From your first pair of clipless shoes to a race-ready upgrade, choosing the right cycling shoes doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how to find the best fit for every ride.

Padded cycling shorts are one of those pieces of cycling kit that make far more sense once you've ridden in them than they do hanging on a shop rail. They aren't designed to make your saddle feel soft. Their job is to reduce friction, support your sit bones and deal with sweat over hours in the saddle. Get the right pair and you soon forget you're wearing them, which is exactly what good cycling shorts should do.

Cycling is a unique activity in that it can be as cheap or expensive as you want, but certain bike types, like commuters and hybrids, are inherently cheaper than, say, electric bikes and mountain bikes.

Whether you're watching the Tour de France, tackling your first climb or scrolling through Strava, you've probably come across terms like Category 1 or Hors Catégorie (HC). Cycling climbs are graded from Category 4, the easiest, to HC, the hardest. Understanding those categories helps you judge how demanding a climb is and why some mountains play such an important role in professional racing.

A good indoor cycling setup should make you want to ride more often. The latest smart trainers and smart bikes are quieter, more accurate and more enjoyable to ride than ever before, making it simple to ride realistic routes, complete structured workouts and prepare for your next event without leaving home.

If the first few minutes of every ride feel stiff, heavy or uncomfortable, you're not alone. Most beginners assume it's because they're not fit enough, but that's rarely the real reason. More often than not, it's simply because they've asked their body to go from sitting still to riding a bike without giving it any time to wake up. The good news is that warming up doesn't need to be complicated.

Post-bike ride stretches are simple static stretches performed after cycling to reduce muscle tightness, improve flexibility and help your body recover. Whether you've just finished an easy recovery spin or a long day in the saddle, spending five or ten minutes stretching while your muscles are still warm can leave you feeling noticeably looser and more comfortable later in the day, and often the morning after too.

Cycling puts serious demands on your lower body and – as most cyclists or fans of the sport know – those who cycle regularly often have well-developed leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps and calves. But what about the glutes?

If you've ever reached the bottom of a climb and wondered how you're going to get to the top, you're not alone. Every cyclist has ridden a hill that felt harder than expected, whether it was a local climb or a famous mountain pass.