5 Bike Skills Every Cyclist Should Know

[@gcn]

Is there anything we missed? What other skills do you think all cyclists should know?

[@MossieRidesBikes]

Not moving predictably in a pack is something that seems to cause the majority of accidents in our local group rides.

[@gosato]

Putting on ur cleat shoes

[@jeffconnaly6209]

Fixing bike

[@kevinbennett437]

Preempting changing gears on hills and climbs before you come to a grinding halt.

[@TheAnonyy]

Cycling without both hands off the handle bars. I've never tried this my bike is heavy so hard to control without hands on.

[@nit_ghost]

In addition to the ones mentioned 1. Emergency stops 2. Emergency stops with not being thrown over the saddle 3. Descending with confidence 4. Unclipping the cleats when in an emergency 5. Knowing the limits of your power while overtaking a stopped vehicle (have seen many overestimate their power and ability to accelerate and almost run into an oncoming vehicle) 6. Knowing which side to fall on when in traffic if you lose control of the bike

[@sappa66]

Never had a problem unclipping in an emergency. Unclipping when not an emergency on the other hand 😅

[@KaiTenSatsuma]

7. Shouting loud enough for slow pedestrians or cyclists to hear you because of course they're going to ignore your bell.

[@blubbblubb6239]

@@KaiTenSatsuma true that! Shouting suddenly let's people turn their head and jump to the side in the last second, when I can't stop that quickly. There are an insane amount of ignorous people around...

[@deabreu.tattoo]

the last bit was actually a new thing for me. I got used to always changing gears before stopping, but that's a trick I feel I'll be using for the rest of my life

[@gcn]

Certainly a game-changer once you start doing it Lucas!

[@mazda6driver512]

It's an underrated tip. I've been cycling for 20 years and only recently figured out that holding the front brake was the key to changing gears while stopped.

[@mickfanning93]

Same, though I think it will be easier on my weekend bike than the chunky city share bike I use for my commute!

[@sventice]

This trick was new to me also. I ride flat MTB pedals most of the time (for commuting), and I was curious to see if it worked with those, and yes, it does!

[@falcoperegrinus82]

Getting into the habit of changing gears before a stop is also a very good thing.

[@thangarajmj5814]

Thanks a lot. I've just started road biking a month ago, and have no mates to teach me all this. I really appreciate the effort put In by th GCN team. I relate myself a lot to the first point, looking behind and ending up in the middle of the road.

[@gcn]

That's why we're here! Glad to hear you've been finding our content helpful Thangaraj! 👍

[@task82]

Also a newbie and have been loving all of the helpful content from GCN 🥳

[@CanonFirefly]

Find and join a local cycling club. Most will have groups of all skill levels and abilities. Great way to meet people, learn skills and gain confidence.

[@jack002tuber]

I use a mirror on my helmet. I can scan the area behind me and getting older I don't bend like I used to

[@charleschavarria7523]

Cycling not biking

[@stihldavebergen3469]

"On your left" a phrase every cyclist should know. Great job and great smile as always Manon

[@BobShurunkle]

Also “on your right”. Depends where you live 😁

[@reidwagner1508]

I say “passing”. Every body understands that. I ride in areas where both sides are used. Easier.

[@Boahman]

Imo “passing” works a bit better, the folks won’t have to take a moment to figure out their left and will just automatically move to the side. Also 1 less syllable

[@mohdshad737]

Changing gears while stationary was really a handy tool 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks GCN for explaining it really simple 👌🏻

[@denoxidase]

I know all of this but, i just loved to watch you manon😍😊

[@ianstewart8301]

Oh man! Seeing Manon flip the bird was the best part! Not recommend but needed and used periodically.

[@armandocampamartinez8307]

I have to practice the gear changing one, the amount of times I've stopped in a high gear because of traffic and wished I could change it, did't even think of doing it that way!

[@gcn]

It's a gamechanger!!

[@thiamhinsaw6212]

Thank you Manon. I learned something new today...changing gears when stationary. I always enjoy GCN and GCN Tech videos.

[@carlosmotta6537]

Need to try #5 with the brake! Learn something new everyday 👍

[@philipcooper8297]

Also: 1. Bunny hop 2. Wheelie Bunny hop to safely hop over obstacles on the road, that you wouldn't be able to avoid otherwise, and wheelie to learn how to fully control your balance on the bike. Both are also huge confidence boosters.

[@YoanPratamaPutra]

I think it's gonna be easier for the beginner learn it through the ability to full body and one leg stretching while on the bike (like what Alaphilippe usually did) rather than wheelie

[@WarMatt86]

3. Backflip

[@philipcooper8297]

@@WarMatt86 Sure, why not.

[@MrBenHaynes]

@@WarMatt86 All politicians are adept at that skill...

[@ernest2364]

Thank You Manon, I learned something. I never thought of changing gears while stop that way!!! 😘

[@ZOB4]

Emergency braking is an essential skill all cyclists should know. As is how to ride in a straight line. I would put both of those above stationary gear changing.

[@carlosoruna7174]

How to drive in the wet. And pull emergency stops. In brief loads of saddle time. When ya do 20k km a year ya learn or die. Ohh and driving in snow on a mountain bike with studded tires. Fock carbon , ride.

[@USMC7178]

Been cycling for years and years and actually learned two things how not to runoff the road when looking back and changing gears at a stop! The hand signals I’ve got that one down to a Tee!!

[@gcn]

Always good to be learning new things!

[@kennylex]

I need to tell you something. I just found this channel and this video for my health is now so good I can start bike again, so I sat at my desk and held my hands on the desk and turned my head and "the pain!"... no, it was not that bad, but that movement is something I seldom do when sitting at my computer or just walking, so now it is something I will try to do as a morning routine every day until I get a bike to the scandinavian summer. Thank you for a good video and good tips.

[@bludog4657]

No Manon, I think you covered everything. Most importantly the international signal of letting others know how you feel, haahaa All the best

[@g.fortin3228]

That last one is a great trick .. Manon always comes through with great tips. And easy to listen to voice. Happy safe riding and Thank you !

[@vanillabirding6250]

Since I injured my neck when I was 12 (not cycling related injury) I cant turn my head to the right that far anymore, so looking over my shoulder is quite tricky for me. I either solve this by turning to the right in the hips as well or - a bit more artistic - bend forward and then look behind below my right armpit. Maybe hard to imagine and I would not recommend it when your neck functions properly but it works for me.

[@westisdwn3558]

You may want to invest in a cycling side mirror - I have heard good things and they would probably be a great thing for your overall safety.

[@deabreu.tattoo]

I look over my shoulder by taking off the hand from the handlebar on the side I'm turning my head to. I feel I can rotate my upper torso but staying straight that way. maybe this trick can help you

[@Megadeth6633]

Mirrors are your friend

[@KazeyoYT]

erm side mirror...it may look silly but effective

[@gethinap]

I use a Corky side mirror, I don't have any neck impairment although I find it gives me more confidence in traffic.

[@ColinHarvey78]

The changing gears while stationary is a really good one. Didn’t know that one! Helpful for a newbie like me!

[@matthewbaynham6286]

My brother helped me feel more confident when riding with no hands. This is was almost 30 years ago and I think it was the road that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, but I'm not sure about that it was almost 30 years ago. I do remember it was absolutely insanely busy with loads of cars. So we both were riding with no hands on the bars and riding side by side, with me by the curb. Which is when my brother carefully swerved his bike into my for a gentle tap, followed by another tap. You know just gently bumping our bikes into each other, without using our hands, on a very major road. I don't recommend this technique to anyone at all, the cars were blasting past and it was just totally mad. Although if you look at the way my brother use to drive cars back then, and how much damage he did to the cars he drove, it does explain why he would ride a bike like that.

[@ApolloniosTyaneas]

The last tip of changing gears while you are stopped is a really usefull! I have never imagine it! Thanks for the video.

[@SchneiderRob]

For somebody who has been riding bikes regularly for 20+ years and since I was 8 years old. This was funny. Good video.

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

I have been a cyclist since 1983 and I picked up a couple tips from this one. Looking behind me has always been a fun trip, I will start practicing THIS method in about 40 minutes.. (riding out on a very short recon of a yard sale sight not far from home). The other takeaway is changing gear while at a stop. Never thought of that! I reckon I was more concerned about getting that foot unclipped. At least now I can seperate those two moves. Many thanks, Manon and GCN for another great video

[@gcn]

Thanks! Great to hear this helped - you can always learn something new!! 😁

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

Depending on your riding position, it might be hard to keep your shoulders straight while looking back. It's why we generally look behind by one handing so that arm can stay straight. Especially because we ride different bikes and the position can be very different. I don't usually have to because I have good peripheral vision and I just need to turn my head to see behind me but I will still do it. Because I learnt how to cycle from bicycle lessons when I was small, I got to learn most of those like one hand riding, cornering, looking behind and standing up. Actually found it easier to ride out of saddle when I first learned because I could balance myself better. Changing gears while stationary however I learnt much later.

[@gregoryhayes667]

Keeping your shoulders fixed when looking behind is GREAT, I will remember that forever, Thank You

[@mlafleurhua]

Terrific video Manon! All the more notable after GCN putting out quality content for many years now. I don't recall a previous video that covered this material in such a tight bundle.

[@reidwagner1508]

I believe shifting while stationary is hard on the chain and cog teeth. There is a lot of stress on the drive train… IMO

[@run4cmt]

I have been a cyclist for years and I picked up a trick here of how to shift from a stationary position. Thanks!

[@tychoMX]

Riding in a straight line. Seriously underrated skill.

[@MA_808]

she is having an issue with that

[@peteryvr3329]

👍 Manon's "speak with your hands (fingers)" is definitely the most important; beside most cyclists not giving enough hand signals to warn car drivers when cyclists turning or changing lanes, they also do not obey traffic lights and stop for pedestrians, these are also important skills to learn and to do - be safe to self and to others. Cyclists follow the same rules for motorists.

[@MrBenHaynes]

Thank You. I use all but the 5th skill ATM. Thanks for teaching me something new. It will be handy!

[@jacko314]

love the channel. one handed riding is generally a bad idea but eventually you are going to do it. so everyone is naturally going to learn it. my top skills would be: 1. learn to change your position on the bike. it is good for your back... yes i hurt my back from climbing. 2. be super aware of your surroundings and relax when you don't have to. 3. know how to bunny hop. you will save money on rims and your butt will thannk you. 4. learn from your wipe outs. 5. changing tires/tubes. yeah this is a big one. when you drive your car to the store this is not important. but bikes get flats i would say 1-2 per 1000km but can peak to 10+ depending on environment. i've had 5 flats in one day of riding. yeah it was hot and i was in the middle of no where so buying a new tire wasn't an option. 6. don't ride your bike when you really really don't want to. not riding your bike for a few days will remind you about why you love it so much.

[@DavidWildgoose]

Love the last tip. Never seen that before. Very helpful. Great video!

[@stevepacenka2748]

Outstanding content, outstanding communicator Manon. It is great to have GCN content that focuses on riding basics and safety. To add a little to the item about looking behind you, I always use a handlebar end mirror. How about a video about risk awareness when sharing a path with motor vehicles? That is an early thing I cover when coaching a new motor vehicle driver -- applied paranoia to prevent accidents. That car just parked, and that door could open into your path. Truck just passed you and may turn across your path. It goes both ways: Too many bike riders in my area ride through traffic signals and stop signs to avoid dismounting. At some busy intersections I walk my bike across because auto drivers seem more respectful to pedestrians than bikers. My boss once collided with a goose while commuting on bike to work. Arrived to meeting bleeding.

[@erikvolger5631]

Addendum: While riding one handed keep the pedal on the opposite side down. That way you are more stable than when hand and downward facing foot are on the same side.

[@TheAJKahn]

Amazing! thank you for the video. Well explained and didn't spend too much time on the fluff. Good stuff... thank you!

[@Oueax]

No.1 should be common sense regardless of vehicle type. Always look behind when turning. And check twice or thrice in advance when approaching an intersection. Planning ahead is crucial and gives other vehicles time to react.

[@caspervondj4508]

I was watching this bored like "duh" until the last bit about applying the front brake to change gears while standing. After all these years of lifting my back wheel by hand , I have learned something I never knew !

[@yuenlucia5454]

the last one - changing gear whilst stationary - this one is VERY helpful

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

Glossed over the most critical component: cornering. Learn the science behind it. Figure out what counter-steering means. Forward pressure on the left bar makes the bike go left, etc.. Play with it until it becomes second nature.

[@gimmeagig]

I did'n't know about changing gears at a stop. Thank you. I'll practice that

[@gcn]

Cool - glad to hear you learned something new!

[@rickhellard1406]

Excellent points. I would only add that when shoulder checking, listen as well as look.

[@gcn]

Very good point Rick! 👍

[@gerryfrancis3350]

I can look over one shoulder easily but not the other. Good video

[@Philobiblion]

As mentioned just below by Niteesh, descending safely. Another chapter could be devoted to safely coexisting with motor vehicles. There are a couple of important skills specific to that condition. Good video. I've been riding road bikes for 50 years and didn't't know about static shifting. Manon, as usual, is fabulous.

[@mtscott]

Lol! Did it last week…looked over my right shoulder, bike drifted left and I lost the wheel over the road edge and bike tilted over to right … but remarkably I saved it and the group behind me said “no idea how you saved that”. 😎 Give you amateurs another..don’t wear your glasses on your helmet or an arm down the back of your jersey. Either on face or in rear pocket. It might look cool but you’ll drop them. I found a brand new pair of Oakleys on the road a few months ago. If I hadn’t picked them up they were flat by the next car. 🥳

[@elindred]

For city cycling a vital skill is getting good at accelerating from a standing start (i.e, pushing off with your foot and proper use of your gears). If standing starts feel annoying then there's temptation to not stop when you should, which leads to unsafe cycling.

[@spongedaddy315]

Another wonderful GNC video -- thank you!! The only thing I would add is for Riding One-Handed: place the hand staying on the handlebar as close to the stem as possible. At least for me, this always provides the most stability.

[@sventice]

When I started riding again as an adult, I actually had a bit of trouble learning to look behind me without inadvertently drifting into the middle of the road. Many people instinctively turn their shoulders when looking back, especially males, and I've been completely unable to wean myself from doing this. I finally had to train myself to angle the front wheel slightly to the right while looking back, and this seems to work very well. (I ride on the right side of the road where I live; if you live in the UK, you'd probably need to angle your bike a little to the left.)

[@s.j.5850]

I like the lifting (the rear of the bike) & shifting. I typically shift a few feet before I stop, but that provides a nice alternative. Getting out of both pedals quickly when clipped in is another skill to master, as well as jumping over obstacles while on your bike (potholes, railroad tracks, etc.).

[@abdulhamidlmai5444]

Thanks a lot so much fun learning stuff i've learned today.

[@neilcoles1780]

Nice- perhaps for the sequel, clip in pedal tips, gear choice and cadence (climbing/flat) and reading the road (hazards/anticipation/positioning)?

[@spectator1996]

I’m not sure when I’d have to shift down while stopped but I’m embarrassed to say I wouldn’t have thought to do it this way. Nice!

[@SuperRat420]

Some idiot car tries to be nice and take their right of way, making you come to a stop instead of a roll, and you bet they're gonna get tired of waiting the second you to decide to ust go, and if you're in high gear, now you're flat. At least in the US

[@notmyrealname6272]

Great video. I’m going to practise that last one. Never thought of that. My one is ‘practise tearing the top off a gel or bar without wiggling all over the road’ and I haven’t mastered it yet. When they say practise nutrition for your tummy etc they don’t mention that actually getting it into your mouth can sometimes be awkward!

[@cyclistventure2455]

thank you Manon it's really work on me as a newbie☺️

[@pipuzz]

so beautiful seeing GCN in my region

[@ericharman4064]

Excellent video as usual. I honestly didn't think I was going to pick up much from another "x tips" videos. Watching made me recall that lately I have felt uncomfortable looking over my shoulder. I kept forgetting to do anything about it. Well, thanks to this video I practiced that very thing last night on some safe sections. And to be honest I'd never even thought of changing gears after an unexpected stop. You guys truly have great content.

[@Jfill225]

Thanks for all the info you give us

[@gcn]

Our pleasure!

[@loidrock01]

Thank you Amy Lee of Evanescence, you really made it very simple for us to understand. ❤️ Love from 🇵🇭

[@mg6263]

Cinque Terra is such a beautiful area and a great place to ride.

[@jonglass]

Hm. Re: looking over your shoulder. When I was young (in the early 80s), I read in a cycling magazine (granted, it was for bike tourists), to look behind you, to sit more upright, put your outer hand on the tops of your handlebar, take your inner hand off, and turn from your waist. This was to prevent accidentally swerving into the lane of the road. And it's worked for me ever since. The alternate was to look through your armpit while on the hoods.

[@markomarten]

I have a mountain bike and used it for doing my triathlons, I don’t like racing handles that much. Getting out the saddle is a challenge but nobody said it would be easy. I would say a thing folk forget is consideration for others on the road, if you do get a Fiat or Ford right behind you then maybe it’s best to let them pass by, a trip in an ambulance is something few of us want if we’re honest. I always wear a Hi-vis vest and while it’s not ideal it does make sure folk see me coming. I don’t think wearing all black and being like a Ninja is very helpful. A bit of colour is easy to add.

[@mileslong9675]

Totally concur that these are essentials. I learned all these skills when I was a kid, but now at the age of 70 I use them a bit more carefully.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Being a city commuter - emergency stops, basic/advanced roadcraft (which can probably be its own video) but most importantly learning how to balance on your bike and not fall over when youre super super slow almost like a track stand but your weight is positioned on the bike that youre still 100% stable.

[@rayhanfadillah8476]

Ive never knew i needed to learn these skills. Thanks

[@duxxling103]

wow! The five skills you listed are my top 5 which i need to practice more to make it a habit. Probably #6 is to change gear without loosing momentum especially in uphill, probably its just but me who needs it.

[@amydupree6490]

Thank you for this great information. Would like to know the rules and etiquette for riding in groups.

[@gcn]

Thanks Amy. We did this one a while back which should help with that! 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqO8foBteZekfJo

[@princessleiathemaltese5571]

4:00 on cornering is game changer 🙌🏼

[@zoufyj185]

1) For urban riding, balancing at snail speed for intersections, or better (more advanced) mastering a motionless track stand. There's youtube instructions out there how to do this on a non-fixed gear bike. Once mastered, it makes for a more enjoyable and safer riding on streets with frequent stops and on shared multi-use paths where you're less tempted to "roll through" busy intersections or roll past unpredictable path users . Plus cool kid street cred while wearing lycra... 2) The art of gentle contact while riding in groups or double pacelines. Leaning in and touching shoulders with relaxed arms avoids deadly handlebar contact or getting trapped between a rough or dropped road edge and another rider resulting in a crash. Best learned at slow speed on grass with a few friends.

[@gcn]

This is a really key skill to learn!

[@yourstrulytk12worldaffairs]

very nice video, gcn! i appreciate.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Thank you for this awesome video! I lead grouprides for my Canadian cycle club. Great points covered. I liked the how to get back in the appropriate gear when stopped. I find beginners need to learn to shift and feel comfortable shifting. Especially learning to downshift BEFORE stopping.

[@gcn]

Thanks Geoffrey - glad you found this one useful!

[@davehollingworth5537]

Thanks. All really useful especially the gear changing one!

[@gcn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dolittle6781]

Nice job! Excellent pointers!

[@carrilloism]

Thank you so much for sharing this information.I didn't know the last one, and I'm going to put it on practice.

[@gcn]

Thanks Alvaro - great that this video had taught you something! 🙂

[@jccruz7781]

Im a cyclist in the philippines your the best tutor and your so beautiful 😊🌹

[@gcn]

Thank you! 😃

[@ThisIsJoe07]

I’ve been cycling for a long time but I’ll freely admit the tip re skill to look behind you - keep shoulders straight- never even began to be something I thought about. Old dogs, hey!

[@gcn]

Everyday is a school day!

[@slicedpage]

Thank you. Very helpful info. I have been out of the saddle for 40 years and getting back on one is challenging but has to be done. I am finding looking back difficult, not as mobile as I used to be. Are mirrors useful?

[@officer_baitlyn]

looking behind is genuinely good advice 2-5 are kinda just biking idk 6 works for light bikes only :^)

[@willmo1725]

I liked this video. I wonder if you all could cover traffic and how to ride in it as a bike

[@rafaelperezfranco1497]

Great the last one. Tks!

[@backnunAndy]

I believe this most essential skill you need to know and how you set your bike to your body...!!!

[@joinride_cc]

"… which could cause a crash. And we do not want that." Thanks, Manon for clarifying.

[@rutuparna5510]

We can’t count all the skills but these ones surely help :)

[@altaloma7789]

Two things I didn't see mentioned: 1) Varying the degree to which you lean your bike over when cornering. Learn how to corner with the bike more upright than normal, or leaned over more than normal. This doesn't sound important for a beginner, but will become so with more experience, especially when in a peloton. 2) Learn how to use your brakes, especially your front brake. Many beginner cyclists avoid their front brake, thinking it will cause them to fly over their bars. In truth, most of your brake force is generated by the front wheel. Learning how to modulate your braking early will help you avoid problems and will serve you well when in an emergency stop situation.

[@uranium5694]

I really liked this video i actually watched it a couple of times!

[@sf4529]

Thank You Manon, I learned something.

[@gcn]

You're welcome, Glad we could help!

[@nildex34]

0:14 GCN Inspiration.

[@Bravesdarrell8552]

Keep the videos coming please ! I’m new to riding & this video was GREAT for me ! Thanks !!!!

[@gcn]

Great to hear this one has been helpful Deus!! 👍

[@GuillermoGonzalez-zelglez]

Thanks for the video great information

[@acap650]

Agree these are useful and braking should be included as well. The first one, turning the head, should be accompanied with a look in the rear view side mirror, but wait, there is no mirror. I know a mirror will add a dozen or so grams but isn't it worth the safety benefit?

[@uranium5694]

3:09 Awesome music starting and playing until the end of the video!

[@peterthomas8053]

I like the bit where Manon says "if you're Italian and you need to speak on the bike"..........in her best Welsh accent.🙄😂

[@TheXtrafresh]

For this sport, the skills can be divided into layers. The 0th layer would be the ability to ride a normal bike. These 5 go into the second layer, but before you can start explaining these to somebody who's new to the sport, you need to address layer 1: - riding with handlebars - finding the gear and brake levers and operating them without crashing or taking your eyes off the road - using cleats - overcoming the shock of how fast they are going

[@shamshermann]

Very helpful advice. Loved it.

[@notuleufp1429]

Its been 3 years since I learned how to bike (MTB) and still not know how to stand on a bike and never rode or ride a road bike before, I found it hard to do it even now even when just standing without pedaling cause it just not feel comfortable at all cause of the long steers

[@garrygreen3210]

Nice video Manon ... I pre-empt the gear change by changing down as I approach a junction, so I’m ready for the off when the opportunity arises.

[@baddan314]

A good skill to learn is to start your bike uphill with the gear in 52-13 configuration. I learned that with a fixed gear bike

[@mavinlewis9460]

😅😅😅😅

[@LZWEHDKE]

3:11 · So now GCN is also my source for fire beats? 🥵

[@KaiTenSatsuma]

I think for cornering it's worth pointing out that bottom brackets and pedal lengths have changed enough in the past couple decades that while it is still a *risk* that you might rub your pedal against the ground on turns, it's _much less likely_ and the turns necessary for that to happen have become relatively aggressive. It's the first difference I've noticed between the 35 year old bike I'd been riding and newer ones. Still something to watch out for though

[@gcn]

Absolutely - it's definitely best to stop pedalling through corners!

[@KaiTenSatsuma]

@@gcn I'm going out on a limb and assuming the above is absolutely fake, right?

[@ajkelvin]

im gonna try out that last type for sure.

[@lucarosania1358]

Great video, I've been riding almost every day for a year and I still learnt a lot ! Thanksss

[@gcn]

Thank you Luca - glad you enjoyed it and learned something!! 😀