10 Old School Tips For Beginner Cyclists.

[@cyberfunk3793]

I also have a common sense bicycling tip: always assume the car drivers don't see you, drive irrationallay and could even be drunk. It doesn't matter who is right, the bicycle always loses against a car so better not to collide in the first place.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Might be a little extreme but not a bad starting g point.

[@robari2410]

@@jollygoodvelo Not extreme at all. It all depends where do you ride, in some cities folks don't like cyclist around them and are very rude and/or distracted like texting. I can attest to that in many places in the USA unfortunately.

[@rollandjoeseph]

I highly agree and practice the same philosophy!

[@christian_traxler]

Absolutely!

[@bromptinowner763]

Self preservation is what it is !!!

[@jameslakeman344]

Here’s some of others you could add 1: Beware cycling into low sun in the winter, drivers can struggle to see you 2: Always ride with flashing lights day or night, always be visible 3: If possible let your other half know where you’re intending on going and when you expect to be back 4: Always ensure your mobile has a full battery if you take it with you 5: Do as much preparation the night before your ride if you’re heading out in the morning bottles, bike checks, kit ready 6: Don’t ride in snow or ice like I did and break your collarbone, stick to the turbo trainer sometimes 7: Clean your dirty bike when you get back from a mucky ride so it’s all ready to ride again on the next one 8: Don’t double dip chamois cream 9: Put the what3words app on your phone, incase of emergency 10: If you’re planning a longer ride, check where you can potentially refill water bottles and get food supplies if needed

[@richardharding9385]

Got to laugh about No.4 I rode from 1969-2003 without a Mobile probably covering 200,000 miles of which 70,000 was Audax miles. But I do carry one now😁

[@glennoc8585]

@@richardharding9385 There were those red boxes with windows that had a phone inside which were a godsend to many a cyclist. Without a mobile you're pretty well up the proverbial now. In someways it's worse now as the phones boxes are pretty much gone and you might wish there was one if there's no tower signal.

[@Nckgdmn]

Wholeheartedly agree with number 6, broken and dislocated thumb for me and could have been much worse

[@andrewgrant3470]

Here’s my tip to new cyclist. When riding along past parked cars look in the mirrors of the cars firstly to see if they are occupied secondly as the body language head movement of the driver may give you an early indication that they are going to open a door or pull out. Goes very much inline with your make eye contact tip

[@mancello]

Another tip. Run lights during the day. Flashing red in the rear and steady or flashing white in the front. Especially useful in a congested urban environment.

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s a good one too. I rarely ride in that sort of environment so I didn’t think of it.

[@Mosely2007]

I Always use lights and helmet with a mirror. Been hit from behind. Bright colors, helmet and socks. Eyes catch it. Drivers are distracted here

[@jasonschubert6828]

I read that as running traffic lights, and was thinking "that's not very good advice!" 😆

[@jp93309]

When approaching railway tracks, try to cross them at a perpendicular angle (90 degrees) to avoid slipping. Do this on dry and wet days.

[@grahambonner508]

And stay away from drain covers when cornering, especially in the wet.

[@amandajane8227]

Also Tram tracks.

[@Roq-stone]

Leonard, you actually give better advice than a lot of professionals.

[@grahamriley8124]

The advice about eye contact is so important. I cycle and I will never forget turning into a Go Outdoors - I had two oncoming cyclists in hiviz, lights and basically everything you can imagine to be seen. They were also waving frantically at me and I still made the turn without seeing them until I was going through the entrance. Due to their caution they were safe and I felt like a complete fool rather than living with a lifetime of guilt. Another event which always sticks in my memory was when I lived in Holland - the most bike friendly place I have ever been. I was cycling down a road and I saw a driver about to turn in and she was looking but she just had this look of someone under a bit of stress so I braked - lucky I did because sure enough she pulled out. Humans make mistakes, have bad days and just zone out sometimes. Whenever I am driving or cycling I try to keep some perspective but also stay focused.

[@phantomracer1050]

I'm with you 100% on helmets. I came off my bike unexpectedly last year so didn't have time to react and hit my head hard on the tarmac. Cracked my new helmet that I'd only had for a few weeks, but dread to think what would have happened if I'd not been wearing it!

[@michaelismichael4640]

Completely agree with you. I had a similar experience a few years ago. I was a bit shaken but helmet was toast! I'd either have left my kids fatherless or worse without a helmet.

[@whazzat8015]

We see a lot of head injuries from cyclists, after upper extremity and ankle. Don't want your head to limp. Concussion and facial injuries loom large. 15% of head injuries are facial

[@seanicky]

And in the next video... Tips 10 to 20, including, 11. Always run bright day lights, front and rear. Always. They are your best chance of not being pulled out on at T junctions and roundabouts. Buy the brightest most evil lights you can afford. 12. Always wear bright colours, always. Don't give in to fashion and wear the latest camouflage, wear dayglow, reds, yellows, whites. Never black, dark green or blues. 13, just remember every car driver is looking at their phone, not you.

[@rob-c.]

So we should wear bright colours and use lights… but drivers aren’t looking at us? 🤔

[@irgccg]

Agreed! Lights are a must!

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Agree. I do everything I can to be seen by drivers. I make hand signals for turns and slowing down. Also I gesture with my arm if I think a driver may not be seeing me. (The human eye responds to motion.)

[@Thefishyveteran]

This tip comes from my motorcycle days (IAM and ROSPA) if no one behind move to middle (if there is someone they will see them first) of lane you are in and watch the wheels for movement. Motorist don’t look in the near side of the road.

[@AK-qc8ss]

The eye contact tip with drivers is a great tip! Same thing when on a motorbike 👊

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s pretty important

[@dave136]

Great tip…I also keep an eye on the vehicles wheels to determine if that vehicle is moving or about to move👍🏻

[@alexparker8355]

I never used to use a lid till I hit a concrete post while avoiding a an on comming cyclest overtaking on a narrow cycle track, who left me for dead. I was rescued by a man mountain rastafarian Gent who walked me and my write off bike home best part of 3 miles. never got his name but if you see this thank you. approx 20 years ago. I now have 4 different lids for different types of riding and when in the cycling shop can't help checking the latest head hardware. laying in a pool of blood is not a good look.

[@chrisconnors7418]

I hadn’t heard that first one before; always something new to learn. I once had a fat bumblebee hit my glasses hard enough to leave a small smear. It would have hit my eye directly if not for the glasses.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Imagine if that had hit you in the eye.

[@jhcycling3098]

As a ”semi-old cyclist” these were familiar and daily used tips, except first one.. I’ll give a one tip for four season riders: ”At summer when ground rattles under Your wheels, it is slippery and at winter when it rattles You have grip”. That works even on icy snow and especially in dark. :)

[@n22pdf]

Great tips.. I’ve come off on the road and hit my head on the tarmac and I’m very glad I had my Kask helmet on which did an excellent job

[@manilamartin1001]

Great tips. I was lucky enough to join our high school cycling club and in college a triathlete was nice enough to take me under his wing.

[@paul1340]

Thank you Leonard, a very interesting and useful video. As regards waring a helmet, not that long ago I fell off my bike. The only thing between my head and the tarmac was my helmet. It saved the day. And whilst we may think it will never happen to me (and I wouldn't wish it on anyone), sometimes it does when we least expect it.

[@budbud2509]

I agree with u Paul , years ago I was knocked off by a policeman , I got a broken collar bone and same as u the helmet was between my head and the road. Me being an engineer measured the helmet when I got back to work , the difference between the damaged and undamaged side was 6.0mm in thickness !! Did that stop me getting a fractured skull , who knows ? But for sure it would have hurt a lot more and my recovery would have been much slower. I never leave home without one now ,

[@wescheslak9408]

Always great info Thank you

[@tinac3094]

Great tips, thanks! Don't forget....when wearing glasses, always make sure the legs of the glasses are over the top of your helmet straps and not underneath them. That way, if you are involved in an accident, they will be thrown off, rather than pushed into your face/eyes. 👍

[@Mosely2007]

Nice video reminder. A bright helmet gets seen. Orange and neon green especially. Dark fades in shadows.

[@whazzat8015]

Hard hat HiViz covers are cheap , stand out and are usually reflective. Also lets your friends spot you fast Like 'cumbies anything that makes you stand out adds safety High viz gaiters also keep your pants legs clean and the motion makes them really stand out when commuting

[@welshpaddler]

Well one learned as I always left my bike in the lowest gear to help move off next time. In January last I took delivery of a new bike with what I understand is called double tap gear change. It took me some time to work out how to move into an easier gear as no instructions came with the bike.

[@IS-xk3iq]

I love your videos because they're practical, useful, easy to follow, and you're just so darn charismatic. Keep those videos coming, please.

[@andrianp]

Fantastic tip Leonard

[@charlietuba]

I have had two spills where a helmet saved my brain (and life). One I was rear-ended. Back in 1976 I was hit by a VW Bug. This was before I had a helmet. After that, I bought my first helmet, the classic white Bell helmet with red stripes.

[@dennisang5608]

Thank you! Especially tip #1.

[@charlietuba]

I always ride with my contacts and sunglasses. Contacts give me peripheral vision which helps seeing what's around me.

[@mangomingo3085]

I was nearly knocked down by a car 5:45am in the morning heading to work a couple of months ago, the driver didn't see me. That shock me up and since then I brought a bike camera to record any evidence of this happening again. I definitely agree with wearing a bike helmet as I have fallen over a few times with minor cuts and bruises, good advice Leonard safety comes first.

[@whazzat8015]

Lights seen from space? Vario radar? Bike camera mostly useful for your heirs

[@rob-c.]

@@whazzat8015 lights are next to useless if the driver isn’t looking. At least the camera might help you with a claim.

[@amandajane8227]

Seems I often hear of cyclists being hit in early morning conditions. Part of the problem will be the low angle of the sun making it very difficult to see anything.

[@whazzat8015]

@@amandajane8227 Very true. It's hard to see cars at times. One more reason that flashing DRL and the Varia are helpful. I ride like I'm James Bond. Everybody in the movie wants to kill me, my job is to make it hard. Very hard. Drunks, cell phones, sleepies, speeders, the generally distracted all want me dead.

[@irgccg]

I ride by myself a lot and have a couple of tips I’d like to add. 1: I try to plan my routes to maximize right hand turns. That way I minimize the number of times I have to cross in front of traffic. 2: I use a helmet mounted rear view mirror. Yeah, it’s not pro and it looks geeky but it has saved my bacon too many times to ride without it.

[@mikebronicki8264]

I also ride alone most of the time, I bought a Bike Eye mirror which attaches to the top bar at the head post allowing me to look back under the seat. Yes, your leg blocks the view on the down stroke but you will develop a rhythm and it becomes second nature. The benefits are 1. The mirror doesn't get knocked about so much when loading the bike for transport and 2. It is practically invisible to others and thus "de-geeks" you. This option won't work if you need your seat all the way down but my wife uses one and she is only 5'-5".

[@glennoc8585]

You must be in a cou try where you drive on the right. I was trying to get my head around the turning right.

[@alethearobinson8132]

Excellent advice. Thank you

[@randyperkins5759]

Thanks for the benefit of your experience.

[@markfeldman6509]

Thanks for the video. A good reminder of fundamentals is essential for even the most experienced rider. The same goes for golf, tennis,etc. the basics are so important.

[@jollygoodvelo]

They can be so easily forgotten.

[@johnkinsel5027]

11. Drink before get thirsty, and munch before you get hungry. Staying ahead on these things are a lot better than waiting for problems.

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

The cable should stretch when new and a bit when it's very hot, that's what the barrel adjusters are for. Leave the bike in the gear you want to start in from a stop.

[@markwalker2986]

Good advice Len.

[@lfate8017]

Thanks for the tips. I really enjoy your vids.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for watching

[@glennoc8585]

Good advice Leonard. Last time I had a car turn in front of me, thankfully not too fast, the driver said the same. I honestly think the driver didn't see me as the large suv on my right was obscuring me. I'd tell any new cyclist to view vehicles as an object that's trying to hit you. I'm glad I'm not the only one that sees gloves as an essential.

[@ronniebiggs4026]

Thanks for your welcome upload everything you say is priceless knowledge for a newby 👍👍👍🎥

[@martinforro5696]

Advice number 2 - I'd like to add my own tip here, allways go a bit more towards the middle of the road before an intersection. That way you increase your chance of being seen (blind spots + possible obstacles), and also being overtaken by a driver who then turns right (left in your case) isn't any fun either.

[@Ktotomozebycnokto]

Totally agree with all there tips

[@stephencharles6932]

Excellent advice and like some others had not heard the first one. In fact I have been going up to a larger rear ring so when start off it's easier, need to change that. I suppose to small and small. Glasses also stop me getting irritated itchy eyes, maybe some dust or pollen or just the wind causing watery eyes but I need clear ones in winter too.

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

Never run extreme cross on the gears, wrecks the chain and teeth on gears.

[@kenfitzell4771]

Thanks, great tips...

[@heidijarvis777]

I always ride wide when I see a car approach a junction from the left. I too have BC membership free as I am a guided ride leader, I also have insurance with Wiggle.

[@thecyclepath-blogger1953]

Great job with the tips Leonard. Allow me to expand a little on the gloves. On those long rides, gloves can help prevent callouses. See you on the next one.

[@doskraut]

Call me crazy but I carry a small first aid kit, takes as much room as a patch kit and spear tube.

[@hansdegroot8549]

Great tips. Some of them I apply already for a long time. Helmet and gloves are standard. Food, drinks and clothes according to the length of my bike-ride. But I never take any kind of bike repair set with me, I don't see myself repairing a puncture on the side of the road, neither changing a tyre/tube. So far I've been quite lucky over the last 9 years, with 4 punctures and 2 or 3 other problems causing me getting of the bike. One time my wife picked me up, after phoning her. One time I continued partly by train. And all the other times I took my loss and walked home.

[@amandajane8227]

I am like you. I have decided not to ride anywhere on my own that isn't within a few km of the train. Also our local car assist RACV has bike assist so if I was in any difficulty including the bonk I could call on them.

[@TexasNightRider]

Very important video for all cyclists. Thank you.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for watching

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Good do know, not only for beginners. Thank you

[@cathalkenneally1614]

I’ve recently upgraded my prescription sunglasses to polarised sunglasses. I used them for the first time yesterday and they made a hell of a difference. Highlighting traffic lights etc. I’m sorry I didn’t do it years ago

[@TheRongy]

Good advice as always! Thanks for sharing!💪🏻🚴‍♂️

[@Ricobass0]

Very good tips, especially about wearing glasses and gloves. They are more important than the helmet IMO. If you were to do a risk assessment, insects are a frequent hazard and putting your hand to the floor in the event of a minor spill are both much more likely than hitting your head. Can I also just give Cycling UK (formerly known as the Cyclists Touring Club or CTC) a mention here. Membership of that will give you insurance and legal assistance too. They were very good in getting me compensation when I was knocked over by a car, resulting in a broken collar bone.

[@fatbikejamie]

100% on the helmet. A loose dog took me off my bike and in addition to 15 rib fractures and a collapsed lung, my helmet took some abuse... had i not been wearing it, the damage would have been substantially more than the few short periods of being unconscious .

[@greganphotography]

Definitely agree about the helmet. Better the helmet take the brunt of the impact. Here in Ontario I find you going down a hill then directly up an hill. So correct great can be tricky at times.

[@spingirl4855]

Those are great tips thanks for sharing!

[@whynotme9843]

If the cable stretches just use the barrel adjuster

[@jollygoodvelo]

There is always that but beginner cyclist might not feel comfortable doing that.

[@whazzat8015]

@@jollygoodvelo and some have others pump their tires, too

[@MagicPatrick1]

NBD!! I just received a Fezzari Murdock with 700/40 tubeless to hopefully battle away the fat!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Enjoy!

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

Yes on Helmet all the time!! bike handling skills are irrelevant as you cannot control every possible situation or safely get out of it. My crash in January due to a stream of potholes and bad patches on a descent, left me with broken collar bone, and my helmet was smashed!!! 2 crashes in 20 years, the other was a driver running me off the road. 2 things i had no control over and my skill level/tens of thousands of cycling miles experience didn't help. Skill level/experience has got me out of many situations where i might have crashed, a moments inattention, being too exhausted, or just plain making a mistake but being crap out of luck catches up with most of us eventually. Keep luck on the side of your head and Lid up! Drew.

[@PistachioFilmsLLC]

I always try to do eye contact but sometimes if i think they have not seen me i whistle. I also recently started trying to wave drivers to slow down to not over take me on single lane road bends where they can't see round the bend and i can't move over, many of them over take on bends they shouldn't be doing that on and are almost all the way over the other side of the road on the single lane each way country roads around me here. Drew.

[@hikerwoody182]

I haven't been biking for long but an old school biker gave me a tip. He said always wear brown shorts to hide the skidders 😂

[@jollygoodvelo]

Black will have the same effect.

[@joannelouiserodriguez5966]

I used to be old school but somehow I changed garmin newish bikes I remember days having raleigh retro road bikes with sigma bike computer how things change 🤣🤦‍♀️ fab video btw xx

[@davidbee9563]

Good ideas. Never really thought about the first one. I would add a quick bike check before and after a ride, unless just an in town commute. The other is to learn to pace yourself. Start steady and save something for the return. Some people are grinders and others spinners naturally but over time you should learn to be more efficient. I recall some early group rides breathing heavy and seemingly working hard and looking over the rider next to me or in front in the group. Often it was someone 20 years or more older just spinning along effortlessly. Finally, use your energy in the group to help the group work smoothly. Be willing to help someone having an off day. Then when it's you struggling, they will help you. I am getting a group ride going from the local shop. It is a challenge to get new people to think as a group when they ride on their own so much. Keep the pace and effort steady and you get there faster with less effort. It's not about rules so much as learning to ride cooperatively. Then one sunny day with a tail wind or cold day with a head wind it comes together and the kms just seem to fly by..

[@richardharding9385]

I have always preferred a tail wind for the 1st half off an audax event, at least you get to the halfway point in good time plus your not too tired. Sometimes if your lucky the wind drops or does a 180 for the journey home.

[@jollygoodvelo]

But then you still have to ride back into the wind when you are tired.

[@leftyseel8658]

Lowest gears in both the front and rear derailleurs? I'll try that. What i normally do after a ride is just shift the rd somewhere around the middle gear so the chain is straight.

[@petetrundell5454]

Great tip about making eye contact. Above all it gives you the opportunity to see if the drivers view of you is obstructed by the screen pillar. Re: helmets, to some extent it saddens me to say that to not wear one conveys a less than responsible attitude and might well count against you should you or someone on your behalf ever have to make a claim for personal injury.

[@rob-c.]

It should sadden you. Helmets aren’t compulsory, so shouldn’t have any bearing on claiming anything.

[@reidwagner1508]

But wind shifts are paramount in mountainous areas like Utah. There have been times no matter how I plan I’m in a headwind the entire ride, which is tough. But that’s the way it is.

[@zennor_man]

Good tips thanks….I always ride into the wind on my outward leg but then it shifts round & I have to ride into on the way back….

[@jollygoodvelo]

Story of every cyclist’s life, sadly.

[@jtk1ify]

i have been riding for approx 35 years and would add this one especially if riding alone always carry some ID and contact info and if necessary med info in case of an accident.

[@MrMikeV]

Wearing eyewear that protects against UV, like uv400, can minimize damage that can lead to cataracts. Yes, even in the cloud -covered UK.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Interesting. Never knew that.

[@garygray7945]

Great topic and by the way I think one of the reasons your viewership goes up every time I check, is the mesmerizing effect of watching your cadence on the front of the bicycle video of your legs going around on the pedals. I would be lost without my rear view mirror attached to my -always present- plastic lensed glasses to see and evaluate cars coming up behind. If you soberly run over a cyclist in this country you have committed a misdemeanor . Avoid using the front brake(which in this country is the left and in England may be the right brake handle) to avoid the chance of flipping yourself over the handle bars and ending up some version of plegic. The way I consider it is "right is right and left is wrong" as relates to which brake handle to grip hard in an urgent stop situation. Find someone to call at all times ,almost like the 911 number here, in case of a flat so they can help you work through the dozens of variations of how to size up and fix a flat bike tire out on the road. And last get in your head the mindset that cycling is not a safe sport on trail or road, so you approach. your riding as safely as possible.

[@bengt_axle]

Great tips. May I suggest two more? 1) If you crash and wreck your helmet, contact the manufacturer and enquire if they will give you a discount on a replacement (even without proof of purchase) if you surrender your crashed one. Sometimes it can be as much as 30% but usually less . It is a way for them to prevent the damaged helmet from being used again, and also to better understand how well the helmet is working. It is also a very cheap way for them to reduce the chance of a product liability lawsuit, because they can destroy the damaged helmet. 2) If you want to ride in a club, see if it has a formal training session on riding in a group. If you want to ride in a paceline, you absolutely must know the people you are riding with and know the technique to move up to the front, do your turn and drop to the back. Most well-organized clubs will post their riding policy for new members, on their website. A red flag is a group that does not strictly enforce the single-file riding rule in an area where there are cars sharing the road.

[@glennoc8585]

When you say sharing the road do you mean cars parked both sides of two lanes leaving a narrow road for both directions?

[@cliodhnette]

A mechanic also just gave me the first tip, but if I do that I'll never get up the hill out the house!

[@The_Cotswold_Engineer]

You only get one noggin, worth protecting it a best you can. A helmet has saved my life twice, so I wouldn't even consider going for a ride on my road bike without one. Likewise, I'll never put anything on my helmet (like a light or camera), why protect your head with a nice deformable shell then stick hard objects to it ready to punch a hole in your skull if you crashed!

[@jasonschubert6828]

Ha ha, my "cycling club" is a pro helmet choice group, as I live in the Dictatorship of Australia where helmet laws have obliterated everyday cycling! I have a specific 26km ride I usually do which is slightly uphill there, so obviously slightly downhill back. Found the uphill particularly easy one day until I turned around and discovered the now headwind I was riding into!

[@glennoc8585]

I know how you feel. I always wear a helmet it in Oz there's no choice otherwise it's a if go E and demerit point on the car license. I still believe a slow ride to the corner shop should see the rider making a choice to put the lid on.

[@amandajane8227]

My partner and I were riding up a short hard climb near Sale and were amazed a the speed we did until we turned around and had to pedal hard to get back down. It was a real battle to stay on the bike.

[@tiguanman1170]

I never used a helmet years ago: weren't so available, expensive and I felt immortal. Having had a severe traumatic brain injury in 2013, I wouldn't ride without one now. Doesn't hinder the riding at all. Also, I'd also like to suggest that if there is a cycle path then we should use them. As a driver and a cyclist, I think that should be a legal requirement. I grew up in Stevenage where the cycle paths were fantastic apart from gravel and glass here-and-there but where I am now there's plenty but generally ignored by the lycra-clad.

[@richardharding9385]

I started wearing a bash hat in 09 when I bashed my head which was nearly 40 years after starting to cycle. I was always forgetting to put it on for several months after 1st starting to use 1, over a set course I was always faster without it. Luckily in 2012 when I had a bad accident I was wearing it, as it broke in half on impact.

[@grahambarker3845]

depends what you mean by 'cycle lanes'.....if its shared with people walking they are an absolute nightmare, they usually go across peoples drive ways as well and also cross roads meaning continually stopping for the cyclist....most cycle lanes are no more than tick box exercises by councils, usually badly planned by people that dont cycle....ask any person walking if they want to be hit by a cyclist doing 25mph and im guessing they would all say no....and this is the whole argument about them, many cyclists, not even great ones, can manage a respectable speed and why should they give that up....im not a fan of shared cycle lanes on paths....as for the local one near me, theres always cars parked on it at the side of the road ironically pushing cyclists even further out in to the road those very drivers dont want us on....so i certainly cant agree about it being a legal requirement....they wuld need to go a long way to improving things....

[@glennoc8585]

@@grahambarker3845 where I live there are very good shared paths it it's a lot if slow stop start with walkers and especially dog walkers. We have a dedicated bike way but it's limited and somewhat desolate in parts, not ideal if you have a Medical emergency.

[@davidmiller3927]

@@grahambarker3845 Agreed. They recently put in a bike lane near me by re-painting the lane lines on the road making one shoulder wider (the bike lane) and the other narrower. The "bike lane" is more of an all purpose lane filled with dogs, strollers, toddlers, grit and gravel. Not a good or safe place for a road biker. And, because it is there, drivers sometimes get angry at road cyclists that are riding on the road. We have had police stop road cyclists who are riding on the road, rather than the bike lane. That has been sorted out, though, and bike riders can legally be on the road. So, our "bike lane" creates confusion, and doesn't improve safety for road bikers. It does improve safety for walkers and relatively slow recreational bike riding.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

Here's a tip: Have at least one water bottle of electrolyte based hydration and bars, gels, etc. Out here in SoCal at this time of the year it gets hot, you'll need to drink something during your ride. Longer rides, you'll need fuel as well to eat during the ride. Ride on.

[@AlistairLattimore]

Regarding a helmet, wouldn’t ride without one. Recently had a pretty savage crash at 30kph+ at 5:30am in the wet crossing a railway track. I got slapped down HARD, significant dints and damage to the helmet, I’d have been knocked unconscious for certain without it. Ordering a replacement helmet now.

[@event4216]

Glasses, yes. But recently I noticed I've repeatedly swallowed flies or bugs at same stretch going through trees and surrounded by bushes.

[@whazzat8015]

Covid mask has extra benefit

[@event4216]

@@whazzat8015 I thought about it)

[@A_AAA232]

good tips, thanks - the sunglasses sequence and lens effects were interesting - Leonard or replicant? :)

[@Robutube1]

Hi Leonard - this is a genuine question, not any kind of wind-up. Re: tip no.1: I have some sort of block about what 'high' and 'low' gears are. Are high ones the ones that make you go faster per rotation of the pedals and low ones the ones for hills or is it the other way around? Thanks.

[@jollygoodvelo]

The high gears are the small cogs on the back: the ones that make you go faster per rotation. Hope that helps.

[@robertblack6853]

@@jollygoodvelo Thanks Leonard - that's v. helpful. Must think of a way of remembering it.👍

[@englishman831]

High gear, high speed

[@amandajane8227]

Me the same. I wish people just said smallest ring or biggest ring. Rode half way across Australia with my ex and never got to understand when he said high or low gear.

[@garycwikla6385]

No need to shift all the way to the highest gear when you finish your ride, just flick up 1 gear once you have parked it. That takes the tension out of the cable.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

On SIS, the gear cable is always tensioned, whatever gear. You set the top stop, then pull the cable so it's tight. Then adjust the cable tension screw so the mech is just off the top stop by half the sprocket thickness. When the lever is actuated, the mech is positioned under the inside face of the larger sprocket. Crisp changing.

[@garycwikla6385]

@@jameslee-pevenhull5087 you are absolutely right. You can’t take the tension out of the cable by changing to the biggest gear but If you flick the lever once the bike is parked up it will remove the tension from the cable whatever system you are using.

[@richardharding9385]

Never done that in 50 years of cycling, good cables don't stretch. They usually start to fray at the levers.

[@anielyantra1]

I am the old fart cyclist too. I do most of your list.

[@lb7325]

Yeah did the crash thing years ago, Split the helmet. Yay helmets...and here's a simple tip: Keep your head up. And when you get tired and your head droops just chant the chorus from...Hold Your Head Up (Argent 1972-1973; well you said old school): kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKfJqXxvrqllmq8 cheers Leonard

[@johnmartin4650]

Helmets do help….important…..thanks mr L. …..

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Always wear a helmet because if you don't the cops will give you a ticket! Yes, here in Oz, helmets are mandatory.

[@ivansemanco6976]

There isnt any controversy about wearing helmet in my opininion. Keep in mind, that helmet probably doesnt help so much if you have a serious accident with truck or at 100km/h downhill descent. Helmet realy helps and save lifes at "stupid" inccidents when you hit your head against road after forgeting unclip at crossing... and similar. Dont ask how I know... So helmet is must, without doubts. Thanks for video Leonard .

[@rollandjoeseph]

Ok everyone is giving additional tips so here my additional tip : don't forget to have fun !

[@owenjarvis9368]

Thanks for the tips Leonard. Here in Sydney helmets are compulsory and the fine for not wearing one is more than the cost of a good quality helmet. I still see people riding without them, mostly not roadies though. Lots of kids ride without helmets as well. What are their parents thinking??

[@marcelmuller8166]

Many probanly that the kid is riding with a helmet...

[@stevesmith9082]

I'm in Melbourne, I just love the ones that are actually carrying them in their hand by the strap while riding LOL

[@davesimmons8640]

I, too, used to be young and good looking. But that was back before time began, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. I wear a helmet when on my motorcycle, and I wear one when on my bicycle. I've cracked both kinds of helmets upon contact with concrete. You might as well ask me to ride without shorts; it ain't gonna happen. Gloves, even when it's 100F, also on motorcycle and bicycle. See remark on helmets, above. On both motorcycle and bicycle, one must ride as if one is invisible. You might as well be. Those who don't wear a helmet or gloves when on two wheels will regret it, eventually. It's an immutable law.

[@Jari1973]

Thanks for the tips! Does anyone take the chain off the ring? In principle, it should protect the springs.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not heard that one

[@bengt_axle]

The spring tension is not a big issue (even though I do store my bike as Lennard mentions). Cables do not stretch. What happens is that the housing compresses a bit and eventually gets cracked or loses its rigidity. If the spring does get compressed a bit, it can be offset by turning the barrel adjuster. A properly installed housing (with the cable outer ends filed perfectly perpendicular and the proper fittings used) and clean cables and guides will do a lot to improve shifting.

[@grahambonner508]

Not heard that, but it might be something to consider. I have a 40 year old Falcon (original drive train) and it does occasionally throw the chain, I think the derailleur springs have probably lost some tension.

[@whazzat8015]

@@grahambonner508 New RD should be part of your 30 year tune up or with every 10th chain.

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

Hey Leonard, In the UK do all roads that don't have limited access, non high speed roads, have a 3 foot bicycle lane even if there is no bicycle lane painted on the road?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not all of them!

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

@@jollygoodvelo In the USA almost all states have vehicle law that specifies there is a 3 foot bicycle lane on all roads that are not restricted access even if there is not a lane painted on it. Oh. and a bicycle is considered a vehicle to law. A bicycle is just not a motor vehicle.

[@MrChippiechappie]

Better still go tubeless and run sealant and never worry about punctures again simple.

[@Flix-f6q]

And in traffic, always Be visible Be predictable Be nice to everybodelsey

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

and DAY running lights...

[@ianfutcher1518]

I’m confused about tip 1 - do you mean shift to smallest or largest rear cog because you are showing doing both in the vid. Sorry for being stupid.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I mean the smallest and I do exactly that in the video.

[@ianfutcher1518]

@@jollygoodvelo thanks for clearing up for me. Does this apply to front chain ring too?

[@johnnunn8688]

When overtaking a parked car, with a driver in it; if the driver leans left, he’s about to open the door.

[@whazzat8015]

or breaking wind.

[@redeagle999]

I learnt from motor cycle training to make yourself as visible as possible, so I mostly wear high-visibility clothing and have several blinking lights. I would never ride without gloves, eye-protection and a helmet. Just not worth it.

[@johnflynn4923]

Studies can give any results their sponsors / paymasters want them to (which we've seen with the whole 'rona BS) but like your good self I too would rather hit the deck with a helmet than without irrespective of any 'studies'. I'll throw in another tip (from long before Google Maps or any GPS stuff when (and I still do) checked individual town names on a physical map) - always know your way home irrespective of where you are on a spin.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Low Res cycling footwear v current High Res examples. This was a bit better justified when the shoes were better.

[@richardpolidore1702]

There's a time and place to listen to music.

[@corralescruiser8957]

Unless you are riding in New Mexico, then you are riding into the wind both ways!

[@whazzat8015]

Use more epizote in the frijoles

[@rangersmith4652]

As far as ride preparation, watch a professional bike race on video and write down all the things you see happening with and to riders: they eat, they take in fluids, they have punctures, they suffer chain drops and other mechanical issue, and they crash. And they have pro mechanics, soigneurs, and medical staff within a few minutes or even seconds away. You don't.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Mind you, they do have a whole team of professional support staff.

[@rangersmith4652]

@@jollygoodvelo Yes, as I noted. They do; you don't. So you have to be your own staff.

[@whazzat8015]

Who do you think is holding Len's camera? He no doubt is followed by a host of turbaned ruffians to do that stuff. /s

[@amandajane8227]

Seeing all those riders in the TdF not wearing gloves is bizarre at the speeds they are moving. Clearly those individuals have never had serious sunburn on the tops or gravel rash on the palms. They'd feel proper stupid if their race came to an end because they couldn't hold the bars.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’ve seen some pros wear gloves but yes, seems a bit silly not to.