5 Essential Skills Every Cyclist Should Learn

Dan, James and Oscar show you five essential skills they believe will make you into a more confident rider. These skills do take practice but aren’t too difficult to master, they will help you become more comfortable when riding in a group and out on the open roads.
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The first skill we feel is important to get you started, is braking. Now, this could give you sleepless nights with images of you flying over the handlebars in a very unflattering manner. We have some really easy to learn tips to help you ensure your braking is controlled, effective and safe.
Riding out of the saddle is an important skill to become well accustomed to. Not only does it give you a respite from sitting on your saddle on a long ride, but it also comes in useful when you want to get maximum power out onto the road.
Cornering is a key skill you will come to enjoy more and more. Whether you're descending down a mountain or ripping it up on your local lanes. You will ultimately always end up coming to a corner. We want to help you feel more comfortable when railing it around them.
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
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Watch more on GCN...
How To Corner Safely 📹 gcn.eu/cornersafely
Music: Epidemic Sound
Kiwi - Harvio
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

What skills do you think we've missed? Let us know. 👇

[@jrk543]

Global Cycling Network hey Guys can you tell me what is braking? ( 0:30 )

[@HanOfGod13]

Can you do a video on what you can do when things go wrong? Even with practice there will be times when things go wrong, you take a corner too fast, misjudge how tight the corner is, hitting potholes, oils patches on the road, car doors opening, etc. Is there safe ways or ways to minimise injury to handle these situations with these errors/accidents?

[@MRobert]

If someone want to ride a bike on a public road, should learn to look back without changing the lane(s)!

[@lotascott]

Dealing with gravel or ice - especially not using the front brake while turning!

[@paullevang5416]

Track stands - Save a lot of embarrassing tipping over at low speeds and pays dividends when going up the really steep stuff.

[@theloniousm4337]

Riding with one hand - essential if you are Italian and you want to talk.

[@rodrigombl452]

ahaahah this one is too good

[@giacomof4313]

Lol, very true

[@miravvyas]

Or talking with just one hand

[@larabalayanto299]

my ancestors are italian

[@rogurishimaru]

Italian here. We can still talk without moving our hands, but it's really hard

[@cs-kd9tp]

Looking over your shoulder while keeping a straight line. Many times a riders bike follows their head movement.

[@gcn]

Yes, that's a good one c s

[@TGRacing]

One hand on your thigh can help keep you straight.

[@sinu0us]

@techie number1 depends on the position you ride in, on a mountain bike this basically not possible or just extremely awkward since you're not as low down...

[@Callusny]

Having only one hand on the steering wheel while looking back helps a lot with this for me. Actually it's a similar story with a car. Try putting two hands on a wheel and do a 180 degree turn with your head, same story. (At least for me, almost crashed into a ditch)

[@isaacezekielthecolorblindg7343]

Yes I want to learn how to do this I cant loom behind be without looking like I had a six pack of beer

[@billsabado9393]

Having a handle bar moustache during a bike tutorial is highly appropriate

[@Blues251]

Change gears while being stopped: - Stand on one foot, leave the other one clipped in - Change into the gear you want - Lift the rear wheel by pulling up the saddle - Give the rear wheel a spin by pedaling with your clipped-in foot - The chain should go where it needs to go Very helpful when you've stopped in a massive gear

[@VivAtreyu]

Similar but I use the front brake and push forward to lift the rear wheel instead.

[@yonpark6245]

Or change the gear before stopping or slowing. Makes life so much easier.

[@birdiessimracing]

thanks for that always wondered how to do it. this will save me from a lot of awkward situations

[@ThisHandleIsAlreadyTaken839]

Nah mate just put out 700 Watts in order to take off

[@adamgriss2025]

Why does everything sound more interesting when spoken in a Brittish or Spanish accent?

[@irnaseorodrige2494]

@Tri-Shake-Atops what

[@lili77dove]

Adam Griss: LOL

[@carryclass6807]

for some reason i tend to consider the information more reliable, but it does get me to pay attention.

[@ronwhite8503]

English accent is the way forward, my good man. Unless it's the assault on the ears that is "estuary english".

[@jugo3558]

it doesn't

[@albr4]

5 essential skills to groom a mustache

[@richardhaselwood9478]

#moustachedoping

[@lisapet160]

Yes. I suspect, it's an aero grooming.

[@jacksazzy7878]

We NEED a video about correcting posture problems. I feel like having a bad posture when cycling worsens it very significantly and posture on a bike is definitely not an intuitive task.

[@jacksazzy7878]

Tintin & Snowy that's not entirely true as problems about your everyday posture like rounded shoulders still translate on the bike and can worsen sometimes

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

oh yeah , I wonder how my posture is

[@hanzv.1272]

i feel you, one time i thought i have scoliosis cuz my back pain is only on the right side

[@buithihongvan2029]

Top tip: put the saddle as high as your hips, but no higher than that. And add more spacers to the fork

[@bizzehdee]

How many outtakes are there of Dan getting thrown completely clear over the bars before you got that smooth shot of him doing that awesome dismount?

[@ThatClassic70sGirl]

*holds up an "11" card* :)

[@theadrenalinefactory]

just one take...due to his auto release cleats.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

Only Dan, Simon, or Matt could do that shot.

[@tesla_stephen4651]

@@holdencaulfied7492 Matt could definitely do it because he was never clipped in in the first place! 🤣

[@thomlarson681]

So glad I watched this video and practiced braking last year when I got a new bike with disk brakes. Yesterday I was descending a hill in a bike lane when an elderly pedestrian stepped off the curb in front of me. I would have gone over my bars for sure if I hadn’t spent time practicing shifting my weight back when braking hard! (I also missed the pedestrian.). Thank you GCN!

[@jhowardsupporter]

Please. Those fixed gear people lock up the rear wheel all the time. It's all they ever do.

[@santiagopbecerra]

@@jhowardsupporter only way to break effectively if you don't have brakes... I ride fixed but since I don't wanna die I still have a front brake just in case

[@jhowardsupporter]

@@santiagopbecerra The dreaded front brake. -

[@alanlewis6065]

All very useful for a newbie like me who didn’t get on a bike until she was over 50.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Basic maintenance skills... can't continue any of the above without knowing inner tube change, snapped chain and indexing procedures

[@elijen]

Yep, I'd like to see some tips for that

[@gcn]

Yes they are all important ones!

[@MichaelGambill]

Yep, I agree. Of course, tube changes I do regularly but I always feel I could be more effective at it with proper instruction...especially roadside. Maybe a rundown of accessories for tube changes would be good to include.

[@maxc.m.9038]

- Change inner tubes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKjal4lvbruJbqs - Snapped chain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpK3ZaqarNOHqrM - Indexing procedures: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJPOZoWZfZWVmLM They have [almost] all covered!

[@maxc.m.9038]

Tube changes roadside: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6izlqKgh7iUZs0

[@ptimlick]

As an old, old cyclist, I say "way to go!" So much excellent advice.

[@jurban10]

I've been riding for 33 years, and these guys do a great job in a number of cycling videos, especially if you are newer to cycling. Some of their more advanced videos are great even if you've been cycling for many years. The only quibble is: Where in the heck are their gloves?! I've pulled out too much gravel imbedded in unprotected (and even protected!) skin after a wreck (or even after a mindless, careless tip-over) to ever consider riding without gloves....even at slow speeds!

[@zerg9523]

Basic Tip 8 : When changing tyres or wheels, make sure you have the correct tread direction... putting a tyre on backwards will ruin your grip in the dry, and make it suicide to ride in the rain.

[@ytwos1]

Zerg I have a question about that, seriously, which way should the arrow point? I mount them the way the tire will be rolling. So pointing to the front if the arrow is on top Dead center of the wheel. Another tip, don,t wait too long with changing. My front tire still looked okay, back tire exploded yesterday (put them on at the same time) but man does the new tire offer more grip. Heaven!

[@zerg9523]

ytwos1 - No question is stupid. The point of the arrow should hit the road first. The objective of the tread is to clear water and debris. If you put them on backwards the tyre will actually pile up junk in front of your wheel.

[@danhal9966]

This helped me a lot.I started riding less that one year ago and love it. Thanks for the help!

[@LowAltMotorsports]

I love the Spanish guy. That guys awesome!

[@i-vernsimphonique3012]

Thank you for this video. Plenty of hard work and effort in putting the tutorials! I have learnt more about cornering, riding off the saddle and riding with one hand especially.

[@jameshannan2143]

Great videos guys! 👏👏 thank you for putting this together

[@GREATVOVA]

Thanks for cornering tip. It's very useful.

[@gaborvaradi7946]

Very good list of basic, important and life-saving skills! I would probably add looking back to check traffic behind you e.g. before a left turn on the road (right turn in the UK).

[@gcn]

Good one Gabor!

[@AIRDRAC]

I recommend the "stopping left turn", where you go the the far right corner of the road (as in, drive through the intersection as if you intended to go straight, then stop at the corner, after signalling your intention to do so - reverse instructions for RHD countries, obviously), come to a complete stop, and then go when the light gets green for the traffic going in that direction. This allows you to avoid getting stuck in the middle of the intersection, which can especially be a problem on bigger roads, as well as avoiding the need to cross the active lanes to get to the turning lane.

[@phillippitts6294]

You guys are hilarious! I’ve been riding 40 years and I enjoy your shows every time. Thanks.

[@gcn]

Thanks Phillip, glad you enjoyed it

[@ernestogonzalez4398]

Thank you. Those are important skills for anyone in a bike. I’ll definitely use this on the future!

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Having a moustache like that automatically makes you a better rider

[@shirtsguitar]

Yeaa

[@j0aco646]

He is hugo

[@atimholt]

You missed an opportunity to mention that it's actually called a “handlebar mustache”.

[@paullee4210]

Thanks a lot for all the tips especially the one with riding out of saddle.

[@nikolapocrnja6044]

These are essential no doubt. I would like to see some non-body focused content like "how to get back after a crash" or "how to be patient in traffic". I'm so glad that you included Observation - best one to prevent bad things. In traffic, I try to function like Robocop or Terminator, observing possible hazards, calculating my moves, speed etc. It's fun, I feel smarter and didn't crash since I started to observing at higher level. I know I'm not going to have Dan's hair, but what are those sunglasses?

[@gcn]

You're right, no one can beat Dan's hair, but you can be halfway there with his Roka sunglasses

[@amydixon2377]

Thanks guys, very useful! Both as a refresher for me, and as things to highlight when helping my daughter work on her skills, rather than just hoping she picks stuff up along the way. :)

[@rabihboukhari7409]

thank you for those advices

[@DaveGe77]

Excellent video! Thank you for this!

[@815thengineers8]

You guys do a great job with your videos! Thanks!

[@zerg9523]

Basic Tip 7 : When working on a bike with brake or gear cables, reset the thumb adjustments to center before you dial them in. This give you some room for a tweak mid-ride if needed.

[@larchman4327]

I set front cable rim brake so it cannot lock up with cam lever up and leave it that way. if on hills I push lever down for maximum braking

[@lindamcbride7664]

This is a great video. I am new to cycling and these helpful skills are what I need to learn. Thanks guys.

[@Randonstorn]

Great video. Thanks guys!

[@youlostwildrift6712]

the brake and cornering helps me ,thanks

[@robsonalcantara2939]

Very useful Thank you Obrigado

[@falkens_maze]

Great channel, some real gold here.

[@mariocaballero7645]

Haha, nobody expects the Spanish cyclist

[@da14a49]

Inquisition*

[@cornnose1842]

r/wooooosh

[@danielmurphy2355]

Cornnose w. S 1!; CD z

[@richtexas4431]

Where the heck did he come from? 😂😂

[@boardingurban]

Haha, nobody expects the Spanish inquisition

[@henrlima87]

Thanks for this. Im just starting out and its really good advice. Ive been a driver for a long time, looking ahead (not just ahead, spacial awareness) is one of the most important aspects when out on the road, on whatever vehicle you are. Experience is also a deciding factor, as it will allow you to read what other people are doing, or about to do.

[@kidistadere5296]

Love U Guys, this Is Very Helpful

[@danishskiwarehouse]

I didn’t know the King of Diamonds was a Spaniard

[@_marou_]

Happy to say that I've learned all of this through biking almost everyday and doing it constantly

[@Khelj21]

Thanks for the tips.. it so helpful for a beginner like me..

[@wilveraliet9473]

these are all so helpful, awesome sirs!

[@jjeong.2764]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! This vid is really a great help 🤧♥️♥️

[@benporcher723]

This video is exactly what I needed!! I usually ride an upright ebike for commuting. I am fixing up an old road bike, and the position is quite strange for me. I feel like I'll go flying over the handlebars if I brake hard. I will practice these techniques. Thanks! :) I get a lot of value out of the videos on this channel!

[@jen3800]

the fella with the moustache reminds me of the French soldier in Monty Python's Holy Grail movie ! can you ask him to say " i fart in your general direction ! " ? that would be great! i love your show , you guys are great! jim e

[@thumperjdm]

"Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time."

[@CyberdyneSystemsSkynet]

Silly English Knnnnniggits! Good old John Cleese.

[@CyberdyneSystemsSkynet]

David P "hampster" not "whore"

[@jen3800]

wow.. i am amazed at how many people got a giggle out of this! let's petition GCN for this to happen ! they should ride to that exact castle and re enact the scene ! tha t would be fun !

[@deantonna]

‘I told them we already got one ...”

[@JustAThought155]

Nice. Thanks guys!!!

[@tellytellz5080]

This is so interesting because you don't think about these details coming from a mountain bike. I just bought and road on my first road bike and its extremely enjoyable! However, it will take some getting use to. Thanks so much for the tips!

[@juliarobertson2020]

Just got my first road bike! Now I am binge watching everything on your channel! 😊

[@zatstone]

LOVE your international team!!!!

[@seanymaybe3574]

Great info I hold this information close to me!

[@darlancorreabento2019]

Very good video, congratulations from Brasil.

[@rachmuch5226]

Thank for info cycling.

[@aminatah]

Very nice, these skills might seem as juste details but they actually are very useful. thanks !

[@IronAngel8775]

thank you you guys are awesome 👌

[@daisybluegroff]

Love these guys.

[@bobshowmtb3348]

Amazing! Congratulation for the team! Great film!

[@gretelbravatti7201]

Thank you it was helpful 🙏🙌🏼🦋

[@ricardogomespedro4365]

I can now die after watching D'Artagnan teaching bike skills

[@maxmcfarlane7216]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@vulcanprincess1584]

turning one handed is mega difficult as i've realized biking home from starbucks with a cup in my hand. especially depending on the hand and the direction one is turning

[@salmansabbirrajon8868]

loved the video

[@JoseJimenez-il5vs]

Love the paint work on Dan's bike. Super nice!

[@gcn]

It sure is a super nice!

[@johnnyaxelsson6666]

Great video👍you are al professionals in this... Al new beginners needs to know these golden tips... Also old ones that not have cycle on roads for long time.. Thank you al boys🙏🕺drive safe...

[@bcwbcw7649]

crucial skill: seeing, pointing out and avoiding roadkill, especially porcupines and skunks.

[@judithmcmillan2734]

Thank you - though riding no handed is sometimes helpful just to stretch the back and sore shoulders. ;) Loved this video and the humor. Thanks.

[@arbitor412]

The area around Stourhead is such a great place to cycle, got some relatives that live in Zeals and I always take my bike when i visit them. Whenever i see a video of your filmed there it makes want to go!

[@michaelplathphotography8537]

Handy info for better bike rides

[@orhansaimdemirturk]

Very useful video..

[@AntonioDiaz]

Great tips! 😮

[@kelsoncheng]

Completely agree on the observation part. If you're a car driver it's much easier to adjust and use the same skill on cycling. Thanks GCN.

[@trick700]

👍 enjoying listening to Oscar, very clear

[@gcn]

Yep you're right, he's doing a pretty good job considering English is his second language

[@mixanikos2]

Great tips thank you

[@gcn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madcapper6]

Pedaling out of the saddle is something I naturally did as a kid riding BMX but something I had to learn to do as an adult. Funny how that happens sometimes.

[@henfc456]

Fantastico!!

[@scin3759]

Great clip.

[@gcn]

S Cin Thanks!

[@markusmencke8059]

Nice video. 👍 Is there a video about the hand signs commonly used, and which to use in which situation? I find myself a bit confused sometimes. 😉

[@gcn]

This two should help! gcn.eu/1ihb8zM & gcn.eu/groupetiquette

[@michaelolson7626]

I find a lot of drivers don't actualy know what kind of hand signals to expect from a cyclist. I often extend a hand with a finger pointed in my intended direction and wag or snap my finger in a "blinker" action, like a teacher yelling at school children.

[@PiotrSzczuka184]

As I Can see it' very common problem in many countries.

[@haych27]

Where i live is mostly 80km/h dual carriageway with a lot of merging lanes and motorists who are spoilt for being able to speed onto them and often not a lot of traffic. They notoriously forget to check for cyclists so I now take both hands off the bike, sit up tall and actually give them a huge full arm wave as I'm approaching them!! Works well and I get a laugh out of them staring at me wondering 'do I know her'!! :)

[@2wheeler58]

This is what I learned. Put your left arm out and bend your elbow fingers pointing to the sky it signifies a "right" turn. Put your left arm straight out horizontal to the ground, like you're going to put your hand on top of a car, that signifies a "left" turn. Put your arm out and bend your elbow fingers pointing to the ground and that signifies you are "slowing" and/or coming to a "stop". Last, with your arm down by your side, keep arm straight, move arm away from your body to 7 o'clock to signify you are moving left of a right turn only lane. And that's what I learned.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

very nice kits

[@user-ep6nf7fb5x]

Thank You A❤️A

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

7:53 Here in Las Vegas they like to put valve covers and sometimes manholes in the bike lane, which can be very annoying not to mention one time I was riding and one of those valve covers was sticking up out of the hole at a 45 degree angle - hit that and for sure you're crashing into a curb or maybe into the street where you will get run over by a driver in a massive hurry to get to the next red light.

[@ianstewart8301]

How skillfully did Daniel do that endo (front end-over)? How was he able to clip out so quickly?

[@NW42degree]

Ian Stewart its muscle memory for me from being clipped in all those years mountain biking and going over the bars so many times! My heels automatically push outwards to unclip as I push the bike down between my legs like a leap frog. Enjoy practicing!!

[@beeble2003]

You'll probably also enjoy "7 Magnificent Ways to Dismount Your Bicycle" kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKSWnqOur6eKZtU Dan's endo here is more impressive than the one in that video because, here, he catches the bike.

[@MM-bg7in]

New to cycling skills. Most fun I’ve had in a long time was practicing emergency braking. Wore down my tires but didn’t matter. Just too much fun.

[@zerg9523]

Basic Tip 6 : If you have a suspension bike, find out if you have lockable forks... this can make your mountain bike more workable on the roads.

[@owenpreece4508]

Brilliant video guys

[@gcn]

Thanks Owen

[@stemarcoh]

How about an in-depth review of that Madone? It would be great to get insight into more than just the basic specs and actually know what it's like to maintain, clean, ride, etc.

[@thepianoman1509]

+1 for visiting my local - Stourhead!

[@samm.n.831]

I like your Bikes :)

[@jacobjche]

I just would like to learn from Spanish people from now on thank you GCN.

[@jacquelinesim9578]

One handed riding as you mention for telling other road users what you’re doing. As a Driving Instructor and cyclist I cannot believe how few people know how to indicate that they’re slowing down 😮 (or that they *should* indicate when turning or moving out!) If this could be underlined in any other videos the roads could be a bit safer I feel 🙏🏻 Great video as always guys 😊

[@simonebottino5165]

Thank you, now I feel more confident with my spoken English.

[@petinka721]

The Boss ride with his new apprentices! Great video and thanks GCN!

[@shezpluscats]

Bring on the blooper reel!!!!

[@TheProjectX3]

Would like a guide for U turn cornering while in a group!

[@albertcastro409]

Good video

[@brendavane9148]

Like the retro jerseys.

[@richardorr9849]

Hi everyone! I just started cycling and I have learned a bunch from you guys. Thanks! Here’s a multi question for everyone. How do you get comfortable leaning into a turn. I try and I punk out every single time. Also, when cycling the area under my thumb will tend to cramp up after an hour of riding. Is that normal when beginning or is something not aligned properly.

[@TarmanTheChampion]

Yeah becoming comfortable with one handed riding is important, especially when smoking a cigarette. 2 others I could add that i practice is giving a verbal warning to pedestrians on which side i will be passing them, also if its wet, raining, or the road conditions are really sandy/gravely i air down my tires just a hair, especially if i will be doing a lot of downhill riding. Because super hard inflated tires will slide out from under you when traveling at high speeds in slick conditions :) ive crashed once or twice when hitting a really sandy or rocky pocket as well as almost skinning myself multiple times, by almost losing traction when sudden drifting occurs because of super steep, wet hills 😬

[@shadthehat]

spanish guy is awesome. 6:52 "or pointing out a road furnitur to all de still boy"

[@brendavane9148]

Where you look is where you go. It's so simple yet so important.

[@gcn]

Very true!

I learned that using your shifting system properly is essential if you want to ride on mountains and hills properly.Especially if you ride on roads and need to watch for traffic and traffic signals.