5 SKILLS Every Beginner Cyclist Should Learn

[@symbiantscycling]

I’ve definitely got number 1 down

[@ndennan67]

I put hybrid half flat/half SDP clipless pedals on my road bike as I like not having to clip in on the commute but also like been clipped on on my longer weekend rides.

[@HanOfGod13]

First time using clipless pedals, coming to a stop at a level crossing... couldn't get my foot unclipped. You get that moment where you're still upright but you can feel that moment you're going to fall and have that thought of "Oh F***"... And then boom, tarmac and humiliation! 😉😂 We've all done it!

[@derekmbrownii]

Mine happened during the cycling part of a triathlon lol it was a crazy headwind, I got stuck upward and the only way was down haha yes we have all done it.

[@erikhilsinger9421]

Riding my fat bike through the snow to the grocery store to get the car with the dead battery. Pedals froze shut and I fell right over trying to unclip. Laughed and laughed considering.

[@AC-wq7fo]

I did it three times in a day on a 200+km ride. Schoolchildren can be so mean....

[@markcashman2933]

i do it every now and again when i forget i am clipped in ha ha

[@benjamindonaldson3506]

So glad to hear we have all done it. Did it three times in my first ride on them. Third one really hurt. Luckily only two miles from home on third fall.

[@rubyandrenaetheminiatureda6988]

I’ve been cycling for the past 18 months, and have gone from an inactive overweight 48 year old to someone who has more energy than I did in my 30s. As I approach my 50th birthday, and can now average 17mph over 12 miles, II’m 2st lighter and have so much more energy. It’s the videos that you and others like Juliet Elliot make that inspired me to have a go, and so glad that I did. Thank you 👍

[@Cade_Media]

💪💪💪

[@saskhiker3935]

Ah Shane, that's great! Me too!! I moved to my husband's farm and was a hiker, but there are no hiking trails. So I started taking my city bike out on the gravel roads and having a blast. So I invested in a gravel bike cause there are no paved roads here. I FELL in lobe with my bike and exploring the area. I now lost 10 pounds in just a month and am training for a gravel event in a few weeks. Wish there were other cyclists in my area. I get a lot of strange looks from ranchers and farmers wondering what the hell I am doing.

[@rubyandrenaetheminiatureda6988]

@@saskhiker3935 great results on the fitness and weight loss- well done. We certainly belong to wonderful group of people, and it’s great to see our numbers expand (certainly in Kent’s countryside). Good luck with the event, and who knows we may see you on a future Francis Cade KZbin video 👍

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Well done !

[@tombarkley7245]

This is awesome Shane! Well done

[@stillshunter]

Drink. Drink often. Drink before you’re thirsty.

[@davidmartin305]

I would say that preparing to stop, is part of defensive riding something I learnt as a 17 year old on a motorbike, back in the day. Getting into the habit of eyeballing drivers at junctions to check that they have looked in the direction you are riding and have seen you, if not being prepared to take avoiding action. Generally, being hyper aware of your surroundings and not riding head down a the time.

[@21cup]

This is so true, driving in a city and riding in a city you need to assume the worst and look out for others who are not as aware.

[@markomarin3414]

Been cycling for 1.5 year still afraid to used clipless. Riding my SL6 with flat paddle hehe. P.S best thing about this channel Francis not just talking about racing roadbike cyclist, he talks about us the normal people who just cycling for fun and healthy perpose . Love ya mate !

[@Cade_Media]

👊❤️

[@camilog.719]

I went with clipless from the beginning last year with my first road bike. The key is practice. I did 10-15 minutes just clipping and unclipping while on the saddle but not moving (holding a wall). After that, ride a few meters slowly, unclip, stop and repeat for another 10-15 min. So far I've just "almost" fallen once at a traffic light hahaha

[@ForeverDirt3]

Went clipless from the start and ditched it after 3 years, best decision I ever made.

[@Astroboooy]

Falling from unclipping pedals at a stop is a right of passage

[@alifecycles]

You don't need road specific shoes for road cycling! MTB style shoes work just as well and you can walk around in them much easier.

[@odonoghue4114]

I started on MTB SPDs definitely a good way to get into it, way more forgiving than SPD SL!

[@HanOfGod13]

I agree...but i still fell over failing to unclip from my SPD's 😂 Taboo or not, I still use SPD's on my road bike. My bike, my rules! 😉

[@Avioto]

@@odonoghue4114 Did you notice a big difference going from SPD to SPD SL?

[@odonoghue4114]

@@Avioto Yes definitely feel more planted but definitely takes a bit more to unclip

[@markcashman2933]

are MTB SPD easier to clip out of ????

[@Andy_Lewis]

Changing a tube has go to be up there - as a newby I spent ages getting Gatorskins off my bike every time I had a puncture. Oh and finding the hidden offending pointy annoyance too

[@jameschhun6200]

I'm with changing a tube all the way, I watched a lot of videos where they basically did not suggest committing to getting the tire to seat on one side of the wheel, so I'd spend multiple days trying to seat both sides on at once... Needless to say I've wasted alot of time and have gone to bed feeling defeated. Once I got into tubeless and watched some more clearer videos, it takes me like 3 minutes to change a tube now!

[@DaxPlusPlus]

Agreed. In fact showing the best way to take off a tyre using your thumb\fingers to the point where you may not even need a set of levers is defo an under-rated skill. In fact a lot of cyclists don't even know about this and think you always have to use levers.

[@garymiller1216]

I would agree with the changing of innertube, but now i have gone tubeless its history for me !!

[@CallumHollywood]

Newish cyclist here. I’ve always ridden bikes throughout my life and childhood mountain bike, bmx etc. But during the first lock down I started taking my single speed further and further. This year I bought my first geared road bike. I’m not training for anything specific just helps my general mental and physical health. I haven’t ridden with any groups bigger that 4 yet but I’m just to plan my first sportive event.

[@st50156]

New cyclist here. I just like riding bikes, it gets me out. I don't care about how fast I am or anything like that. I'm focused on trying to up the distance I can go, so far its only 25 miles but as someone who could barely ride 10m 6 months ago I am happy. The surroundig areas around my town is just beautiful coutryside and my goal will be to ride to cheddar and get up the gorge. I have a way to go to get to being fit enough but i'm gonna get there. The only reason I want clipless is purely because where I live I am surrounded by hills and I do tend to have my feet come off my pedals when i'm going up a climb on the downstroke. Recently had a bike fit and it was recomended and we are in the middle of finding the right shoe. You're videos keep me motivated, so thanks

[@Cade_Media]

yeah the clipless pedals will help keep your feet in exactly the right place too!

[@jonburnell532]

Welcome to the cycling world. I hope you enjoy it 😊

[@milanb.6022]

Many mountainbikers ride hills in flats and their feet dont come off, at least not on the way up :)

[@st50156]

@@milanb.6022 lucky for them lol

[@BestOf604]

Definitely fell in clipless once when I wasn’t prepared at a cross walk and was surprised by a fellow cyclist. Like a large tree falling down slowly. Would love to see more mechanical repairs stuff. Basic derailleur adjustments and maybe patching tires.

[@emilychilds8085]

In the early days I wrote myself a list of steps on how to change a puncture and carried it in my tool kit. Used to ride and commute a lot on my own and was always paranoid I’d forget what to do when the time came. Practiced a lot in the house too. Knowledge is power! Over time, the more you do it, it just becomes second nature.

[@marshallemmett3313]

I had been riding clipless for at least 5 years when I came to a stop on an incline. I unclipped my foot as usual, paused, back pedaled as I started the incline, accidentally reclipped into the pedal at the top as I came to a halt, and immediately fell over. I took it in good humor, brushed my elbows off, and continued on.

[@HarishChouhan]

I learned how to ride at the age of 34 :). Once I moved to Vietnam and was looking at bike pics during work breaks, my wife saw it and got me her 20-year bike which I practiced on. I then moved to MTB, then gravel bike, and now proper road bike but I'm still using flat pedals. People in Vietnam ride like crazy and it is sometimes hard to figure out what people ahead could do.

[@mikesiemens4145]

My tip for beginners, consistency. Plan to ride your bike 2 to 3 times a week for a set amount of time. Increase the frequency and/or time as you feel your fitness improving.

[@gravhellcycling]

Gravel bike rider here. I believe using SPDs (with multi-release) is a nice way to go for beginners. It's easier to clip in and there are a ton of ways to unclip. There are also pedals with clips on one side and flats on the other like the Shimano EH500.

[@Mesofs9]

Also learn to brake smoothly, particularly with discbrakes. When you are new to riding in a group and people are behind you, please dont brake to harshly. It can cause a crash behind you.

[@AndrewBlucher]

If you are new to cleats / clipless then start with Shimano SPD. You can clip in on both sides (hence easier), walk in the shoes, they are cheaper (like most Shimano stuff), and last for ages (unlike most Shimano stuff). Set your new pedals to the loosest setting until you are used to riding with them and can stop and unclip without thinking.

[@GMSlash]

A few weeks ago I went for a ride, and I was keeping a decent pace on a narrow farmer's road, up until the point I needed to slow down in order to pass a tractor, which kindly went to the side of the road to let me pass. I had shifted down when passing, and now wanted to pick up the pace again and impulsively shifted up both the front and rear derailleur, which made my chain fall off. No problem, everything was under control; I slowed down, steered to the side of the road, and at the point I wanted to put my foot on the ground, I noticed I was still clipped in and gracefully fell down into a field. At that point the tractor passed me, and the farmer put up his thumb asking if I was alright. Feeling silly and covered in dirt, with a scraped knee, I didn't pick up the pace again for the remainder of the ride. 😅

[@daltonkirk5273]

Didn’t go into an easier gear in time when going up a hill, couldn’t turn the pedals anymore and therefore couldn’t change gear. Slowed to a stop and didn’t unclip then slowly fell sideways. Don’t wait too long to change gear!

[@SteveStearns]

Awesome video, as always Francis. Another tip might be to review the rules or laws where you are going to be riding so everyone is safe (i.e., which side of the road to ride on, whether you can ride on sidewalks and under what conditions, helmet, lights, reflectors, etc.). Most of all have fun and be safe.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Yup traffic lights didn't unclip in time down like a sack spuds. I'd add learn to fix a puncture. Your Percy pig's taste takes bit of getting used to, but didn't end up in a sticky mess in the heat yesterday.👍

[@pierrehenri2297]

Hi got into cycling 4 years ago and recently got a gravel bike and started commuting daily by bike. I use mtb pedals and etnies bike shoes as i don’t like the feeling of having my feet clipped onto the pedals. Loving the gravel bike and how versatile it is. It has made my commute that much more fun especially in the spring and summer, as i don’t have to stick to the roads! Thanks for all the tips, i have found them really useful. 👍🏻

[@AlunG28]

I appreciate the “Don’t feel pressure to get Clip-less.’” I have been riding on and off causally my whole life (starting with quarter pipes in my teens.) This last year I have made it my main form of exercise and have been building my strength and distance. I have tried clip-less but like flats. I always feel like I need to apologize if I go to a bike shop though!

[@charlied1675]

Everyone has fallen when using clipless pedals. If you're in traffic, it could mean you'll have a serious injury, so for me, safety concerns have me using flat pedals. I think the advantages of clipless have been overstated (especially the idea that 'pulling up' on the pedal is a thing). But then I also feel like the skunk at the picnic when I show up with flat pedals on my road bike. 🤷🏻

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Definitely no need to feel the odd one out or different for your choice of pedals. We are all different, and should be free to use what best suits. When I first started riding I was told I MUST clip in and it MUST be road pedals. When I moved over to SPD (MTB) pedals I was berated by some, for not being true to cycling. I have no time for cycling snobbery at all, it ruins riding for people. Keep enjoying your rides, and doing you.

[@Akiraownz]

Nice video!! I tried clipless pedals few months ago and just didn't see the point when i am not racing and i am just going with my own speed. Nice to see that you build PC and you are editing from laptop anymore :D

[@clintonhalunajan467]

Main TIP: ENJOY THE RIDE!!!🚵‍♂️

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

Advice to anyone new to clipless, falling is part of the process, just make sure the place you are learning to clip in and out of is not a busy road. Also figure out which foot you feel better getting out of when coming to a stop. Most people clip out of the right foot first, and are people that lead with their left foot when skateboarding/snowboarding/boxing. I'm goofy-footed/southpaw (lead with my right foot) so I find clipping out with my left foot is much more comfortable and natural. Adjust your pedals to the loosest clip in setting, and keep in mind new cleats are extra tight until you can break them in. Always twist your heel away from the bike to avoid you foot going into the rear wheel.

[@Avioto]

I think the most important thing you said is to do things you are comfortable with and not feel pressured to do anything 👍🏼 After getting my roadbike for the first time I used flat pedals for a while and definitely got some weird looks, but I felt like I had enough to get used to and I didn't want to also worry about my feet being stuck to a bike!

[@Cade_Media]

unfortunately there is snobbery in cycling and it stops people getting into to it - hopefully it will change. flat pedals are fine!

[@ZackP1]

New-ish cyclist here(always had a bike in the household since age 5 basically), been riding for about a month now on a proper road bike, actually training for a triathlon(IM 70.3) and I have mtb flat pedals, gives more surface to push down on, clipless pedals are just too intimidating for me for the time being so I'll stick with flats. Eating & drinking on a bike is definitely a great skill especially if one trains for a triathlon/duathlon, after my first 20k ride I was dead, then few weeks later riding, snacking, drinking periodically, I went for a 40k ride with very little effort(and a good time too).

[@MrAlexshellard]

Had a road bike for 2 weeks, thought a straps on pedals would save the fail vs clips.... patch of gravel put me on my ass at like 2 mph when i forgot i was strapped in. 10 year streak of mtb-ing without coming off lost and pride destroyed. 70 odd year old guy flagged me down to check i was alright 5 min later. Faith in humanity restored, unexpectedly large bruise achieved. Also bike fit Tuesdays have totally changed my setup!

[@coreyallert1482]

Good video Basic maintenance like changing a flat/puncture

[@derekmbrownii]

I'm transitioning from distance running to cycling. The idea of fueling has always been a difficult task for me. So this is something I really want to focus on. I'm currently on a ride now and I made sure to bring some beef jerky and nutrition bars to do the fueling on a ride. Let's see how it goes.

[@ioplup]

Have to say, I love when you mix in these vids with normal vlogs, adds some variance. Good stuff! Ps: a thing I thought of this morning while I was out on a beautiful Surrey hills ride (I'm sure you don't miss those at all 😉 ). Can we see your cycling wardrobe? I remember your 21st June sunrise to sunset ride last year and you were wearing a gnarly camo jersey, wondering what else you've got. Only been seriously road riding for a year and a half and my collection of bibs, jerseys and socks is ridiculous, would be cool to see how it compares to 10+ years!

[@brentp6890]

On my ride today, I had a banana that looked way worse than that one. Is great for rides, instantly digested. Works like yellow(ish) gel. 😁

[@cb6866]

Thanks Francis...on my first group ride. I came to a stop , and as I was unclipping my right foot , a bee was stinging my left leg. I leaned the wrong way to swat it , crashed and couldn't unclip as i was upside down . The group was impressed ! Thanks as always

[@jonburnell532]

I wrote my bike off in October because of being clipped in and going to slowly. Stopped on an uphill, went to clip in to get going again but was still in the big dog and over I went. I cracked the bb shell on the kerb.... Even after 12 clipless years you can still get it wrong.

[@stuartdilts2729]

Not eating during a ride is what really gets me. I near-bonk on most rides just past the 25 mile mark just because I don't eat enough. Depending on where I am though, it's nice excuse for a nap.

[@davehoover8853]

First drop using clipless at a busy intersection. Second drop was showing off my new bike to a friend and slowly sliding down the side of his car. Move on several years and I am now racing mountain bikes. New shoes with more rubber grip on the bottom. I pulled into the starting stage surrounded by a lot of eager riders. Could not get out and dropped in front of everyone! Finished the race and dropped again shortly after the finish line - family and spectators aplenty. I later found out my rubber cleats wouldn’t clear the cleats and I couldn’t get out! Out came the grinder.

[@mr_m_to_the_t]

I really like this type of video. It's nice how you encourage beginners! Keep these videos coming. It took me quite a while to figure out that I was pushing too big gears and that it caused my occasional lower back pain. Got myself a cheap cadence sensor. It really helped. Especially on bikepacking trips, with luggage and gravel paths and some climbing, I rarely use the big chain ring.

[@malcontent_1]

Just an excellent set of tips Thank you, Francis

[@tonystrange7224]

Great advice Francis. As for forgetting to unclip it's a rite of passage. We all done it and kissed the tarmac, usually when there is a nice group of onlookers, oh the shame, I still have flashbacks 😉😆

[@robstamatiadis4834]

Very very useful video 👌🏻 my essential skill is on bike communication like pointing out road hazards, slowing down or stopping, elbow flick and calling out sprints and sharing what you know with new riders

[@royclarke4734]

Used flat pedals for the first few months I had my road bike. Got clipless pedals once I felt comfortable on the bike. My first fondo was also about this time. At the end, I unclipped while coasting to the finish line. Without thinking, I gently placed my foot back on the pedal. When I tried to put my foot on the ground it had clipped back into the pedal. I made that seemingly slow tip and descent to the pavement (while desperately trying to quickly disengage, which never works).

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

Through and off is called "Belgischer Kreisel", belgian spinner, in german. I think this may give a hint that the inventors of this technique came from the flandrian lowlands where the wind is always coming straight ahead at you no matter what direction you are going.

[@elmerrichardson6413]

Thank you for this video, FC. I've been riding since 2017 and this year I started riding with groups. All these tips will help me be a better group rider. Again, thank you!😊 P.S. say "hi" to Daisy.

[@derschwarzeteufel1998]

Definitely remember my funniest clipless incident. It wasn’t my first, but it was in the period where I was getting comfortable track standing at intersections. I was rolling up to a crosswalk planning on using it to cross a busy road with no traffic light. I was actively looking for traffic, then realized I needed to stop. I was debating whether I was going to roll into a track stand, or if I was going to grab hold of the light pole with the signal on it. I ended up doing neither 😅 Wasn’t a big deal luckily, just got back up and on the bike and continued my commute.

[@JeanMichelAubin]

I would add defensive riding if you're riding in a city, definitely needs to factor in the learn to ride slow so you don't get annoyed by all the hasards of the city getting in your way. Another useful thing is to learn how to fix a tire, very useful. Last that I would say is missing it learn to communicate. I see is forums questions like : "Is is ok to draft from strangers?". The answer is always that it depends on the rider. And the best way to find out is to ask. So communicating while riding is a very useful skill. Helps you pass people safely, indicate where you're going to cars and it makes riding safer.

[@NickRoyGregor]

I was out on a ride and saw a bunch of people I know, went to stop and unclipped on the right and fell to the left, they seemed to think it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. I am sure it was.

[@2120musiclover]

The part about you saying that we don’t need to clip in makes me feel much better. My riding buds are pressuring me hard. I have really bad arthritic knees, and I’m worried about clipping in.

[@MichaelSnasdell]

People who genuinely pressure others into cycling the way THEY cycle are a pain! Do what suits you best. One thing I would say is, on flats I fidget with my feet and constantly change my positioning. Clipped in (once set to what suits me) I am much more stable.

[@patrickparisienne1917]

If you want to try clip less, then try the mountain bike style SPD pedal system. Easier to clip in as you simply stamp down on the pedal, and if you use Shimano SH- 51 cleat ( not SH- 56) it is REALLY easy to unclip, and the smallest and lightest ankle swivel will do it. Also remember that you can always adjust the release tension on the pedal too. I started with the SPD system. Yes I fell off once, because you don’t unclip one foot before stopping, I unclip a good 10 mtrs before stopping so I don’t feel under pressure. I don’t believe they will have any effect on your knees, as they aren’t used to clip out, and there is a good amount of built in float ( twisting misalignment) to allow for varied pedalling actions.

[@L00KING410]

Came to an intersection decided not to unclip, (seen a lot of cyclist hold only the crosswalk sign maintaining balance and when the light changes they pedal off.) Well I came to the sign slow took my hand off the handlebar to grab the sign but I was a few centimeters farther than the tip of my middle finger. Took two to three swipes at the sign to grab it. Long story short I ended up unclipping once I was on the ground, not to mention I had the crosswalk sign which means ALL TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED and possibly watching me as I fell and got myself back up to then wait for the crosswalk again.

[@glendahunt8013]

Love, love, love! I've been a beginner for, what, 7 years. Still not doing the clipless pedals. THUS, my friends call me a beginner.

[@Bu5t3R]

Great video that I think a lot of new cyclists should watch. I belong to a fairly large cycling group and we keep adding new riders to our Tuesday and Wednesday night rides. We always have someone on sweep duty and these are things we try to help them understand and learn but unfortunately we don’t usually meet them until they are there for the ride.

[@CanyonWanderer]

Being clipped in at a stop: Actually ever since restarting cycling after 15+ years of pause, going from actual toe-clips to clip-less went pretty smooth (I was very aware of being clipped-in). But: one cold day I thought I might try putting plastic bags around my socks to block the wind. Not only did that block the wind, but also at the first traffic light on my route (300 meter from the house) it reduced the friction between foot and shoe, so turning my foot to unclip did not turn my shoe enough to actually unclip.... drop to the right in shame ...

[@ronankelly9529]

Sage wisdom and great detail. Not preachy or condescending either. Great video!

[@wheatcroft9]

Hi Francis, really good advice. Pretty new to riding, just had 60th birthday. Slowly building up my ride lengths. Yesterday I had a pb, with 43 miles, average speed of 15 mph, coincidently, first ride with Percy pigs also. I ride solo, but do try and push myself. With the heat yesterday, I really noticed the last few miles, drank and ate regularly, but it made me realise, slow and steady when putting in a long ride. Love the channel, keep up the great work.

[@Cade_Media]

don't tell anybody, but the secret is the pigs.

[@Awesome_Force]

I got an Allez road bike and I use flat metal pedals. I also wear my steel toe boots when I ride too. :P

[@crankgreenwatts]

Love it 💚 and if fall off unclipping laugh as makes it a far better memory 👌 Would you be able to do a beginner video about how to call out pot-holes and vehicles in-front with arm/hand instructions?

[@Cade_Media]

Like this one? 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpeWfItufZKKaKc

[@rasbogle]

Started riding with a mountain bike but I use a gravel bike now it’s amazing these tips are very useful thanks

[@SioLazer]

Great tips, Francis! I think my list would also include fixing a flat and doing a pre-ride safety check. The ride slow business is something we can all benefit from! I never realized how much until I started joining local group rides. I'm in PDX where we do a lot of slow roll kinda party rides. We have a bunch of themed rides in June for Pedalpalooza (Birthday Ride, Prince V Bowie Ride, Prom Ride) and they can get very large. Being able to control your bike effectively at a slow speed can teach you a lot about handling.

[@robaust3049]

Great advice. Some of this may sound simple but “We’re thinking it and means more by you saying it…”

[@FelixR1991]

4:30 very surprised by the Snelle Jelle cameo, my favourite riding snack. :D

[@theburts]

I have only started riding this year and on my second time out I thought I would clip in leaning on my house wall so I could just ride away but I pushed off to cycle i just ended up falling straight over on my drive way. 🙄 I laughed to myself got up and went on my ride.

I think cycling slow is the most important skill to learn when cycling on bad terrain like in the winter when the streets are not properly cleaned.

[@kates4119]

i agree that clipless pedals aren’t required until you’re comfortable on the bike, as long as you have some decent platform pedals or your foot will slip too much

[@michaelfreeman2399]

Ride slow is the best piece of advice, great that it was put first. Brilliant video ❤️

[@fabianvzwol1]

Doing a gravel ride in a beautiful environment, stopping to enjoy the moment... Forgetting you're clipped it (first gravel ride / cycling clipless). Was soft ground so I laughed it off and went on 😁

[@scottthorpe1601]

I had a graceful dismount from the bike with clipless pedals. Hardknott Pass for the Fred Whitton Challenge, one of the switch backs. Not enough speed to continue and not enough speed to unclip. Found a patch of grass and had a lie down..

[@pjcaps100]

Love it when you do these videos. Thanks for the tips!

[@nehalchokshi5874]

First time using clipless pedals. I couldn't get myself unclipped coming up to a traffic light. I couldn't get myself unclipped, thankfully feel toward the curb and not into traffic. A bloody knee and all, was still able to ride for about one and a half hours. :-)

[@englishcyclist]

Yeah clipless pedals, always in a town stuck at lights and over we go. You know you've done a good job of falling off when you can hear the belly laugh from the car drivers watching you pull off this comedy movement. Another tip !! WATER take more, hydrate more often - got caught out in Saturday's heat on a 50 miler and run out of water with no shops insight, and err caught out today on what I thought was a quick run of 10 miles that turned into nearly 20.

[@sparkles877]

This makes me feel so much better as I'm terrified to try clipless pedals! Thank you. I love your videos 💚

[@bee_whisper]

id say sprinting safely is a good skill to learn , you don't need to be cavs long lost twin but being able to sprint past a bus or just to be stable when going flat out is a handy skill .

[@heidijarvis777]

My brother in law bought his first road bike 2 weeks ago and went straight into clipless, fell off twice on his first ride, once when the chain came off and the other at a junction. He then wrote off his bike 4 days later when it fell off the roof of his car 😳 One of the things I struggled with as a beginner was learning how to drink whilst riding and be able to put my bottle back in the holder.

[@PedroRodriguez-kg4bq]

RE number 1 - ive only learned this when taking my brother /gf on some of my routes. I always have breaks and go slow up the hills. always checking behind me on the straights as i want to encourage them to go on rides with me. And i always finish off and barely feel like ive exerted myself at all!

[@Cade_Media]

that's the thing, you can ride sooooo far if you take it steady & fuel well

[@nojukuramu]

Climb is nightmare when riding with your friends. But feels so good when riding by yourself

[@nkantar]

Late to the party, but still: I first tried clipless some 9 years ago with SPD. One of my first clipless rides was a commute to work, and on the way home I got to the front of the line at a red light and completely failed to unclip at 0 mph. As I fell to the side, one of my wired earbuds fell out of my ear and into the wheel, which then turned a little, shearing the bud off. Roughly 12,000,000 people (aka the entire population of Los Angeles) watched me perform this shitshow, unclip on the ground, get up, and walk over to the sidewalk while trying to laugh it off. The worst part was then riding the remaining few miles home without music to distract me from the embarrassment. 😂 I also did this one more time right in front of my apartment a year or two later, though without earbuds that time. And sometime between those two incidents I once managed to ride off the beach bike path and into sand, immediately getting stuck and falling over to the side before I had a chance to even try unclipping. In spite of this, since I started riding clipless, I've only ridden flat pedals a little bit around town, and it's fine for a few casual miles, but I much prefer clipless. I currently have a set of DMR Versa combo pedals on my gravel bike (and have had them on my previous road bike), but almost never use the flat side.

[@vixentori17]

I went from flats to clipless to flats as I realized that for the city riding I was doing, clipless were just too much of a hassle in traffic and lights. They were super nice for the hills where I live but for the flat areas or the city riding or even some of the downhills, they were just too much of a hindrance and not worth it. When I get a dedicated road bike, I will get clipless pedals again but for now, just not worth it.

[@rodkoerner]

I'll add: "Learn to Dress right." And not in the Velominati kind of way, but in the sense that you need to practice dressing up for the weather & conditions, eventually building a full kit for all seasons...

[@Cade_Media]

good shout !

[@MichaelSnasdell]

First fall clipped in was in London along Upper Thames St. Still at the stage of having to remind myself to clip out, I rolled up on a red light, saw a hairy biker (motorcycle) leaning in to talk to the driver of a brand new Mercedes with the roof down. Pro-occupied with the scene, I promptly forgot to clip out, stopped, then fell onto and down the back of the car! Picking myself up, I checked the car was ok, just a smear of my elbow skin down the boot lid. Told him it was ok, and got myself together. Lights changed, he drove away, I clipped back in and started riding up the road, only to see him pull over at the side of the road. Sure he was pissed about hitting his car, I started over thinking it, rode up to him, forgot to clip out AGAIN, and fell into his arms! lol He very calmly held on to me, let me get myself together, told me not to worry about the car, and was happy to wait with me til I had calmed down. He said he was not bothered about the car, and had simply stopped to check I was OK. Awwww, bless him :) Re climbs, I was so pleased to get to the top of Box Hill yesterday and see I had beaten your PB by 59 seconds. Thank you for never recording an effort up there lol. Definitely right about taming the beast, and not doing everything flat out. Makes for a much nicer ride. Unless you are training of course.

[@NickHansonPhotography]

Ah yes, I sure do remember my first time going clipless. I had just bought a mountain bike at Rutland Water then decided to ride around the reservoir to give it a decent first ride. I came to a gate at which of course I would need to get off the bike and open, however completely forgot to unclip after coming to a halt and well, you can guess, all that I could do was fall sideways onto the ground 😂

[@stevenbryant743]

Had many slow motion not un-clipping falls. Worse was a crowded bus stop in Elephant and Castle - in rush hour. Then couldn’t un-clip as I was laying on the road 🙄🤣

[@lloydcollins2963]

I find it very difficult to get food out of my back pocket,so I use a small bag on my toptube but I’m not a triathlete thank you for the video,,,,,,I was once told drink before your thirsty and eat before your hungry,,,Lloyd.

[@grandpashreddypants]

Riding a Priority Ace of Spades (single, not fixed just yet) for just over 2 months- 47 years old and done sideways sports my whole life. Loving cycling for mental health and fitness, appreciate the info- though it's roadie-heavy at times I like the technical info. It all applies, as I'm working on bike fit and endurance.

[@Cade_Media]

Sideways sports?!

[@grandpashreddypants]

@@Cade_Media skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, Onewheeling... Sideways. The kind that makes your hamstrings different lengths.... permanently. Loving the symmetrical life so far.

[@milanb.6022]

Using flats has helped me improve my bike fit so much that i've stopped using spd's. The only downside is that flat pedal shoes are never as stiff as a good clipless shoe, so i may feel it in my feet if i ride much over 200km in a week, which i thankfuly don't usually do.

[@ianleach5927]

Riding hands free is a good skill to learn. Wrestling with energy bar wrappers, putting on arm warmers/gilet, folding stuff up to put in your pockets etc… Much easier than using one hand + your teeth.

[@avy1108]

I did that trick of cutting the packet with scissors ✂️ it's great to treat the taste buds throughout the ride😁

[@knife1406]

thanks for these, watching your tour of america/nam got me wanting to tour a country myself. Although I'm new I'm hoping I can build up the endurance in hopefully not too long.

[@MrMikeV]

Another good video. Always pertinent and cogent. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I've used flats and toe clips(but worried I wouldn't be able to pull out). Toe cups, which help position the foot and are now on the wife's bike. I used spds for a while and now I'm happy with Look Keos.

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

These is are good reminders for everyone.

[@robinbhairam7508]

The biggest challenge I have is worry about the roads? I’d feel safer and more confident developing the skills by riding and practicing in a group, but most clubs won’t take you unless you are a certain standard, so I’m trapped between a rock and a hard place. It’s why sadly most of my riding is on Zwift (but I’d much rather be out on the road!)

[@Cade_Media]

Hi Robin, this video might be helpful for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpeWfItufZKKaKc

[@robinbhairam7508]

@@Cade_Media thanks mate 😊

[@epicmilitaryfantasy1848]

Before my first group ride I warned them I took up cycling to rehab from ankle surgery so I literally couldn't unclip on the right unless my foot was in the down position (no strength, shortened tendons, etc.) I fell twice on that ride trying to stop and everyone was sympathetic but supportive. I was also riding a hard tail at speed with them, so I had the legs to keep up, just not the flexibility to get unclipped in time... haha

[@epicmilitaryfantasy1848]

That said, I ride half flats, half clipless pedals so I have the option to clip in or not depending on what my ankle can handle that day. It's been a great compromise and I feel more confident riding on them, which is really the most important part for me. (I use Shimano's half-flats on my road bike and Crank Bros on my MTB.)

[@abhimawa1]

About unclipping: I once was riding slow thinking about tax report and about to make a call while thinking. Imagine what happened next.. 😂

[@DiorRamohitaj]

First and only time I’ve forgotten to unclip was on a date, downtown… was at a set of traffic lights with pedestrians and cars around, very embarrassing but didn’t scratch the paint fortunately 🥳 Bet she’ll remember me for something lol

[@markjthomson]

Falling off while clipped in... that has to be a rite of passage... A couple of times when I was new to clip ins... then many decades later, learning to ride fixed... unclipped the left, tipped to the right... bugger!

[@carstenweiland7896]

I can't ride slow, it is not in my nature and I hate it, however it is a problem and I have to prepare for longer distances a lot harder! Eating is extremely important the more power you produce the more you will feel the benefits of nutrition during the ride! I use old style cages on my pedals the benefits of normal shoes are important to me and I can use the bike more flexible like on commutes or short trips!

[@HarishChouhan]

Love this kind of video format from you.

[@tonymc90]

Don't know about clipless, but when using clips (straps over the foot), pull up at lights and fell sideways on the path Infront of two old dears. They were laughing so hard they were almost crying.

[@gregschramm8180]

Getting ready to go by eating correctly and what helps you most

[@FSHawkPL]

Very usefull video mate!! Thanks!! As for my story… well set of lights, i changed down, uncliped, stoped and wait…wait..got bored while waiting so cliped my right foot in and got ready for light change and wait.. and then I thought it would be a good idea to check something on my rear derailleur which is on the right…. Well the family waiting on the lights from the opposite direction had a laugh.