10 Tips I Wish I knew When I started Cycling

[@Cade_Media]

Check out 10 MORE Things I Wish I Knew HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKXaZ32fpdebiZYsi=bRvJhaRQ8_yBeuzr

[@fredhubbard7210]

The best advice I received as a beginner: Don't--ask yourself if you "want" to go for a ride before you leave. If you make this mistake, just say, "Just go for 20 minutes." Once you are out for 20 minutes, you will be feeling good and you will keep going. A friend told me this, and my coach (my 7 yo daughter) used it many times with great success. Do--when you get back, ask yourself if you are glad you went. It is really rare to regret going for a ride. Rides in the worst weather are the most memorable.

[@AsouPhilly]

I gotta say your 2 advices are better than his 10. 😆😆😆

[@lizzypicardi]

Yes! So True

[@xTheNameisEthan]

I actually discovered this pretty quickly im like man atleast go around the block a few times get your heart rate up a little, next thing ik I've been out an hour and I'm completely dead when I get back lol

[@TheMaharion]

Last weekend I went for a 1-2h ride … ended up going for 7-8h. Had fun, but completely overestimated my capabilities

[@HeronCalaris]

Your 7-year old Daughter is a Genius. All the best for you and your Family!!!😆

[@Trailchaser-NE]

Rule 11: Wave at other cyclists and say hello, offer to help anyone stuck at the side of the road......one day you may need that help yourself.

[@markjthomson]

Exactly what I was about to put! Good riding form right here!

[@nicholasfulford209]

Yes excellent point made , it seems in the last 5 years SOME cyclists social behaviour’s have changed, not sure why , I had the unfortunate situation being stranded by the road side a couple of years ago- I saw 5 cyclists 🚴‍♀️ but only 1 kindly asked if I was ok 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@kiowa21]

Hell yes!

[@juanpecan7089]

Amen! Carrying tools is for other riders as much as for yourself.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Even if they don't say hello. say hello.

[@zurichrider6216]

Rule 10.1 ... just enjoy being on your bike... whether you like beasting yourself or just cruising through the countryside!

[@Simon-qd3ft]

The best bike ever? The one you will use!

[@daremo2010]

Ditto! Best thing to happen was the battery in my bike computer dying. Stopped “measuring” performance and started having (not measuring)... enjoyment, happiness, fun.

[@stephenmcgreesh3968]

Yup. Just have fun

[@dongnippano156]

@@daremo2010 YES! I took the computer off my bike and Ive never been happier.

[@styxxtheanimal5720]

@@dongnippano156 only thinkg i have on my computer is the time and my cadence ,, dont care about anything else till i get home !

[@Alphard_adventures]

Wear glasses , they don’t have to be expensive but having an insect hit you in the eye at any speed is not only very dangerous, you automatically close your eyes , swerve or even crash. on top of that it’s bloody painful!!!!

[@PedroRodriguez-kg4bq]

Second this. Grit and dirt can be dangerous. Lidl often do cycling glasses that look decent UVA & UVB protect and only £5!

[@csendiii]

True! Few weeks ago, I’ve got a small pebble into my glasses while I was descending at a quite high tempo. My glasses are “ruined” but I can’t imagine what could have happened, if I hadn’t worn any of them.

[@tyrellchibvongodze3566]

i recently started riding. On my 3rd ride a grain of sand went into my eye. Fortunately I safely took it out. Bought two pairs of glasses. Two insects have since graced my glasses. All this in two weeks of riding.

[@apagoogoo]

i wear yellow glasses that were fairly inexpensive. they're marksman's range glasses i got at cabela's.

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

YES!!! ... absolute WORST ... had a rock hit my glasses and crack them was glad I had them on .. not to mention in the winter cold or rain or worse HAIL ... ouch ...ouch....ouch! ... gosh how many more K until I home ... OUCH ... I felt that through my damn rainjacket!

[@kiball09]

Bonking 20 miles from home. Couldn’t even find the energy to pedal. Had to call Mum 🥺. Ty mum for picking me up.

[@Cade_Media]

we've a been there!

[@rodperry2347]

Happened to me too. Had to call an Uber! It was a little embarrassing but…oh well🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Eoin_D]

🤣

[@ch_rlieb03]

Bonked 10 miles out and I was high and dehydrated 😮‍💨😔 I don’t know why I did that. But the scenery was amazing

[@DaemonViews]

My body has learned to push through. But sheesh, also had it. Pushing through was only fairly successful. Felt as if the legs just refused. Some teeth grinding got us through

[@jirdesteva]

11. Cycling gets addictive, especially when you enjoy it.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

That's not tip, it's an observation.

[@jx14aby]

It's one of the things you can do that makes you feel like you're 8 years old again.

[@SteveStearns]

If approaching pedestrians on a bike path or sidewalk, announce yourself by saying "on your left" (in the US anyways) to avoid scaring them or them stepping out in front of you and suddenly being involved in an accident. As you pass, say "thank you" if they moved over. A little courtesy and politeness goes a long way.

[@motomoto898]

Very good point. I try and ring my bell ever so subtly... (well when on my commuting bike) but sometimes I worry it could be perceived like honking my horn in a car.

[@SteveStearns]

@@motomoto898 A bell works too.

[@andreabotti99]

@@motomoto898 When I'm just announcing my presence I ring my bell while keeping my hand on it, this way it sounds a lot softer and not as loud but still gets you noticed, hopefully without coming across as aggressive. That said often pedestrians walk in the very middle of cycling roads or stop in horrible places, that's when I ring the crap out of my bell.

[@robertcatuara5118]

I changed to Behind You. It let's them move quicker without having to figure out what left or right is.

[@AndrewBlucher]

@@robertcatuara5118 Yes, half the time peds step in the direction they heard, into your path.

[@Mark_L]

I am 75 now. Haven’t ridden in years. Saw the great cycling challenge on Facebook and signed up. I used to do moderate mountain biking but now basically starting from scratch. Posting like yours is great review and motivation. Thanks!

[@DavidTanasijin]

Bravoo!!

[@philiptaylor2366]

Man, that final point - I couldn't agree more. There is so much snobbish elitism when it comes to cycling but that final point is a mantra we should all live by. Great video Francis.

[@agiwawful]

@@robbiddlecombe8392 yeah that‘s definitely not what he meant

[@slowcyclist4324]

Actually far from snobbish elitism, I find that contrary to that, the most snobbish cyclists are those on “cheap budget bikes” who find it necessary to mock cyclists who don’t mind spending dough on the latest gizmos and cycling paraphernalia. Elitism in cycling is real and very much alive, just that instead of it being from the rich, it comes from the “have nots” who seem to think that speed is the sole measure of worth in this sport.

[@rosomak8244]

@@slowcyclist4324 The cycling snobs usually are not that much of a distraction on the road. You will typically find them on the benches of any popular noob ride line sitting and watching other people pass by. Real cyclists rarely meet them.

[@thomaskositzki9424]

All the gear-snobs just get a middle finger from me. 😆 Those guys just have a negative outlook on life in general, when they can't think of another way but to define their "worth" by the stuff they own. I don't mind riding a cool bike and being proud about it (my new Urban Bike is fancy as hell 😍), but all in good spirit, please.

[@poppers7317]

@@slowcyclist4324 that's basically me. I just use my bike to get around in town and when I see someone who makes riding a bike his whole personality, it's just kind of funny.

[@lisagilmer6632]

I'm in horrid shape, even for someone that has never been in shape. I've started riding and apparently, am not even at starter level, but I'm getting on my bike every day. Your video was so comforting to someone like me. Thank you for your compassion for noobs. :)

[@paul39a]

ive been out of the saddle for 2 years, just spent over £1000 on the bike and all the shit that goes with it, and i was terrorfied to get back on, but in 2 mins it all came back,,,,,....yoy cycle because you love it, the greedom, the independence and most of all because its fun....good luck and keep at it....

[@d4slaimless]

If you are on your bike ever day you already way past starter level! )

[@nsant]

hows it going now?

[@barriemoorcroft534]

Getting out every day is great.

[@lizzypicardi]

Congrats ! Getting on every day is so important Lisa. Have fun!

[@LeDore38]

My worst bonk was last early december, lockdown had just been partially lifted from 1 to 20km radius. I had ridden around 20k then walked with a friend on Britanny seaside for 2 hours. After that, I decided to go back through a 130km gravel ride I had been contemplating instead of taking the more direct route. The weather was nice, so I had short bibs, a mid season short sleeved base layer, a summer jersey, arm warmers and a light gilet. I had 3 small fruit bars. The trace was more gnarly, thus slower than anticipated and I got caught up by the night but I refused to shorten my ride, being the dumbnut I am. It was december near the sea : the perceived temperature drop was harsh and since my 3 small bars were long gone, I suddenly bonked (we call it "avoir la fringale") at km 110, and almost fell of my bike. I managed to ride at 10-15km/h on the flat for 10km to get to the only open food place in the vicinity (most food outlets were closed due to lockdown) and ate 1 huge kebab with fries, drank 3 soda cans and ate 2 sugar loaded deserts while shivering under the porch of a church (couldn't go inside the restaurants cause of covid restrictions) before I was able to do the last 10km til home.

[@ao8958]

Everybody needs to go through a struggle like this (ok maybe not to this extreme) so that they really appreciate how much a cold beer, a long hot bath and lovely soft bedding can be taken for granted sometimes 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasonwick3257]

Is bonking feeling like passing out?

[@jdillon8360]

@@jasonwick3257 Yes. Or just suddenly having zero energy, like you can't even turn the pedals on flat ground.

[@QoraxAudio]

Should've ordered a nice big pint, to make it more challenging!

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

@@jdillon8360 just had that happen to me this past Sunday. I have been training for about a month for a 50 mile bicycle ride event. Every Sunday I've been cycling with a friend first week 15 miles, second 28 miles, then 33 miles (friend couldn't make it so another friend accompanied me), 50 miles this past Sunday. I did so well previously and never had this bonk happen to me. Although a rep at a local retail store warned me to take a banana or PB&J sandwich or something with sugar and electrolytes because 50 would be a good long ride for many hours. Well I didn't listen and by mile 45 I bonked. It was the most brutal feeling ever, I completely felt gassed, dizzy and to be honest felt like I was dying. My legs could barely spin those pedals. Went from averaging 17 mph to 9 mph because I just couldn't push. I've never felt that horrible in my life but I hope that never happens to me again. Although I will be prepared next time with lots of snacks and electrolytes.

[@davidmarquez4342]

*Rule 11: Have fun, we all do this to have fun first and foremost. Riding is the most fun you can get outdoors. Enjoy it.*

[@timyaiser]

Carry nail clippers. They’re easy to pack and perfect at gripping and pulling out the tiniest of puncture inducing debris.

[@CasperRc81]

Yes sir I carry the heavy toe ones. Arizona desert strikes at times😂.

[@navbravic1355]

I gotta say, I love that everyone is telling me to eat more

[@AndrewSpencer-h3l]

Great video, after a 42yr layoff and a stroke in my mid fifties, my only rule is enjoy the ride in what ever way you like !! Now at 61, after a couple of years back on a bike I feel so much fitter both physically and mentally. I’ve lost 35 pounds done 6500km and 110000m of climbing so far this year (Strava is addictive) and become an expert on coffee and carrot cake!! Keep up the good work, your content is both informative and entertaining!!

[@thestutterer1060]

rule number 0: worm up joints(especially knees) befor you ride! And listen to your body.

[@hansmclain6749]

Thank you so much, I just started cycling to work. I love it and want to build my endurance. Have been a smoker for years and I am kicking the habit. All these tips will help greatly.

[@qeinfinity]

I'm three years ahead of you. I got into cycling, quit smoking, and dropped 30 pounds. You can do it, just stick with it. I highly recommend finding a good group ride once a week. Nothing motivated me more than not getting dropped on the group rides. Good luck to you!!

[@BoomerangVillage]

I hope your quitting attempt succeeded. I quit two months ago, bought a gravel bike, and started riding every day. So far, I'm loving the new lifestyle

[@tviray25]

Ayoo 1 year later check. Hope you’re consistent brotha!

[@alper6025]

When back in high school, I used to cycle a lot. One day, me and my cycling friend decided to take a considirably long ride to a town near where we live. It was 80 km's away from us so total ride distance is around 160 km. And best part is, I didn't let my family any idea where I was heading to because they would not let me to join my friend, instead I just said "I''m gonna cycle a bit". First half or our ride was perfect, we were chatting, it was all rainbows and sun. The bonking hit us when we arrived to our destination. We ate a sandwitch and drink couple cans of coke and left the town. We were bonked so much that we stopped at the side of the road and tried to hickhike, no one stopped (Understandably). then we started to cycle back and at that time, my father called and asked where I am. I said "Not too far away, will be home in 1-2 hours". We had around 70 km's left to cycle. And best part is, we run out of water. Anyways, we continued to ride and we eventually make it home. Total duration of ride: 14 hours. Perfect. I was done. I couldn't even stand up on my feet. Definitly one of the best - worst experience of my life. Currently, I want to come back to cycling because I miss it so much. (Sorry for typos and grammatical mistakes, english is not my mother-tounge language).

[@stuartpage1971]

That final tip is one that I wish many more people subscribed to. I've onle been cycling on a regular basis for just over a year now and the amount of other cyclists around that seem to look down on the newbies for not having the best bike, or the most expensive kit is frankly a disgrace. We all have to start somewhere and not everyone is blessed with mega bucks to buy all of the best gear. I for one would love to be able to spend £3K on a new bike, but for now, I'll make do with my £600 Triban and upgrade some of the components as and when I can afford to.

[@SassySkylar]

I have a nice bike which I’m incompetent at riding! You’d be looking down on me! 😂 Seriously though, just enjoy doing your thing. I have no time to look down on anyone as I’m too busy trying to watch where I’m going whilst trying to stay upright!!

[@stuartpage1971]

@@SassySkylar Trust me, the speed I go (or not as the case may be), I wouldn't look down on any other cyclists. Unless they are rude and ignorant of course, but that's another story.........

[@ashhar2408]

In most of the world 600 pound bike is a mega luxury!

[@WonderBlubber]

Try a $50 used Walmart bike 😃

[@Kyle-rf5mb]

Just bought myself a £600 triban gravel bike as my bike to go to work at a new job im starting. Never had a road style bike before, feels strange!

[@Notimp0rtant523]

The bonk: when you can't ride anymore so you decide to walk, but you also can't walk anymore

[@shahtayyib]

Happened to me today 💀

[@isac.2h]

The bonk: 3 minutes until you have to be home or you're in trouble but your legs are so sore you can barely pedal. 2 minutes late.

[@prince027]

Sometimes you can't even stand or sit straight anymore. That's when you know you "bonked" or cramped pretty bad.

[@falsemcnuggethope]

I once bonked within the last kilometer of a 40 km ride in continuous headwind. Walking down the home street never felt such a challenge.

[@roberth4395]

Exoskeleton son

[@thermalpants]

"When I were a lad..." we used to put newspaper up our jerseys to help keep the wind off our chests. Rarely ever took food out so usually bonked 3/4 the way and ended up devouring a loaf of bread when I got home and sleeping it off. Ah simpler times.

[@lecxarcangel5644]

Tip 11: If you didn't record it on strava it didn't happen

[@JKsCanadaGoPro]

lol

[@heyiplaybassguitar]

Ain't that the truth! Ahahahaha

[@aizins3420]

@Salyh Charyyarov it was a joke lol

[@minisurfbanana]

Yes lolol

[@minisurfbanana]

@Salyh Charyyarov must be fun at parties 🤦‍♂️

[@Elektronijaenis]

Tip 4.1: Take patches with you anyway with the spare tube. The spare is nice and quick, but if you manage to miss what actually punctured the tube in the first place, you are in for another flat tire pretty soon... Or you could get just plain unlucky and get another flat anyway. Patching it up by the side of the road will beat the long walk most of the time.

[@Secretlyanothername]

Also, have some plastic tire levers because you might not get that tire back on. And a small pump. CO2 cannisters are cool but if they fail you're stuck. I've had it happen!

[@Neomalthusiano]

I known two experienced riders that carry patches but mostly to offer other people that may need them. For themselves they carry an extra tube and a rag. First, they inspect both the punctured tire and tube for what caused the issue and then proceed to "clean" both with the rag, starting by the tire inside. Usually the object is found by then and the new tube can be installed without being afraid of getting another flat after a short time from the same object.

[@lewtheblu92]

Number 10 is easily the most important on here, No Rules, Just Ride is so much more than just a phrase 👌🏻

[@roglius]

Definitely. Cycling is so snobby these days.

[@SaaWljaAAA]

I would disagree about clothing... Its not ethical to wear rainbow/national champion or let's say polka-dot Jersey if u haven't actually won it... People will consider u a joke.

[@lewtheblu92]

@@SaaWljaAAA not sure if you’re replying directly to me or not, but for the most part, I’d agree. However that’s only my opinion.I certainly wouldn’t call people a joke because of what they chose to wear, irrespective of them wearing stripes or not. You just do you pal, don’t get so caught up on what other people choose to wear

[@milenneshterov6765]

Just put on a good helmet and you can go for shorts and some sport oriented t shirt , happens sometimes cause i have only 1 jersey and its still wet from the wash. I dont get all that... people think we are all in a race...

[@jamessheard5498]

When I started as a kid I used to bonk every ride, not much food in the house so taking food out just didn’t even come into my mind lol Many tears and for sure character building especially if it was cold too.

[@jasonlenthe8902]

And when you need to change the tube on your tire, don't forget to remove the piece of metal that punctured it first before you put the new tube in.

[@yamdrew]

SPD shoes and cleats are also great if you have a mountain bike or gravel bike in addition to a road bike, because you’ll only need a single pair of shoes.

[@peterYOUpanne]

I would say use the pedals you like. I ride flat pedals on road bike always. Works like a charme.

[@brendintosh6551]

Number 10 applies to soooo many outdoor hobbies: comfort is king. A properly fitted backpack, shoes, saddle, or pedal setup allows you to hike, run, climb, and cycle much further than a cool looking gear.

[@blooptastic]

No, no, no. To be a better cyclist, you need to buy the latest gear every year. After all, it's 7 watts per km faster than last year's! Now why would the good bike marketing people lie about that?!

[@davidmajor2793]

Bonked doing an 80 mile ride home to see my Mum. Got off my bike, fell over, and the bike landed on my legs. I remember thinking I should have felt the impact, but I didnt!

[@CycoWarriorx]

11. Ignore bike elitists... definitely... 😆... that list is all true... 🍻

[@stuartpage1971]

Yes, yes and yes

[@jostjoller591]

Aren't these the guys you can learn the most from?

[@neo5973]

@@jostjoller591 nah they're just show offs and act like douchbags

[@madrx2]

The amount of people I gap on my used $800 cube when they're riding with power meters, s-works/di2's etc is pretty amusing

[@giannecarlob3937]

Their name tends to be Fred

0:21 What also works good to eat is dried fruits and nuts which contain a loot of energy and can also be quite sweet.

[@RGray3000]

Thank you for tip #10. That was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm 62 now and I haven't road since I was in my early 20's. After raising 2 sons and recovering from COVID-19 I recently bought a Trek FS2. . I have outfitted my bike with a bell and bike rack, but it looks like me. I needed to hear tip #10 to keep me trying to get out more. Thanks,

[@anatolykurochkin3021]

Keep moving!

[@kevinkennedy2266]

I always recommend lights even in the daytime. I like a blinking red light on the back. When planning consider water/food stops along the route.

[@SteveStearns]

It does make a big visibility difference. I realized this when I was driving and could see the blinking white light of a cyclist approaching me much better than cyclist with no lights. I will now cycling with lights during the day as well as night.

[@Minecraftrok999]

YES. Though I hate that where I live any kind of flashing light is illegal :+

[@Sam-iu8nb]

Good advice. Even in the middle of the day, I've found myself suddenly riding in seriously dark conditions. Either due to weather, or riding down a heavily wooded road. Always wearing bright or flourescent colours is a good idea for the saem reason.

[@HarryFenton6124]

@@Sam-iu8nb Very much agree with the bright clothing.

[@prince027]

I always advise my son (who also is my ride partner) to carry back lights even in the day time. There are always some shaded spots along the road or in a cloudy day things are not always bright and visible from afar. A blinking red light will notify the drivers about your presence...hopefully.

[@patrickwhelpley1745]

Just started riding after being a long distance runner for years. I ran over 16,000 miles in my high school, college, and after college career. I used to get annoyed by cyclist on trails or road courses while I ran, but as I’ve gotten older I thought maybe I should try that. Been doing it two weeks & it’s amazing. Great community of people & got my first bike, road one, & it is a great way to end my day after I leave the office. Oh and this is an awesome channel!

[@lunam7249]

Excellent!! You just postponed arthritis another 30 years!! Running is a nasty thing on the legs and joints!! Please tell other runners like I do!!

[@KaiTenSatsuma]

I do like to keep a large bottle of water and a handful of dried dates or apricots on me for the mid-point of my rides and something in the car like some egg bites out of the fridge in a small cooler that will be just the right temp after a two hour ride. I don't know if I've genuinely bonked but so far my longest ride has been a little under 2 hours and 26 miles so I'm also not exactly moving fast or particularly far. As far as kit and layering I think as long as you've got a good pair of compression pants or leggings - the type you can often see at a gym as well - and a thermal shirt, you can wear just about anything through spring, fall and winter (Summer is pretty much bike shorts and shirts) and you'll be pretty fine: they keep you warm in the cold, wick sweat in the warm and insulate against rapid swings in temperature - but the one piece of kit you need absolutely an eye out for in colder weather is a *_good pair of gloves_* because while the rest of you is nice and toasty your fingies freezing off because a shift wind chill and your speed made the air temp go from 45 to 35 is not good.

[@aragaomrcl]

Hey Francis, what a great tips. Couldn’t agree more with them. The one I liked most was the recovery, nutrition and sleep is the secret, I see many times, including myself, cyclists who take care of the first but almost ignore the second and today I really believe that a good quality of sleeping is the most important thing for your recovery. Congrats again. Talk to you soon.

[@eliaskolar2866]

A thing that has helped me (especially for indoor cycling) ist to stand up frequently which prevents you from going numb in some areas of your body. But these 10 tips were great, thanks!

[@kvish242]

Thank you! I am a beginner rider and still learning something new every day!!! I've been measuring my rides in distance because I want to build endurance. I will try measuring it in time tomorrow. Thanks again!

[@lauratimmins2177]

Love your channel! I agree with your tips and advice. I'm a 65 gal riding 55 years on road style bikes, yearly touring on a tandem on plus enjoying my new Creo 2 Expert e-assist gravel bike. I learned much from my dad that keeping the bike clean is important for the longevity of your bike and happy riding experiences. Plus regular cleaning and maintenance will you catch things that may need some work before a problem arises. You are darn right about BONKING. It's not a good experience but we cyclists have all been there. Winter riding is around the corner here in Ontario, Canada and layering your clothing works. I often pack an extra pair of gloves and baselayer on longer rides for after the tea and snack breaks on winter rides. Nothing worse than that cold damp feeling starting out. Cheers 😊

[@bryanvallejo9024]

I would’ve definitely wanted to know the importance of a bike fit before I got into cycling. I’ve been riding for about a year and I’ve been experiencing numb toes and lower back pain throughout. It has left me unable to ride for a couple weeks. Having an expert examine your position on your bike definitely makes a difference. Great video and thanks for sharing your knowledge for all of us!

[@djlinux64]

I raised my handlebars by flipping my stem, lowered my seat a little, and adjusted the angle of the seat to be very slightly downwards. I no longer have numbness and lower back pain! It's crazy how a few very minor changes completely change the character of the bike.

[@davidmundowyahoo7839]

Me too but I started over 30 years ago so lots to undo 😃

[@nikhilr1262]

Thank you for making this video! It was really insightful. Especially, that last tip is what hit me the most because I feel like I worry too much about not having the “ideal bike of my dreams” or the perfect cycling gear from top to bottom to look “professional”, and this often ends up making me overthink too much before starting the ride that I sometimes end up not even going for the ride.

[@LTFC77]

I did the opposite of a bonk this morning, ate too much at the coffee stop! Couldn’t get any effort going and had a stitch all the way home 😂

[@tomgeorge3759]

A knobing...?

[@jangold4652]

@@tomgeorge3759 hah

[@pitts86]

I suppose the next problem is taking some bog roll with you. Don't wanna be using your socks to wipe your arse

[@arschmidt4604]

Amazing! A top 10 list that started within the first 4 seconds of the video. Love your work mate. Solid advice.

[@Cade_Media]

haha thanks!

[@uncareid5557]

I ride my bike 3 to five times weekly, usually 15 to 20 miles. I sometimes finish my water but I never think about food. I ride early, usually leaving an hour before sunrise, and I am an intermittent faster. I also do full fast once or twice a month for two to four days. I did a 110 hour fast in July and did my first 20 right in the middle of that. I had been working up from 12 to 15 mile rides. At this level you don't need to eat. I am nearly 70 and my bike is a 50 year old steel frame Fuji I bought used in the mid 1970's. I know I could go faster if I bought a new bike, my gear ratios are so overlapped I have an effective six speed. And BTW, I am riding in my old leather pants from my motorcycle days. I wore cargo shorts all summer, but it is getting colder.

[@MishaScholte]

Tip 10 is gold. I love bikepacking. A couple of days ago, some other cyclist approached me and asked me questions about my bags. They gave me the tip that my front bag was bad because they weren’t aerodynamic and caused bad performance. I pointed out we were both (me and the cyclist) overweight and if we really wanted more performance, we would gain more by losing a few kilos than buying expensive gear. I ride for the exploration, not for the stats

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Great points Cade. I’ve bonked and I guess until you experience it you don’t know how bad it sucks. I had to call a mate to pick me up, that’s how bad it can get. +1 on buying mountain bike shoes. Best thing I’ve ever done. +1 on time verse distance and number crunching. Focusing on numbers can suck the fun out of the ride. Coffee, cake and beers. Don’t avoid those completely.

[@robinbantigny8640]

11: there is often tap water in cemeteries if you are thirsty in the middle of the countryside (in EU at least).

[@christopherwiseman3587]

Bonking, that dizzy faint feeling with heavy eyes. Something to try and avoid!

[@AndrewBlucher]

Even worse ... no dizzy feeling, just waking up and not knowing what happened.

[@flemmingkisbye3422]

fantasizing about food. any food - and lots of it. then spending a week's salary in a petrol station. the eating two chocolate bars simultaneously - each in one hand...

[@Wolfsong27FlyHalfFullHeart]

@@flemmingkisbye3422 That’s quite the extreme picture 😆 I tend to not eat much and it has help keep my body in shape whilst I’m also burning calories cycling.

[@TedOkoth]

A zealous burst of energy in the first 5-10 minutes after eating too much when you refuel before continuing the ride. Then woe unto you if you put in max effort immediately after, even the average commuter cyclist, or the fitness led fat guy/gal in the group will pass you like you were standing still... The ride after is like a punishement from your saddle to you thighs

[@TedOkoth]

No disrespect to our larger folk

[@rahulmooley3298]

No intro. No chatter. No bullshit. Pure content pared to bone. Love it

[@talonlan]

Used to subscribe to 4 british Independent cycling channels now only Francis Cade and Juliet Elliott. Don't like to be preached to or aggressively sold too. Francis does great work promoting his sponsors without shoving them down your throat Helps that Willier bikes are fecking gorgeous.

[@Cade_Media]

ah thank you!

[@AndrewBlucher]

Same. Apart from Francis, there are a few other good channels. I'll wait to see if Francis replies here before mentioning any :-)

[@Big2Planker]

Love the tips regarding distance and average speed, these are two MAJOR misconceptions that too many amateur cyclists get caught up in. Measure things by time first and then start to look at distance, so that you can assess how much hydration and food you might need to bring along. With a few quick notes, it becomes very easy to prepare for lighter days versus longer / more intense efforts.

[@MS88nyc]

Yeah totally. Some routes I do are shot short but crazy hills in the park.

[@daverockwell1996]

Got my first bike at age 7 and never looked back; now, 62 years later, I can endorse all of these tips wholeheartedly.

[@trainerzard7]

Damn

[@StevenReade-g6r]

Thank you for this! I'm trying to start cycling again and videos like this really help and support!

[@ANDREWHALL28]

I find mixing up your routes is a good tip, I've 3 different ones now that work different muscles, on days I'm not feeling particularly strong I have a flat route, I've a hilly route for my more energetic days and a pure fun route too all 20 miles and offer something different My improvement cycling, fitness and weight loss the past 12 months has been dramatic ( 3.5 stone lost since last September) I'm enjoying my cycling, it's just fun 👍🙂 Oh and I was 19 stone when I started, so heavier people can cycle 😁

[@fobmon19]

This really helped me feel better about wanting to get into cycling but not having the money for all the expensive pieces of kit and everything that can be associated with cycling. Thank you very much for saying that you don’t need it. It’s made me feel welcome as is.

[@Cade_Media]

👊👍

[@thomasslater6490]

Loved this Francis. Will forward on to any new cycling friends

[@dongnippano156]

So very well done. Especially tip 10. Ive never cared what people think so when I started riding years ago, I wore athletic shorts and a t-shirt. A friend told me that bike shorts were more comfortable so a few months later I tried them. They are more comfortable so I started using them. A different friend told me that to look "cool" I should get "biking shirts." I tried one. Not impressed. Ive always worn 100% cotton t shirts and still do. Now that I do some competition, it's always a blast to speed past the $10,000 rider ($8,000 bike, $500 attire, $300 shoes and $1,200 in the latest upgrades). I collectively call them "Lance Legweak."

[@CanHammer]

Great video. I would add a #11 and I only learned this the hard way through pain and injury. Get a bike fit and warm up and warm down (with something like a foam roller for cheap option) properly. Preventing injury way better than treating it after

[@riversider681]

Wow Francis, those are all terrific tips. One more. I cant be the first to do this but I was the first in my club to do it. as a novice when I decided I wanted to get clipless, several mates warned me to be prepared to fall a few times' cause it takes several dozen stops to get comfortable with clipping out. Do this instead. first time out use ONE clipless and one platform pedal. When we come to a stop it is easy to land on any foot you choose so land on the platform side.. two rides later swap sides. you can practice clipping out all you want and still land on the platform side.. No fall. They all thought i cheated somehow.

[@ivansmyth6282]

Can I offer my own Rule 11?: If you are going to cycle a route out in one direction, then turn around and cycle back: always cycle into the wind on the outward journey if you can. It might hurt at the start but you have the energy to push through. The journey back will be so much nicer than if you went the other way and had the wind fighting you the whole way back. Loved the tips, especially the the rather heretical one about using mountain bike SPDs rather than road SPD SLs, which fall apart if you walk more than 50m! I think I might have to subscribe.

[@hananas2]

Honestly there's nothing better for maintaining your love of bikes than having and riding multiple different types of bikes. I commute on an older road bike, sometimes go for a fast ride on that road bike, sometimes go exploring the old parts of town on my touring/gravel bike, sometimes go gravel riding on it, but most importantly every now and then I like to cruise around at a slow pace on a comfy upright Dutch style cruiser with a big old comfy leather Brooks saddle.

[@Ruben14Elias]

thanks for this! I just started cycling this month, got a gravel bike but have been doing a lot of road cycling too with it

[@jmreinke]

#3 - that's exactly why I decided on SPDs when I was ready to get clipped-in in shoes, even though I'm not riding a mountain bike. Great advice!

[@sjjw43]

Your inclusion of number 10 is why I enjoy your channel there's content for a broad spectrum of people who like riding their bikes: Thank you 😊

[@ferdieichhorn2911]

Thank you!! I recently got so excited about triathlon. Thanks for the tips. GOD bless you all and your loved ones

[@grahambowes756]

Great tips for anyone starting out. When I got back into having a decent road bike after a long break (yes I'm old) SPD's where my choice for exactly your reasons. I now have exactly the same shoes as you but black, supremely comfortable and stiff, so just perfect. Thanks for all the great content!

[@charlesjuggler]

As a new cyclist I find when I talk to others they tell me what I should do not know any context to how I want to ride. This video was awesome. Feeling refreshed.

[@Cade_Media]

yeah people like that can be quite vocal, you do you!

[@dominicward3523]

Great tips! I went straight to read shoes from clip in pedals. Think it was second ride that I didn’t get foot out quick enough at traffic lights with inevitable results. Sadly in the middle of my home town for full effect.

[@dlevi67]

We've all done it. As long as you don't fall under a car, all is well!

[@gvtrivia6780]

Last week two of our group bonked … had to stay back with them and help find a small stall in the agricultural area we where. Such a weird ride, head wind on way out and headwind on way back . Glad we made it back

[@sventice]

Love these observations, especially #10. Cleaning the drivetrain after every ride is a bit much for road riding on pavement in dry conditions, though. (I agree that on dirt or after a wet, sloppy road ride, it's pretty much a must.) Bike-specific chain lube is fairly expensive and sometimes hard to find during a pandemic, and if you get home from rides on Tarmac and your bike isn't really dirty or the chain at all dry, I think it's OK to let it go for several rides before dealing with it.

[@dvdp4513]

Fully agree. (Me having 30 years of experience).

[@wtfvids3472]

i now know why hollywood movies are so popular... people don't see the plotholes! just like covid. heaps and heaps of plotholes and completely obvious dirty trails not followed up on but as long as you have chaos on the propagandabox and in the propagandapapers people will forget the plotholes. its the exact same mantra hollywood follows: the script isnt that important as long as you have engaging music and lots of drama people won't notice and will even make excuses for the script because their feelings are so engaged.

[@jdillon8360]

Good video. Sensible tips. Definitely take a spare tube, but also take a patch kit just in case you get more than one puncture. A patch kit is pretty small and light. Also, take tyre levers and make sure you've tried once already at home to get your tyre off and on. Nice tip on the mountain bike shoes v road shoes. When I got road shoes and the matching pedals, I took my bike to a quiet, open carpark and rolled around real slow, clipping in and out lots of times with both feet. Getting that motion ingrained in your muscle memory is important. Happy to say I've never even had a near-fall cause I couldn't clip out in time.

[@symbiantscycling]

Being the tallest rider out of my group, everyone uses me for number 9 😂

[@Cade_Media]

that's what you get for having all those watts!

[@Darren.Lindsay]

@@Cade_Media First to the bottom of the hill, last to crest. Every time.

[@davidnicholson6680]

Thank you, signed the wee folk.

[@philiptaylor2366]

As a 6 foot 7 rider I similarly feel your pain :D

[@Pepper360]

Loneliness of the lead Clydesdale.

[@georgebailey6307]

Great tips and vid Francis, great comments as well. As a hiker and MTB rider since the 90s I've helped out many a people with an extra water bottle, granola bar or first aid kit on the trails. Never ever have I taken the money I've been offered back in return, that's Not what its about. Helping someone in need is the right thing to do, like saying Hello or Good Morning even if they ignore you haha.

[@davehoover8853]

I watch a lot of your videos and they are informative, entertaining and laced with some nice humor. This particular video was really well done. Straight to the point, things we all need to learn or be reminded of and was kept light. Thanks for all you do!

[@Cade_Media]

thanks so much for watching Dave!

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

True about the drive chain, after a wet ride it is the last thing you want to do but it really does make a massive difference and it's nice when you next go out instead of creaking.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

I love your number 10: start driving whatever clothes you have. You may even start with the crappy bike you have. A decent lock is probably a good first investigation, and use the bike for the day to day work. So you start biking, not cycling. Then while you are at it, add like 15 minutes till 30 minutes to the ride. Anywhere, but at first avoid all mountains and hills (unless you have no choice). Cycle fast on the last part towards home. Slowly build it all up.

[@SuperYogagirl]

Thanks!

[@jaweb97]

For those that can't afford / aren't ready for the full on bib-short experience, I highly recommend getting a pair of cycling specific boxers to wear under regular running shorts. Padding in all the right places and MUCH better than regular cotton underwear.

[@peeweepierce5798]

Agree. Got mountain bike baggy shorts with interior padded ‘shorts’ Just ditch the baggies while road riding works great

[@vomErsten]

@@peeweepierce5798 If the padding is on a removable liner, you can even just buy the padded liner it standalone or under whatever else you prefer to ride in.

[@BaWBarmy]

Thanks for that Francis. I've had my road bike for less than a year and still consider myself a noob. The last tip was the best. I have to remember that I ride for fun and not to become bogged down by average speed, cadence etc. I'll start using the Attacus mantra of No Rules, Just Ride. Love all your content but this one was even better than usual.

[@mrosenthal13]

After many years of cycling, I just started using front and rear lights in the daytime. It's worth it -- I can actually tell that left-turning cars notice me. . .

[@Ormstown]

Congrats on your future kid. Cant agree more with walks in nature. I got diagnosed with ptsd 2 years ago, my doc had the best but unexpected treatment: go walk in the forest alone. That vid was on point for me today, thanks.

[@paulperdue6959]

I bonked coming up at the end of a fifty mile ride. Literally, felt like I was "unplugged" !!! I could barely turn over the pedals, and wobbled all over the road. I don't know how I finished.

[@jiminy2731]

Love the last rule. I have friends that cycle like crazy doing all the charity rides and peak challenges. I'm never going to keep up with them so they need to be quiet when I'm "slow", or I set up my bike for a comfortable ride, not an aggressive ride! We're all out to have fun and ride socially!

[@sumitramusic]

Thanks, Francis! As a beginner road cyclist, this is so helpful and encouraging. ❤️

[@Cade_Media]

😎

[@matthewjacobson252]

Rule 11- I know it has already been said, but be nice and wave or say hello when passing, or even just a nod! Kindness goes a long way, yes that also means calling out when passing! I often say have a great day as I pass too, it's a kind gesture not many do and can change the outlook of somebody's entire day! I also love the last point- do what works for you! When I ride, I use flat pedals, I don't like clipless and find if you have a good flat pedals, that can almost make-up the difference between using clipless systems. I have issi flips that are like this and raceface aeffect 3's that have really good grip, I don't care if I ride my $4300 Specialized carbon bike or $600 Jamis, I'm riding flat pedals and don't care if I get made fun for it, it works for me!

[@hamishosborne8740]

Would love to see something on weight loss and maintenance. As someone who loses quiet a lot, then slowly regains it, would love to see your tips for this

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I've just started cycling and that is my goal and motivator, weight loss. So far I think its just as simple as jogging, low to moderate intensity and watch your diet. I think of cycling as another for of aerobic exercise...

[@whizkid235]

wow. what a great video... format was bang on, liked how you changed locations for every tip and kept it concise. Great tips as well. Subscribed.

[@robindavies9081]

Really sound advice Francis. Im a real novice and wanting to try and move from flat to clip in pedals. Your advice on the smaller mountain bike clip-ins and adjustment really helpful. I've bought some Shimano SPD pedals (PD-EH500) which have clip-in one side and a flat surface the other so this will help me ease into the clip-in world and give me the option of trainers. Thanks for sharing. Robin

[@erins9271]

I have the same. I have a road bike and I won't use road cleats. Love my mountain bike ones and the dual sided pedals. Feel a lot safer in mixed traffic. 🙃

[@emmanuelekwuazi1917]

Got my first bike 2 days ago and so far, I've been loving the experience. It's been fun and amazing. Good tips to know! 👍

[@Charles_Bro-son]

Not gonna lie, that feeling slowly falling sideways forgetting to be clipped in, everyone watching at a crossroads... so embarassing that I never forgot again xD

[@tsoiboy4073]

Yup, did that my first time, too. Great lesson!

[@roamingwolfpack]

Told my wife probably six times on her first ride with clips, as we were coming to our stop and got the "okay I got it" and she still fell right over. Our friends that were there still remind her every time 3yrs later.

[@Louise-xr5ok]

I have fallen off more with with cages on, since clipped in never fell off

[@bonbonflippers4298]

First ride out on clips and fell right at the intersection while pressing the crosswalk button. Cars were there. I laughed myself off and just continued on. Great experience since I was lucky enough to land on grass instead of cement.

[@vomErsten]

I'm pretty new to the clipping in, but so far my public falls have all been because I get started at an intersection and then a last minute car arrives just as I'm getting going and I have to slam the brakes. Ouch!

[@michaelpenskar5947]

Enjoyed the quick overview immensely; it helps me to prioritize the importance of several things I’ve taken for granted as I’ve gotten more serious about my biking. Nice words of wisdom, and I also appreciate the comments by those who urged us all to be kind and compassionate to others - and implicitly ourselves. Peace, Mike

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

THE BONKING. Last spring in lock down I significantly reduced my calories since I no longer walked everywhere all the time. First time on the bike, I forgot to add calories for exercise. I got so sick so fast on the bike. OOOOOh

[@slowlydrifting2091]

Thanks for the last part about riding how you want. I’m starting off with trek FX to start biking and commuting in LA. I’m a little nervous but I think it’s great to start with entry level before getting a road gravel bike

[@sarahmarah]

"300 watts is much more sustainable for most people than 400 watts" - meanwhile my FTP is 190 :D

[@JaredJapan88]

Thank you for the advice! I will be purchasing my first road bike soon and gained some valuable insight by watching this video.

[@jasonw1777]

You missed the main benefit of mtb spd pedals - they are double sided and are sooooooo much easier to clip into, especially when under pressure to get going moving away from lights etc. Also no.10 - there is one rule that you should never break - think about others when you ride, don’t put them or yourself in danger to go a fraction faster 👍🏻

[@MichaelSnasdell]

SPD (mtb) every time for inner city riding, or commutes. Especially stop start. Reminded myself the other day how SL's really aren't great for that. Definitely agree about not putting others at risk, just not worth it, but still so many who are willing to.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I learned this hard while Ata major intersection. I missed the clip in and almost fell.

[@GhettoTurtler]

0:56 I remember was I was about 8 years old and I hand I nice green bike and I flew into a tree by my grandpas house because I hit the brakes to late he ended up spending 3 hours trying to fix my handle bars because he didn't know what position I wanted it in

[@haxhxm841]

Rule 1 for me should be watching Francis cade videos on time