9 HABITS Beginner Cyclists Must AVOID

From bike handling and position to descending techniques and safety advice, these are 9 habits beginner cyclists should avoid doing to improve their cycling ability.
Follow me on Instagram: / tristantakephoto
See my rides on Strava: / strava
View my photography: tristantakephoto.com
Silca Tire Pressure Calculator: silca.cc/pages/sppc-form
The brands I support:
20% off your next ATTAQUER order, use code CR-ATQTRISTANTAKE20: www.attaquercycling.com
15% off BONT cycling shoes and accessories, use code TRISTAN: www.bontcycling.com
10% off your next FUEL+ nutrition order, use code TRISTAN+: www.fuelplus.es
Music from Epidemic Sound: (free trial affiliate link): www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
00:00 Intro
00:10 Use lights
01:24 Bike handling
03:03 Avoid locking upper body
04:30 Descending techniques
06:49 Surging
07:58 Under-fuelling
09:13 Bike maintenance
09:59 Bike fit
11:00 Safety
This cycling instructional video was filmed in Girona, Catalunya, Spain; a cycling mecca that has been home to many professional cyclists including Ben O'Connor, Jack Haig, Esteban Chaves, Ryan Mullen, George Bennett, James Knox, Dorian Godon, Jay Vine, and at one point George Hincappie, Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton. Girona is used for training for races such as the Tour de France, Volta Catalunya, Vuelta Espana, Paris-Nice, Giro d'Italia and more. Teams such as Bora-Hansgrohe, INEOS-Grenadiers, Israel-Premier Tech Pro Cycling, Human Powered Health, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, UAE Team Emirates and others use Girona for team training camps and rider testing.

[@HarishChouhan]

One important thing is to carry some tools and learn how to use it. I often go on group rides where people don't carry anything ever and just depend on help from others.

[@tristantakevideo]

Agreed 🤝🏼

[@MattScottMusic]

Yeah, sure, pumping the pedals, steering, braking all with one hand, and you throw in “carrying some tools too”? Get a back pack! This is getting ridiculous.

[@tristantakevideo]

@@MattScottMusic Saddle bags exist. He doesn’t literally mean carry tools in your hands.

[@yonglingng5640]

Even if they do carry tools, not all of them have the slightest clue on how to use them. If I get back into group rides, there's a chance I might be exploited just because I have bike maintenance experience.

[@HarishChouhan]

@@yonglingng5640 same here. My mates watch all videos about upgrading their bikes and spend money on that, but never bother learning about the basics.

[@kerryp8907]

I would suggest that a point missed about pedal position when cornering is that by keeping the inside pedal up, you avoid the risk of having the pedal strike the road surface.

[@mendyviola]

Especially off road when there are natural obstacles.

[@klopcodez]

One of the most important thing is to take a sht before riding a bike and blow your nose thanks me later

[@tyrgoossens]

This is how I learned from a very young age XD

[@ammini999]

yes, it comes quite natural, to avoid that.

[@nanook6620]

​@@klopcodezinstructions unclear, I've shit myself and there's snot all over my handlebars.

[@slugbones]

Here's one: Don't feel like you have to buy a bike with such an aggressive stance. Being crunched over all the time is pretty miserable. If you are doing simple commutes then look for a bike that allows a more comfortable upright riding position.

[@lafamillecarrington]

That's not true for everyone. I used to commute 18km in a very windy region. I added tribars to allow me to keep going into the wind. I find the tucked position quite comfortable so that worked very well for me.

[@ditoo2002]

​@@lafamillecarrington he's literally saying buy what you feel is comfortable, you're agreeing with his point, but you prefer a different option. Who are you arguing with?

[@lafamillecarrington]

@@ditoo2002 He literally says that cycling in a tucked position is uncomfortable - and I'm saying that isn't true for everyone. So, yes, do whatever you want, and don't be told that one position is right and another is wrong.

[@ditoo2002]

@@lafamillecarrington "don't feel like you have to..." he's literally saying it's not necessary, hes not saying dont get it, tf are you on?

[@lafamillecarrington]

​@@ditoo2002 "Being crunched over all the time is pretty miserable. If you are doing simple commutes then look for a bike that allows a more comfortable upright riding position". I disagree. If @slugbones has an issue with my comment, I'm sure he'll let me know.

[@truthserum9157]

One point of safety I believe you missed is “Gloves” I’m a firm believer in wearing them, if you take a fall the first thing you do is put your hands out, as a guitar player I’m always trying to protect my hands from falling or getting cut or scraping them, it also helps from getting sweat all over the bars and stuff.

[@douglasmckinley-sr1507]

You.missed it. He did mention gloves.

[@lonot903]

Your descending tip on putting pressure on the outside foot has been super crucial in getting back my confidence after crashing and breaking my collarbone six months ago. Thanks again 👍

[@zwicker5585]

You also end up with less space to lean when the inside foot is down, pressure or not, that pedal will get in the way quick

[@JanKowalski-pe9lo]

Its crucial when MTBing thus strongly suggest to cross discipline if possible

[@carloscansing2259]

I just forwarded this video to my son who wants to start riding to work. He is not living in my state (USA) and though I’m an experienced cyclist, I haven’t had a ride with him in over 18 years. I very much appreciate being able to share these sound advice videos with him to ease my worries.

[@tristantakevideo]

Hope it helps 🙏🏼

[@anthonysilva5312]

Good tips. I would add “wear something bright”. You can’t underestimate the average motorist.

[@Alina_Schmidt]

Makes sence, but by all means, do not de-prioritize building skills in safe cycling. Those will come in handy, too, if deivers simply don‘t look your way.

[@RiseNShine681]

A really good way to improve bike handling is to go mountain or gravel biking on some technical trails (preferably with some friends). It really taught me a lot and how to respect not only my bike, but also the terrain I am riding on. It also helped build my confidence when riding on the roads.

[@tristantakevideo]

This is great advice. 👌🏼

[@ghenulo]

I don't have any friends, so that's a no-go for me.

[@toccandocreacanaleulterior176]

​@@ghenulogo by yourself🗿

[@greatlakesbikeandhike]

Thanks for mentioning relaxing your shoulders and elbows. This is one thing I have trouble remembering. It not only improves comfort while riding but also helps prevent you coming home with sore or stiff arms after a long ride.

[@ShawnFumo]

This is one thing that having a mindfulness type practice has helped with too. Remembering to check your posture regularly. I have to say that I'm still better at remembering when I see obstacles ahead to act as shock absorbers than I am just riding steady for a long period.

[@RonMcEwen]

In city environments, I find that a front blinking light, day or night, is at least as important as a rear light. I get much more recognition from drivers turning in front of me, from my lane or the opposing lane (s)) when I have one. I started to consistently use one when a driver approaching from the front, in broad daylight, turned right into me, and only stopped then their bumper hit my front wheel - I was turning away from them the whole time. They were focused on turning into a parking lot and claimed to just not see me.

[@tristantakevideo]

Yeah great advice. I actually recorded a portion to add in about this and left it out, but really should have added it in. I agree that it is just as important.

[@deadstar962]

Light r for p*ssies

[@Ava-cq1zi]

I don’t use blinking lights simply because in my state, at LEAST half of all drivers drive distracted. I use steady lights. There’s no confusion. You can’t glance at the road and not see it. Either you’re drunk or you didn’t even glance at the road in front of you. Blinking lights scare me because people have the attention spans of a goldfish when that auto-pilot turns on in their brain. All my family drives. I know all too well how how badly people drive. I don’t think humans are meant to be driving because we suck at multitasking. I digress. If you made it this far, watch for pedestrians! Share the road. And have a great day.

[@patty109109]

Screw it I’ve read this before and no more delay. Imma get me a front light asap.

[@Ava-cq1zi]

@@andrewholden1501 I just saw your response to my comment! While I don’t know the proper scientifically correct answer is, I have to agree that ANY light is better than no light. I’ve used both blinking and steady lights, but I haven’t exactly tested the safety of sharing the road at night using my different lights!!! I’m gonna run an experiment over the next month or two and see what I find just doing my normal nightly commutes.

[@aluminati9918]

That was a great video! I learned a couple of things way too late myself. Especially fueling, took me just 30 years to get it right 😂. Cannot be overstated. Also to keep safety 1st.

[@Tassaczek]

Loved the video - especially the tips about cornering. I have a huge problem with cornering, always slowing down.

[@SamanthaNickole02]

I appreciate you and this video! I’m a newbie to road cycling. This stuff and the comments left are very valuable. I appreciate them and those leaving them. I now need to look into getting the right clothing for warm or cool weather…

[@Elkatraz]

Really great advice! I've been cycling for as long as I can remember but I only recently got myself a proper gravel bike for future long distance travel and bike touring. Your advice on relaxing the shoulders and elbows is very helpful, general comfort is something I find that I struggle with. Also I think I use the drop bars a little too frequently...

[@user-vu6wy1so6o]

Avoid patches of loose gravel on junctions and bends; especially if braking.

[@eatingMagniDezmondsAss]

I always avoid cornering with my inside foot because the inside foot might hit the road causing an accident. Didn't know about putting weight on the outside foot to make cornering better. Guess I'll try that. Thanks.

[@triparadox.c]

5:10 I did not think of that! Well, I did think to put my outside foot down to allow clearance when I am leaning on the turn. To avoid scraping the road or even getting caught on something and falling over. The thing about grip makes total sense. Though, I did fall over once when I leaned a bit too hard to the right when it was raining. It kind of subconsciously makes me fear leaning to the right. I've been forcing myself to lean right again.

[@kempek11]

Biggest tip for begginers, dont fall for the newbie no gloves look. wear gloves and save your palms if you land at over 30kmh.

[@1RungAtATime]

None of the riders in this video were wearing gloves...

[@sethalexanderg]

this tip just came in after I've crashed during a corner, cycled a 100 km ride with horrendous posture, cycling with only one hot dog consumed, bike back bearing broken, thanks for teaching me

[@petergaskill2753]

Hey mate, a really important topic and well presented! The only thing I would add is to stress the importance of avoiding overlapped wheels. Also to be careful passing bikes especially if the rider being overtaken is unaware they are being passed. The clients I have been guiding lately are relatively new to cycling and the biggest problems I see are nutrition, cornering, descending but the scariest is the lack of road positioning sense. I am catching them overlapping my wheel and find they pass me when there is a need to slow down putting us all at risk.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks man. All great points. 🙏🏼

[@petrofskiwilliams8360]

Thank you for sharing, your video was very informative.

[@ShawnFumo]

I'm definitely guilty of #2. I learned to ride with no hands on my old steel bike, but my road bike feels so much more twitchy. Good advice to take the weight off of the arm that is left, and general push to take the time to do it. Next ride will definitely put more of a focus on one-handed riding.

[@LucIndustries]

is it that much more difficult? Im currently on a 7+kg frame/bike that just says citybike and in the process of slowly retiring it and switching to a mountain- and a road bike. But if its really difficult to ride a road bike without hands I'll 100% do the mt setup first....

[@aniketsrivastava1870]

​@@LucIndustriesI don't think so I have moved from a kids bike when I was a kid to a mtb now and have ridden both one's hands free although you do need practice first with one hand

[@adolfomclovin7082]

I literally surge up every single hill. Ty for these tips I've been cycling near daily for 6 months straight now and I still have alot to learn

[@hakeemcanonio3840]

Very important: Stay away from large trucks, buses, and specialized vehicles with limited vision.

[@AyoHues]

Excellent advice and completely fluff free. Great video. 👍🏽

[@BlahBlahPoop617]

Glad you mentioned sunscreen. So many bikers skip on this and they end up aging like raisins over their lifetime (UVA sun rays account for the majority of skin aging) while also increasing thier risk of skin cancer greatly. Hat and sunglasses also is of great help, and also sun protection clothing.

[@vadymvv]

I do partialy unwrap my food before a ride.

[@KosmiekAltertainment]

Just as a note: Flickering rear lights are in some countries not allowed for the reason that it is really hard to estimate the distance of a flickering light. The fact is that they make orientation for traffic behind you much harder, certainly with great brightness. They are strongly advised against.

[@tristantakevideo]

Fair point. I’ve heard they aren’t allowed in some places.

[@teacherguy5084]

You mean those drivers behind the light have to pay more attention that there is a fragile human ahead, not a two-ton metal box. The fact blinkers are not allowed in some countries speaks to those countries' pro-wealthy-driver bias and anti-cyclist bias. Ever seen a stopped police car dealing with an accident or an apprehended speeder? Flickering lights, yes? If cops' lives are important, so are those of cyclists. Blinkers are a warning, not something a human can't deal with. I'm interested to see who "strongly advises against" blinking rear bike lights. Yes they can be too bright - so can massive car LEDs and arc lamps. Blinkers have been shown to be more easily detectable - google Bike Radar's piece on this for specifics.

[@KosmiekAltertainment]

@@teacherguy5084 Calling the Netherlands unfriendly for cyclists? Having just about the most cyclists, and least cycling fatalities? I hope you don't teach anything important..

[@ryanschmidt5618]

Great video! I recently got into cycling because I totaled my car and didn't feel like buying another one, but after a few months of commuting with my bike I've started really enjoying riding and I'm trying to learn more about proper techniques to keep my body safe and happy 😝

[@severinpavloff6379]

My 2 cents on bike lube. We don't. We use a bee wax, ptfe, and candle wax in a simple proportion to hot dip the chain and the casette. We never use any liquid oil on the open to air surfaces, that can dust and moisture. So we do check everything on autumn fall, then never worry until spring. Thank's for all other conseils. Sportivement a tous! Bon courage!

[@paulwright7239]

Excellent video, just getting back into riding at 61 with a new-to-me gravel bike

[@aliflammim3]

Very interesting for newbies. Nice presentation. Thanks Tristan. Nice place you hv there to cycle.

[@GuyHigginbotham-et1tx]

Great points made thanks ill start trying to put this advise to all my commutes

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Hi Iv just stumbled across your good self and I’m so glad I did, I’m 3 weeks out from my 3rd triathlon and the bike is my nemesis it absolutely terrifies me, I’m still THAT scared after completing 2 tris successfully and I don’t think I’ll ever really like it let alone love it but ur video is really informative and I’ll be sure to put all the things u have touched upon into motion …… thanku again :)

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Clair! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼 Take solace in knowing having already completed 2 you’ll no doubt smash the third. Riding takes years and years to properly “get” so hopefully in time it’ll become less of a barrier for you. Thanks again!

[@cstrike105]

Thank you for the informative video. Hoping for more videos like this. As well as how about on commuter bikes and MTBs.

[@jmills6397]

Some good stuff in your video. Thank you for the time and effort you put into making it!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate. I appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼

[@wakeywakey8603]

I got headlights that I actually wear on my head. So mamy drivers spastically rush up to the stop sign, exceeding the white line. Same thing keeps happening at the exit/entrance of strip malls. So I have my headlamp on flashing red lights. I'm also armed with front & rear lights on my bike, also flashing.

[@robertkeedwell4308]

MOST of the things you mention I agree with except two. Firstly I don't think it's a good idea to take both hands off the handle bars. If you hit a pothole or anything else you could lose control of the bike. Learning to ride with one hand yes. Secondly having a good meal before setting out. Some people cycle to lose weight so should eat sensibly. I think it's a very good idea to take a water bottle with you to stop dehydration, even in the winter.

[@steveowens398]

There were a lot of good tips in this one - things I've learned over 40 plus years of adult cycling. It didn't look like you were riding with a mirror - I recommend it to keep track of the vehicles behind you. I still use an old trick for fueling if I don't have anything better with me - fill your water bottle with half water and half soda. You burn the sugar as you go. Stay safe, and keep pedaling!

[@reinaldostrobel81]

Soda will make your body dehydrated

[@FoxBandyKoot]

I just want to say that it's better to avoid removing clothing while cycling. I had an incident where the sleeves of my jacket got caught in the rear wheel, locking it as I was taking it off. My arms remained trapped in the sleeves, propelling me forward for several meters, and I came close to a fatal accident. Otherwise good video !

[@tristantakevideo]

This is very fair..I don’t think people should try this until they are more experienced, and perhaps I should’ve left it out of the video. However I do think learning to ride one handed is a skill that can help many cyclists. Thanks for the feedback 🙏🏼

[@ghenulo]

I don't wear enough clothing to remove anyway: just a jersey and tights (and I don't want to disgust anyone by being seen without either). In the winter, I take off my balaclava when going up the mountain rather than down it, but that's it (you don't even have to take it off, but I do; putting it below the chin suffices).

[@Platypuzz]

Thanks a lot for sharing these tips, I've started learning how to bike about 10 days ago, and this video is just perfect

[@Omar_PS9inchhs]

look 99% of any cycling that's being done today is to go from point A to point B while sparing gaz money and not racing and world record breaking, speed REALLY REALLY doesn't matter to the vast majority of riders and I don't get why most of the focus goes on the speed...the best tips you can give is how to make cycling the least exhausting and most comfortable...and this is what I found from this video so thank you very much...I think most of these tips focus on safety and saving energy by making cycling less tiring.

[@edwardallan197]

This is an excellent, informed, common sense orientation for newbies. And even me, a 50+ year rider. Thank you. The relaxed posture is so important, and yes, the right size bike fit makes good posture possible, and it's worth it the trouble to find. . Expensive or cheap!

[@unicyc]

Thank you, Tristan, I'm really enjoying your channel ,.. some really great points... I can apply most of your advice re nutrition, safety, training... all except the pedal position while corning... no free wheel and with 36" wheel there is plenty of clearance... ;-)

[@akpitts]

What a great video! I will share this video with my CC in Los Angeles.

[@mak7str885]

So professional approach. Thank you!

[@JM-jd7yp]

What a great video and very well explained. Thank you and I wish you well.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thank you 🙏🏼 🙌🏼

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

Very good very nice tips and advice ! I might mention some thing I was taught when taking one hand off the bars is to place it on the tops or the flat section. Depending on a persons, skill or bike handling skill that is if they placed one hand and keep it on the hoods maybe they hit a reflector in the road or something you could easily oversteer and maybe crash makes the bike very Squirrley so I think it’s for me. I try to keep it on the tops there’s less chance to oversteer or over correct . just my two cents 🤔👌🏻😄

[@adammccabe8779]

Hi, Tristan another great video. I've realized your videos have influenced me more than I realized, after recently purchasing a BMC I've also booked to come to girona. It would be cool if you could do a beginner/intermediate rider guide to girona.

[@barianelozano2614]

thank you for the wonderful infos really helpful. bike fit here in my country is so expensive

[@ericho6550]

One more suggestion Tristan. I have been riding bike since I was 3 years old. I learned a lesson of braking rear first then front. If I brake front first I will lost control and the bike will tripped. Since then my braking order is always rear first then front. In this way the bike will be more stable.

[@suspiciousstew1169]

When I was younger I had an accident on a ramp where a friend’s cousin had been very close to the ramp for a while when I was going down, however, since I was not the smartest back then but knew the front brake was much better than the back brake, I waited until the last second and pressed it first out of instinct while on the ramp and proceeded to get slammed onto the ground

[@lcooperdesign]

Great points Tristan. Took me way too long to realise I was way too tense in the neck and shoulders. A top tip I can offer on the fuelling front is to get prepared before you set off. Even with the best handling it can be difficult to unwrap certain packaging, so what I do is pre-open energy bars at one end, I even go so far as to break them in to perfect 5ths so that I have the mouthful ready for every 20 minutes, and not have more to chew than my lungs can cope with without breathing! SIS gels are notoriously hard to get in to, so I start the tear off in advance with those too.

[@tristantakevideo]

This is great advice. Also for when it’s freezing and you’re wearing gloves making the whole process even more difficult.

[@tommcmichael8679]

Oh My Word! This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@danielkassner6814]

Two more tips from me as a long time cyclist: -Always reckon with the stupidity of others. -Drive as if you were invisible. But also make yourself as visible as possible. This point is more like a thought in your head. If people don't want to see you, they don't see you. No matter, how visible you are.

[@pyrofful]

Super helpful thanks! I was given an older steel road bike by a family member and ride it for fun. You are right though I usually avoid useless carbs from soda, sports drinks, or candy bars. However once I biked to a friend's place and was beat after a 50ish min bike ride. I think I made an electrolyte drink myself (no sugars added) and my muscles weren't cramping or anything but I was pooped out. The friend offered me a power aid and I accepted for a change. It really helped I think in being able to bike back without stopping. Although for my basic hobby riding only a few times that long of distance I wonder if my DIY electrolyte drink and a few apples would be good enough. On a good day I try to avoid too many carbs. I'm reasonably fit but my cardio is definitely sub par. I like to lift a few times a week but don't jog or swim.😕

[@christianarmanddevera6414]

Love that you gave unique tips I haven't hesrd from other channels. Really helpful.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Christian 🙏🏼 Really glad you enjoyed.

[@altheawalker4850]

Appreciate these tips as a old beginner. LOL riding as a child is different when u pick it up back as an adult 😅

[@rehuyb5160]

About cornering with outside foot down; an additional hazard you face in corners that are quite tight is your inside pedal touching the road if you have the inside foot down, I speak from experience 😅

[@byronsalazar3510]

Great video tristan as Always very useful well explained👍🏻🚴🏼

[@johne7345]

Agree on front and rear daytime running lights. As for riding w/ one hand on the bars, those of us with downtube shift levers have had to do this for years. :)

[@sunnyd9710]

Very informative video.Thanks for sharing sir !! I ride without rear lights but now i will order it soon.

[@ghenulo]

I've seen people ride with rear lights on during the day time. I find it odd. I've been riding with rear lights only at nighttime for the last couple of decades and don't see any reason to change now.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

AS a long distance cyclist I can relate to alot of the tips and tricks layer out in this video.

[@323hT]

i think i was leaning over my front tire a bit much. this helped a lot. thanks man

[@dperreno]

Outside foot down is to avoid striking the pedal on the pavement. The whole weight distribution aspect is trivial compared to the havoc that can come from striking a pedal when you are turning at speed. What's more important is to also put your a bit more weight on the outside hand (or less weight on the inside) as well when turning.

[@fredrik1164]

Thanks a bunch for this! 🎉 cheers

[@TheIvylee1]

This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Ivy! 🙏🏼

[@waynejohnstone3685]

I also ride hard enduro on my dirt bike, really helps with the balance etc. My bicycle has those elbow rests, they’re pretty handy for form I think- although I don’t see anyone else really using them anymore?

[@PedroDVC]

Thanks for the info!

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I also recommend to rest every 2-3 hrs ( going to bathroom) , A long ride 5hrs + needs more rest .

[@justinczternastek5346]

New rider, great information

[@inmyfreetyme]

GREAT information to know. Lots of GREAT tips. Thanks 4 sharing! Cheers !! 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

[@benjaminking505]

Great tips....what a great dude! Thanks for the awesome vid!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate!

[@jackieb.7368]

Great content. Thanks.

[@karolawinter6249]

Fantastic presentation. Thanks

[@denisrho1019]

Excellent tips and I agree with them. I personally recommend to have and use a MIRROR ! … not to see what is immediately at the back, but to see what is coming from “far” behind (and possibly how many of them) which allows one to anticipate what to do ! … as you said: safety first!

[@RossBurnettChannel]

I gotta say man this video amongst others helped me so much. Changed up my form and my seat position and dropped 6 minutes from my normal 17 mile ride. I even stopped to adjust the seat during the ride and time. Can't wait to elevate my cycling. For reference for how slow I am. 17 miles. 1 hour 16 minutes. Avg speed 13.5 mph.

[@RossBurnettChannel]

13.8 today. Making more ground. Now to just get rid of this wide fat boy seat so I can lean forward more without crushing my wobbly bits 🤣 it's amazing how much drag you cut. I go from the 12 to 13 mph sitting up to an easy 18 mph leaning forward but can't do it super long yet.

[@tristantakevideo]

Super cool to hear mate! It takes a long time to make small adjustments to body position and have the feeling be natural, but as you’ve now seen, the difference in speed due to aerodynamics is pretty noticeable. Far more than buying a more expensive bike or wheels. Let me know how you go in the next couple of months..hopefully you continue to notice some changes. 🙏🏼

[@RossBurnettChannel]

Been cycling a lot lately but just moved to a Poseidon Redwood as my first dropbar and "serious" bike. Man that body positioning is tough to get used to and trying to figure out fit was tough but got it about 85 90% dialed in and really starting to like it. Managed my farthest ride ever on it too, 32 mile! Nothing crazy but huge leaps for me. Again thanks for the tips and everything that helped get me started. Now to just get some road tires on this bike and lose some of the drag from the gravel tires and see where I go!

[@troycollett8540]

I use a rear light and the live track on my head unit as well

[@chrishendricks1232]

Beginner here; thank you for this comprehensive list! Very helpful

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Chris 🙏🏼

[@Michael-vn2jj]

Just started learning (on day 3 now) been enjoying it but now this is a lot i was doing wrong / didnt know / and need to learn. Its a lot but i appreciate this video, definitely didnt know most of this and it feels like that was super important stuff too that i need to know lol

[@tristantakevideo]

Take it nice and slow..no need to learn everything in this video all at once, especially in your first week. Give it time and get used to just riding and enjoying before starting things like taking one hand off the handlebars, etc. All the best with it. 🤝🏼

[@kevinwarming7706]

Super helpful. Thanks!

[@AaronSchwarz42]

A nm click torque wrench & hex bits (look up torque specs for your bike in the owners manual, print or PDF, then every 250 mi or so, check the tightness of all the essential bolts. Under tightened bolts can come lose & cause wear of the bracket, and over tightening can stretch the bolt causing it to snap under loads. Also on a carbon bike, a little over-tight can crack the frame or other parts, so knowing the torque spec for the bolt & using a torque wrench essential to prevent damaging your carbon bike while maintaining it!

[@SETHFANKHAUSER]

Another note on locked arms, if you find that your elbows are locked, it could be a sign you're reaching too far for the handlebars and your stem needs to be shortened. Locked elbows could also be contributing to the feeling of hands going numb during a ride.

[@tristantakevideo]

Very good point. 🤝🏼

[@1sigma]

During cornering, in addition to having the outside foot down, keep your body weight centered over the wheels. Resist the urge to lean into a turn

[@tristantakevideo]

Agreed 🤝🏼

[@ghenulo]

How else would you turn?

[@MadmanGoneMad2012]

​@@ghenulo the right way? with your lower body, bum to feet.

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

high speed non-curvy descents when you are not pedaling bring your knees together to pinch the top tube. this will help you stabilize

[@dperreno]

Garmin Varia is an excellent light/radar unit and recommended ONLY IF you also have a bike computer. Otherwise, there are many great, bright, long-lasting rear lights for much less money. But yes, if you use a bike computer, then get a Varia (or Magene L508 or Bryton GARDIA R300L) - the radar function is REALLY helpful! (the most significant safety improvement I've made to my riding in the last 50 years!)

[@antoinecdc]

Excellent suggestions! Thanks from a beginner !!! 😊

[@brandonclark8736]

I almost closed the youtube player, but then I noticed this guy posts his Strava. I checked it out. Finally! Someone who rides even MORE than me (slightly). I'll listen to this person.

[@tristantakevideo]

🤝🏼

[@BerraLJ]

I have a see sense light and the first varia radar, paired with the heads-up unit it is excellent.

[@ABD5667]

The cornering and which foot should be down is quick to learn, do it wrong and have the inside foot/pedal hit the ground 😂. Did that as a kid when learning how to lean into corners and which way was faster and easier

[@fokkerd3red618]

One thing i don't think you emphasized enough was proper leg extension to get maximum performance. I see many people riding with there legs only half extended.

[@maryharrington8983]

That's under bike fitting.

[@FallNorth]

I did a very long (..8 hour?) cycle a few weeks ago and in the night had sore elbows. Never had that before, and done equally long rides. I'm thinking I must've just been holding too tight? Re cornering with the inner pedal raised, I always do that anyway for the simple reason it's far less likely that the pedal will hit the ground or any obstacle (like clip a curb or something), which is a risk at any high angle.

[@QuanJNSUspartan]

Great info!! Thanks!!!

This has been so useful to me. Maybe for some it's obvious things but to me... I needed to hear this.

[@infowazz]

so glad i watched. locking arms isn't good and the surge tip is great. thx!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Jon! Really glad you got something out of it. 🙏🏼

[@DNA912]

early on I used quite a bit a black shirt, sometimes I experienced a situation where I felt a car didn't saw me, or rather, saw me quite late. since I switch to a high vis green shirt, I haven't experience that yet. It doesn't look as "good", but who cares if it saves me from a visit to the ER.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Use cycle paths where they are available. Don't wear too many layers - you'll warm up very quickly, even when it is cold outside. But do wear a wind-proof outer layer.

[@JamEZmusic86]

I really like the idea that a back light can pair to the Garmin to alert you of vehicles coming up behind you. I never knew that was a thing! awesome. But does the light flash quicker than what you have in the video? It does not seem to draw attention in because it has too long a pause between the sets of flashes?

[@justsome_memeguy]

this is more of a tips video rather than a “must avoid this” video lol

[@rheu373]

Great advice 👍

[@stefanserepes3034]

Very usefull tips. Thank you mate

[@tristantakevideo]

Happy to help! Thanks man