accessories, and even an entire bike. The best part? You can even order online and have your order delivered right to your doorstep.

Taking care of your bike is really easy to do. All you need to clean it is a good rag, an old toothbrush, soap, and water. As long as you dry it thoroughly, you can keep your bike looking good as new for a long time.

(Disclaimer: This list is compiled in no particular order.)

6 Tips for Picking the Right Tennis Coach for Your Child

If you’re not a professional player or a tennis coach yourself, then picking the best coach for your aspiring little tennis player may become rather challenging for you.

It’s no secret that tennis is a very technical sport and a great coach plays an important role in the preparation of a good tennis player. Do not make the mistake of honing your child’s talent the wrong way by sending him to an uncompetitive coach. Here are some tips to ensure your child is getting the best tennis lessons in Singapore from the right tennis pro.

  1. Choose a coach with enthusiastic and competitive personality.

You want a tennis coach who is energetic, enthusiastic and someone who constantly challenges your child. Consistent challenge will keep your little one interested and excited to learn tennis. The best instructor will always be able to find fun ways to challenge young players, so make sure to look for one with tennis coaching experience with junior players in Singapore.

  1. Make sure the instructor matches your child’s personality.

It’s easy to find the most qualified tennis coach in Singapore, but finding the right one who can get along with your child on a personal level requires more time and effort. A coach is not just a coach, but also a mentor that will help home your child’s attitude towards the sport, which can possibly make or break him in the future.

  1. Check with your child if he wants private or group lessons.

Some kids want to learn and play with their friends, while others feel self-conscious around others especially if they are still beginners. Try out both settings for your child’s tennis lessons to see what environment he prefers.

  1. There’s no need to go for the most expensive trainer.

You do not need the most expensive tennis coaching for your child. The most important thing is that the coach is able to impart the fundamental lessons to your child. However, if your child looks at tennis as a recreational sport, then the feeling of comfort while training with the instructor must be the topmost priority.

  1. Pick a coach with extensive experience on child training.

Kids naturally love games. That’s a given. So you’ll want a trainer who has extensive experience with training children who are just getting into the sport for the first time. One of the most important tennis lessons is to enjoy your time while playing in the court. Implementation of other games and knowing when to do so helps teach your child on the application of the fundamentals of the sport in a seamless manner.

  1. Try asking recommendations from other parents.

Last tip but certainly not the least, try asking other parents if they were satisfied with the training the coach have provided to their youngsters. Most tennis instructors will be more than willing to provide you with references. Positive feedbacks from previous clients go a long way in helping you decide whether a prospect coach fits your little player’s needs.

Hopefully, these tips will help you make an educated decision for your child’s tennis coaching needs. Whether your child is playing the sport for fun or aiming to be the next Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, there’s a right coach out there for your child.