Why 2025 is the year to pick up cycling as a hobby
Riding a bike has all kinds of perks, from fitness to adventures, and improved mental health
Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve ridden a bike. As kids, it was a great way to spend your summers, riding around during the hot days of July and August, exploring your town or the countryside. And maybe you still ride–spin classes or at the gym. But why not make 2025 the year you get in on the joys of cycling as a hobby?
There’s more than one way to rediscover the love of cycling. Nowadays, you have all kinds of choices as to what pair of wheels you roll with.
Road riding
Road bikes have come a long way. The top-end bikes have electronic shifting, disc brakes and are much lighter and faster than ones you may remember. They also come at a price–high-end race-specific bikes can be over $10,000.
But you don’t necessarily need one of those. There are plenty of used bikes out there that may be a little older, but are perfect for hour-long or two-hour rides. As far as pedals, you can use platform or clipless pedals. The latter involve special cleats that attach from your shoes into the pedals. But if you’re nervous about that, start with platform pedals and running shoes. If you get into riding road, you could upgrade–the power transfer and comfort on long rides can be bolstered by clipless.
Gravel
Gravel biking has become very popular in the last decade. The bicycles resemble a cross between a road bike and MTB, with knobbier tires and more clearance in case you get into mud. The great part about gravel bikes is you can mix up your rides–start on the road, head onto some gravel roads, or even some trails. It’s a versatile way to explore the countryside, bike paths in cities, or even go camping.
Bike packing is a very fun way to head on overnight adventures. You can affix bike bags to your bike and pack a tent, sleeping bag and essential gear and head off on some fun rides with friends.
Mountain biking
Mountain bikes have also come a long way. Modern mountain bikes will have not just a front, but a rear set of shocks, or suspension. That means you can head out onto some pretty gnarly trails and feel confident going over roots or ruts. It’s a great way to ride with friends as well. If you’re looking to get into it, there are plenty of clubs and meetups online that can help you pick a bike or work on your skills.
Most trails have a variety of skill levels, so you can start with an easier section before trying something trickier. If you’re not into heading onto rough stuff, you can also use your MTB in the same way you’d use a gravel bike and head off to the countryside on some less-travelled roads.
Fat biking
Fat biking is a great way to enjoy cycling at a slightly slower speed—but with a near-invincible ride. The name comes from very large-sized tires and wider rims. That means you can ride over or through anything—logs, sand, mud—you name it. It also means you will be going quite a bit slower–but that’s the fun of it. You can ride through challenging trails that may seem daunting on a regular MTB, but use it as a way to learn more about how to carve the corners.
Fat biking is also a great way to enjoy the winters. Since you’re going quite a bit slower than on a regular MTB or road bike, it’s a great way to stay warm. Many cross-country ski areas also offer groomed trails for fat biking, so it’s a nice way to head out on the weekend and enjoy the great outdoors when it’s cold out.
Benefits of riding
Riding has all sorts of benefits that make it an appealing activity for people of all ages. It improves physical health by providing a full-body workout that strengthens muscles, boosts cardiovascular fitness, and helps maintain a healthy weight, all while being gentle on the joints. The mental health advantages are equally significant, as regular rides reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and creating a sense of freedom and adventure.
Plus, cycling outdoors connects riders with nature, enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, it’s an eco-friendly mode of transportation that reduces carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and commuting costs, making it as good for the planet as it is for personal health. Not only is commuting a great way to save cash and use less gas—if you ride to and from work, you’re bookending your day with exercise and a stress reliever.