5 TIPS FOR ROAD CYCLING BEGINNERS!

EPISODE #35
In this episode I take you through some of my top cycling tips for beginners, but also they might be handy to know if you've been cycling for a while too...
This episode also comes at a bit of strange time as I am unfortunately just getting back to health after having covid. I get out on my first ride after isolating for a long and agonising 10 days... anyways, check out how I get on in this video!
You'll see me go more in depth and my reasoning behind these top tips:
1:34 - 1. YOU DON'T NEED A TRAINING PLAN
2:29 - 2. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY
4:23 - 3. EAT ALOT!
7:36 - 4. BUY A CYCLING COMPUTER
10:24 - 5. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF
Here's a link to the festive 500 episode that I mention:
• CYCLING THE FESTIVE 50...
I'd like to hear what you think, if you have any suggestions or if there's something particular you'd like to see... maybe you could even set me a challenge to complete? Hit me up in the comments...
Anyways... Thanks for watching, lots more to come!
Thomas “The Cycling Tattooist.”
-------------------- L - I - N - K - S --------------------
[CYCLING]
Channel - / @thecyclingtattooist
Instagram - / thecyclingtattooist
Strava - / strava
Zwift - www.zwift.com/uk/athlete/5aba...
[TATTOOS]
Instagram - / martineztattooer
Website - www.thomasmartinez.ink
---------------- C - R - E - D - I - T - S ----------------
Film & Editing by Thomas Martinez.
Intro Music: Oddisee - Silver Lining
Featured Music:
Dylan Sitts - Detergent
El Flaco Collective - Icarus

[@imd8GTr7]

Really good advice throughout. Take on fluids before, throughout and after and have a small recovery meal prepared.

[@stevendolphin6752]

I’m new to cycling (about 2 months in). 66 miles is farthest Iv gone so far 3 hour 57 mins with 5228 ft of climbing, got my first century planned for Friday! Need to invest in some clipless shoes as I’m wearing trainers atm! But watching your videos was a massive motivator to get me cycling in the first place, thank you for opening my eyes to road cycling I’m loving it! 👍

[@leslie7922]

Holy smokes dude nice work

[@stevendolphin6752]

@@leslie7922 thank you! I don’t live too far from the Peak District so the road and views are a good motivator! Used to mountain bike quite a bit but absolutely fell for road cycling 👍

[@itstrbo]

Very nice numbers...if you can do 60 you can do 100

[@jasonbrooks8274]

Good going matey!!

[@stevendolphin6752]

@@jasonbrooks8274 thank you buddy!

[@cosinus_square]

One simple thing I wish I knew when I was a newbie, a pre-workout shake will help massively with motivation to ride in the beginning.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I more a fan of a caffeinated drink... each to their own! 😁👍

[@patpats5277]

I found your video really entertaining and informative. I took up cycling 3 years ago and for me it's all about the cafés and bakeries! Cheers!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

You can’t beat a cheeky cafe stop! 🤪🙌

[@lukewilliamson9315]

I absolutely love these videos and the content you put out. Also relatively new to road cycling and it’s safe to say I’ve been bit by the bug! Keep up the good work bud 👍🏼

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@FanaticQuattro]

Yes definitely want more beginner tips. Love the funky tunes on this video. 👌

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@vital2557]

Great! to see your back and in good sprit Thomas.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@jeremynice3374]

Good to see you back and healthy again mate. 👍🏻

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏

[@luisabreu9154]

Best video out here for beginners, I lov ur video, im thinking about star a youtube channel just because u, keep posting new video and if you ever come to Punta Cana make sure u bring your bike.

[@SLBee]

My new favourite cycling channel!!!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🙏🙏🙏

[@davidhawkins9206]

Day 3 of isolation here for me. Already fed up. Cheers for the videos!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah it sucks aye! 🙈

[@bbanga5542]

Thomas, I’ve started following you recently since being introduced to you via Lawrence’s channel and the Girona trip. Love your videos, particularly since I spent many happy years in Essex not far from your base. With your BMX background, and living on top of the London MTB Olympic park, have you thought of getting into MTB and training Daisy to becoming a trail dog? Would get you outside when the weather is nasty and your road buddies don’t want to risk what happened to you in Girona 😬. I discovered trail riding during the first lockdown and am now riding more trails than roads. You should meet up with Tom Cardy in Chelmsford and get out for a ride with him.

[@christopherbailey6566]

Very good mate, glad you've kicked the 'vid' and are back out there. All the best from Singapore.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@KeenanChCu]

Really enjoyed this!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@n22pdf]

Great advice 🚴👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@tonyluiz5976]

Cool tips looking good 😅

[@carlbryan2227]

Good morning great video good helpful tips love the music 👌🏿your 100% right we are the engine,keep on doing your thing happy you got over Covid 😀🙏🏿💪🏿

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏

[@michaelbatterbee448]

Legend 🙌

[@MrTraveller.]

Great helpful advice Cheers from Taiwan 🇹🇼

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@gingerbarton5927]

This is good product.

[@Geoff333]

Hi mate great vids 🚴💨💨 finally watched them all now ha...what platform you use to map/plan your rides 🧐

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ahh awesome thanks! 😁🙏 I always use Strava to plan my rides, but I do know others like Komoot etc are good also...

[@fabian_arevalo]

damn greetings from Colombia what a good video

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@stevenlatham379]

Great video, we need to get Sam out more as this is a good comparison to me and my mate 👍 he has to wait for me but as you say, were all built differently and we shouldn't let it worry us. Love being out on the bike even if I do have to work harder 😂😂😂

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah man that’s it... just get out and enjoy yourself, that’s the main thing always! 😁🙌

[@user-sl4sx6dp4c]

what do you think is a good bike computer for a beginner? great video by the way, love the effort you've put into it, i've subbed!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I’m a fan of Garmin...

[@KevinLewisjr]

Awesome video. When would you recommend one look into a power meter?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I got one quite quickly… but that just because I was being a data nerd. I don’t believe you actually need one. Riding on feel is a much better skill to have as a cyclist. If you start doing structured work outs in the bike then it could be a pretty useful tool to have. But like I say not necessary at all… in fact, I’m not running one currently! 😁👍

[@freespirit21372]

How do you use the shifters??

[@jamesking3162]

When you go for 100 mile rides do you bother with a saddle bag ?

[@lifesuxdie]

Greets from Los Angeles, just got over covid myself around Christmas time. Sadly I feel it's still lingering, as fitness has been rubbish as you blokes say lol. Have you noticed any difference? Any how, subbed a while back, diggin' the content. Cheers!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ahhh man that sucks... I have heard that from a lot of people to be fair! And yes I’m definitely still feeling the effect myself... it’s bloody annoying! 🙈

[@jonathanwithecombe557]

Saw you on the way back from this ride... nearly shouted out... but then thought I don't even know you!!!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha! You should have... 🤣👍

[@jonathanwithecombe557]

@@TheCyclingTattooist I will next time although the GF might ask me why I'm shouting at random guys on bikes

[@TheKieran65]

Good video good advice. Helmet looks good 😊Which POC is it?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏 it’s the ventral air spin...

[@jamesking3162]

What’s the best advice for improving my climbing speed up hill as I feel I am too slow any advice greatly appreciated was a nice video very informative

[@mikebrown600]

1) Do lots of hills. 2) Do hill sprint intervals (seated and standing).

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I guess it’s just practice makes perfect... but improving your power to weight ratio will obviously always help too! 👍

[@Maxpower88888]

Hey Thomas love ur content! Wondering what POC helmet u are rocking? Thanks

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ventral air spin… 😁👍

[@Maxpower88888]

@@TheCyclingTattooist thanks dude

[@AndyCrowther]

Another great video 👍 Did the COVID affect your fitness?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks 😁🙏 yeah I’d definitely say so... still not feeling 100%, but getting there!

[@sjmclean0]

Interestingly my post covid rides went the opposite of how I thought they would, my perceived effort was much higher that heart rate showed on Garmin.

[@jjjj041]

Immediate like for 6:14 😂

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤣🙏 I was pretty pleased with that bit!

[@timtaylor9590]

things that seemed cool only at first? everything once you buy it

[@monrezee]

4:30 very cool shirt

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@Nairus007]

Can I ask you which helmet you are wearing? Looks sick. Need a helmet for a fellow baldy like me!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

It’s the poc ventral air spin... 😁👍

[@joshlock925]

What berk thinks it doesn't count if you stop! If that's the case I've never done a bike ride im my life!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha I know... I’ve actually heard a few people say that in the past, always makes me laugh! 🤣🙈

[@peterharman8466]

I love the idea that the ride doesn't count if you stop wot a load of bollox if you feel like stopping then stop cause you still have to return home lol so why not stop grab a snack a cuppa n enjoy the rest the fresh air n freedom 👍🙂

[@certifiedfishingcycling9208]

How many km is that loop? And if I wanted to plan a loop that I do consistently how many km would u suggest it be?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

That loop is 57km and usually takes me around 1hr45m! I’d say anywhere between 1-2 hours is good for an everyday kinda loop. But obviously will depend on your fitness level... It’s good to have a local loop that your familiar with for when you want to get out and don’t want to think where to go... also means you can track your progress by how quickly you can complete it! 😁👍

[@certifiedfishingcycling9208]

@@TheCyclingTattooist fitness level is getting up there as I've been indoor training between my first two seasons of riding. I'll scope out a loop around that distance an give er thx again mate

[@benjaminwolf9801]

Also to add, when it does come time to buy the new flashy bike get a professional bike fit first. Way too many times on group rides have I seen people riding bikes that are CLEARLY not fit to them.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yep I couldn’t agree more... I’ve actually covered that in a previous episode! 😁👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4LIkJqumLSLoas

[@rarufu6662]

i start cycling again after 5 years but sadly my crank broken

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Hope you’re doing good! Ahhh that’s annoying... 🙈

[@southjerseycycling106]

🤣🤣 I have a wicked high heart rate, my dad said I’m gonna have a heart attack

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤣🙈

[@lothburke2243]

Do you do any weight training mate.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

No never… but I might start doing a little soon, since I don’t ride my bmx as much as I used to!

[@michaelfasher]

Don't buy a disk brake road bike. Rim brake bikes are lighter more aero nicer to ride. If you buy an older bike swap out the conventional crank out for a compact crank. Put the biggest cassette you can on the back. Buy a separate bike to commute and set it up specifically as a commuter with puncture resistant tires fenders, pannier rack and panniers and lights. If you live too far to commute by regular bike get an ebike. Run lights both night and day.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Typical rim brake rider preaching nonsense… 🤣

[@FleamFloogie]

The road bike Harry main

[@tommyharmer6058]

What cycling computer would you recommend and is it worth having a cadence sensor/heart rate monitor

[@tommyharmer6058]

And keep up the great work on your videos👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I use the the Garmin 1030 plus... which is really good, but I knew the wahoos are just as good too! And yes I’d definitely recommend a HR monitor, I’d say that’s the most important... cadence is nice to have but not necessary!

[@__marshie]

Get yourself a Kickr mate, your trainer is way to loud! What your favourite saddle and chamois for indoors?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha, to be fair the go pro picks up the sound more than what it actually is... and I’ve got a lot of other things I’d rather drop £1000 on right now to be honest... 🤣👍 My saddle is the s-works power arc, which I love... and I don’t really use chamois cream unless it’s a 5 hour+ ride!

[@eragon6946]

Buy a computer, power meter and cleats and eat loads of carbs on and off the bike.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha yeah that’s it, then start smashing! 🤘

[@PascallionStallion]

for me you more like „the tattooing cyclist“ :)

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤣🤣🤣👍

[@migatron1]

Do you have a tattoo studio ?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yep... it’s in Essex, UK. 😁👍

[@leslie7922]

Sup

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤘

[@alainpryt9641]

👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🙏🙏🙏

[@loc9588]

great vids but update music to something better pls

[@lifesuxdie]

the 90's boombap (while not in this vid), is where it's at!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

You’re the first person to ever say this on my channel... I usually get nothing but love for my music choice! And I’m not about to “update” it... not even sure what that means to be honest, but I’m guessing you mean something more modern. That’s something I’m certainly not into and never will be unfortunately... I’m all about the old school chilled hip hop vibes! 😁👍

[@loc9588]

@@TheCyclingTattooist 😂 I’m just being nitpicky. Not necessarily modern, maybe just a little different.. Anyways it doesn’t matter all that much, good videos

[@loc9588]

@@TheCyclingTattooist like the song that’s at 0:40 it’s a bit dreary and kind of depressing I think, maybe something more upbeat? Just my opinion anyways.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

@@loc9588 yeah I mean I use a variety of different tempo music for all my videos... this one I felt needed something a little more slow and “serious” sounding to go with the serious content... but yeah, you can’t please them all! 🤣👍

[@paulsolon6229]

A rule: don’t get stupid tattoos. The dye gets into bloodstream. Be smart. Use your intelligence

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Idiot… 🤣🤣🤣

[@paulsolon6229]

@@TheCyclingTattooist temper

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

@@paulsolon6229 🤣🤣🤣

[@paulsolon6229]

0

[@mikebrown600]

Go keto and make bonking a thing of the past.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Nahh I’m alright... I eat whatever I like and I’ve never bonked!