8 Things Not To Do When You're New To Road Cycling

[@gcn]

What mistakes did you make when you first started cycling?

[@ezrabrooks1609]

Global Cycling Network I just started lol

[@raychambers3646]

Leaving it about 20years before starting again!

[@retroonhisbikes]

My big mistake was not buying a road bike sooner, not going tubeless sooner.

[@rommelreyes2209]

Not bringing a water bottle.

[@arthursimonet4047]

Definitely forgetting to bring food on longer rides!

[@awakenedbahamut2574]

I feel like every time I do a ride, I have a headwind and when I turn around, the wind turns around.

[@michaelb1761]

That's a real problem for me, sort of. I ride my bike to work, and in the summer, the wind is typically out of the north in the morning and switches to the south late afternoon. Guess which direction work is from my house.

[@awakenedbahamut2574]

@@michaelb1761 North.

[@JibbaJabber]

@@michaelb1761 Ahhh a trick question - do you work on one of the Poles??? Cheeeeeeky😉

[@mobeefus8867]

I always thought that was my problem. Until I realized I was just slow.

[@tms-tomas9803]

Im dutch so i ride my normal city bike to school everyday with my friends and we all have that problem XD.

[@logunder4597]

To all of you experienced cyclists out there. Please don’t ignore some obviously new cyclists, kind of just give them a simple, “hi” or a wave and it’ll motivate them a ton just from you acknowledging them. I personally am an amateur and just went biking, I was feeling unmotivated cus I was on a steep hill, then an experienced looking cyclist rode passed me and gave me a simple nod, that itself motivated me to finish the climb and get to that nice nice decent

[@MythmasterFunky]

Snowflake

[@KermitFrogThe]

If there is an experienced cyclist not acknowledging you it means one of the following things. 1. There's sweat in their eyes and they can't see you. 2. They are so fatigued their nod was imperceptable to the human eye. 3. They have paid a fortune for a bike that does a lot of things for them and think this is one of the automated features. 4. They forgot baggy shorts still need underwear and have sat on themselves. 5. They've just finished digesting the last bug and are using their mouth to net another one. 6. They have a superbike on finance and refuse to wave to anyone who may have finished paying for their bike. 7. They forgot rear observation before overtaking and have just soiled themselves after nearly ending up under a truck. 8. They didn't actually notice you as they were completely focused on their power meter wattage. 9. They have lost track of the fact that cycling is supposed to be enjoyable even if commuting. 10. They are quite simply ignorant morons the rest of the cycling comunity are ashamed to be associated with.

[@MythmasterFunky]

@@KermitFrogThe no one us obligated to wave to you

[@MythmasterFunky]

No one is obligated to wave to you. Stop being soft

[@KermitFrogThe]

@@MythmasterFunky No one is obligated to ride a bicycle either. We choose to because we enjoy it. As social animals we acknowledge others with similar interests too, it's called community., especially when we have no friends outside it. Like the name by the way.

[@edmarkey4057]

Three kinds of wind: crushing headwind, brutal crosswind, and "Wow, I feel great!"

[@paulmanship7952]

Ed Markey I have to say I disagree... 3 types... Headwind Crosswind/headwind How is it still a headwind!?!?

[@joelell1]

@@paulmanship7952 There's always a head wind!

[@johnbradley1599]

@@joelell1 Joe is right on the money here - every wind is always a head wind.

[@mrbadger9920]

Ed Markey . Cycle behind me on on the wrong day and you'll discover another kind of wind

[@cameronking1872]

Paul Manship I am in the Inland Empire of Southern California and it feels like no matter what direction, There is ALWAYS a headwind! Hahah

[@nineofoto]

I got my clipless pedals and shoes arrived on Christmas day. I heard the horror stories of people not being able to clip out and stacking it. I practiced a few times on Christmas day in my neighborhood and began to wonder... How could anyone not get out in time? 27th December, back to work... Down a huge hill to work. Full stop at the junction at the bottom onto main road, rush hour, unclipped right foot in preparation... Eventually realising I'm leaning left... Straight onto my side on the path, teddy bear roll onto the grass. Cars beeping in approval, people shouting and celebrating. I had to just lay there and laugh. So many people about.

[@neverforget4126]

😂😂😂😂👫

[@HuorNolatari]

It's not hard to clip out but sometimes you'll get caught in a emergency and your subconscious just won't let you clip out.

[@ayodejiokanlawon9183]

🤣🤣🤣Absolutely brilliant!

[@Esmeej]

I’ve had my new pedals not allowing me to clip out. The spd actually moved 45 degrees from my shoe lol. Now I’ve adjusted the pedal things and now it’s ok.

[@jfar3340]

strangers care about you that much?

[@kedarkulkarni3030]

Don't stop cycling when you are new to cycling...

[@Mbaus930]

Kedar Kulkarni As

[@jirivorobel942]

Don't stop cycling until you get used to it. Then you won't ever think of giving it up.

[@zigzagnemesist5074]

I made this mistake, I was smashing it for 2 months and then I stopped for a month and when I got back I could barely get up the first hill. The hills really get you after a long lay off.

[@elisabarranco6197]

So true

[@matthewcrich5951]

I realize that it’s highly individualized, but as a 63 year old new cyclist, who is just starting out, what’s a reasonable amount of time or mileage to determine if the sport is “for me” or not. I’m on week 2 with teeny tiny 10 km rides on the flats so far. The purchase of a Wahoo bike computer makes the rides more enjoyable when I can accurately measure time, speed, distance & elevation changes. So far, so good but I’m currently undergoing treatment for cancer so am expecting some rough days ahead as far as strength & endurance.

[@mayabang4637]

My first mistake was spending too much time binge watching GCN. Instead of actually hopping on my bike 😅😂

[@downinla4076]

“It never gets easier, you just get faster” - Greg LeMond “Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades” - Eddy Merckx "If I have the exact same equipment as Team Ineos, I'll be as good as them" - Middle-age dentist when considering their first bike

[@andrewtucker94]

I just travel at the same speed. Then it does get easier.

[@basenisakietselaerhouwink3883]

Still pretty nice bikes though

[@turboseize]

@@andrewtucker94 That is impossible.

[@Sttuey]

Not to mention those days you head out with a miserable headwind only to get to the turn and realise damn, that *was* the tailwind 😄

[@drdoominstien713]

I was sick that day

[@frodo0901]

Oh… You were riding with me too, yesterday? That happened also to me, then! 😅

[@h7283]

Easterly winds are a gift from Satan, especially when they hit on the exe trail, south Devon 😵

[@nanisimi]

true :)

[@zedkindadead5241]

Who else is not new to cycling but watching this because this is GCN?

[@crazyjoedavola9002]

Also would love to see video where are the old gcn members now.

[@Gias1]

It's a feast of recognition. Also too bad they didn't use the clip of Matt tipping over with his feet locked in.

[@plymouth491]

Definitely, and Manon Lloyd doesn't hurt either.

[@BryenGraver]

Bingooo

[@knusperkas6001]

I don't even ride road. I'm mountainbiker. But GCN videos are just interresting.

[@michelgrenier7261]

Not sure its been mentioned, but the biggest thing I suffered from as a newbie is underestimating the importance of proper tire inflation. I had so many flat tires as a result of under inflation I became an expert at fixing them. Now, to make sure I always leave with the correct pressure, I deflate my tires on purpose (not completely) returning from a ride, just to make sure I inflate and pressure check before every ride.

[@AlainCarAudioManiac]

I'd add: BRING LIGHTS!!!

[@trentjanszmusic]

Even during the day! - The more visible you are to cars, the better! It's better to look like a goose with a headlight on then to have an accident or a near-miss (even if it ain't your fault!)

[@sebastianjost]

And CHARGE those lights. They are useless if the power runs out half way through the ride.

[@ChrisHayworth100]

Make sure the rear light is flashing it makes you even more visible.

[@KandiKlover]

I use c3sports mini pursuit 100 lights. They are very bright in daylight.

[@Dominik-vn6lo]

@@ChrisHayworth100 but not when it's dark. Unless you have two lights, a constant light and a flashing one. I have my flashing rear light on my helmet, high up. Also, that's the only way it's legal in Germany (flashing lights aren't allowed on the bike, but there's no law against having them on your clothes, backpack or other luggage)

[@wombatsauce]

One of the most common mistakes I tend to see and help new cyclists with is gearing. Seems like everyone new to cycling thinks it's got to be difficult, like a real huff and puff to climb a hill. No! Just find the right gear and get going at what ever speed works best for you. The more often you cycle, the faster that speed will be. Have fun with it!

[@NYGiants4Life]

That was one of my worst mistakes when I got into cycling. I was using heavy gears to try and push up, instead of using a lighter one to peddle with better efficiency.

[@Enigma71559]

My very athletic niece decided to try cycling, after seeing how fit I had stayed doing it for many years. She spent the money on a nice bike, helmet, good shoes and clipless pedals. I don't think she rode more than a few times. She hated how her quads burned. AND she could NOT get used to getting out of her pedals and kept falling over. I kept telling her it would all get better with a little more practice, but her cycling career was over before it started. Stay with it!

[@RishabhSharma-lq1id]

One more tip, running helps a lot to increase endurance. I literally went from cycling 50km to 103km after running for 1 month.

[@sebastianriemer1777]

Ha. I did it the other way around. 😁

[@imjonathan6745]

isn't it more practical to increase your cycling endurance by riding your bicycle more often rather than running

[@SirBrass]

Running is why I started cycling.... so I didn't have to run. Hate running! It's why I cycle instead.

[@SirBrass]

​@@imjonathan6745yes

[@kimcookie0]

I am non english speaker but they explain some tips very easily so i can understand those well.And also very informative. Thx :) from korea.

[@sebastianjost]

Keep watching then. It's a great way to learn English ;)

[@lindatisue733]

It is so wonderful Korea has put in so many cycle roads! Love the Han Gang paths. I am happy you can understand this channel. 안녕하세요 스웨덴 에서.

[@confused5546]

When it comes to british accent I have to listen carefully

[@matthewcrich5951]

S S even though the sound of it is really quite atrocious!

[@jhowardsupporter]

I speak some Korean Kamsahamnida Chincha Shibal

[@jasonwojcik]

That big soft comfy saddle makes the difference between riding for 2 hours versus 5 minutes. When you are calorie challenged like I am, you need a soft saddle! No shame in being pain-free, guys!

[@tuscanturtle2846]

I’ve never seen such good acting by a presenter until Conner! The clipping out problem with the pedals was very well done 👍

[@bensaund]

I'm moving over to Clipless soon, so I will be practicing out of sight!

[@tuscanturtle2846]

bensaund the first time I put on clipless I stopped at a light and thankfully fell right onto a soft patch of grass on the side of the road. It is the best upgrade ever!

[@bensaund]

Ouch! I hope you didn't hurt your pride too much!

[@jimcappa6815]

If you have room, take some time to practice indoors. Prop yourself against a wall, and practice clipping in and unclipping.

[@bensaund]

Thanks Jim. I'm going MTB clicpless as I ride gravel bike 90% of the time as I like the fatter wheels on the road. Plus when I ride the MTB offroad, I can use the same shoes.

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Great tips. When I decided to use clipless pedals, I went to a quiet place and practice clipping in and off until it became almost second nature. It was well worth it, for the next day I commuted with my bicycle with no problem.

[@Alex-kr7zr]

Same thing, everything worked fine, but then I was confident that I decided to clip in again while riding down into the underground garage of my apartment. Bad mistake, was literally falling on the last few meters of my ride.

[@Guitarguyonetwothree]

I like the 'new' GCN crew. They do quite well. And eventually, they will be a bit older and develop interesting quirks and funny jokes :3 Thx m8s!

[@FoolishLopez]

Guckspecht totally not rude to assume that theyre for years. They are the founders of gcn after all so no real incentive to stay for the long run

[@Guitarguyonetwothree]

@@FoolishLopez sorry I don't quite get what you mean. To me they appeared on the screens more recently so i thought they were new.

[@zobayer1]

kinda missing Dan.

[@Schradermusic]

@@FoolishLopez What are you talking about? Mannon and Conor are pretty new to the team.

[@stephentuthill4598]

Another thing to be aware of is not to go too fast to begin with, and to take time to get used to how the bike handles as each type of bike handles differently. I have been riding for years, have both a winter hybrid bike and a summer road bike, but still allow myself time to adjust between machines.

[@Omen1512]

Thanks for the advice! I've got my first road bike as a birthday present (today!) and can't wait for the weather over here to get better to start riding. So stoked!

[@revantha247]

Optic Delusion happy belated birthday!

[@pana_fresco266]

Hey mate, how did it go?

[@Gibi92]

Just transitioned to a road bike and the biggest learning curve was figuring out the shifters. Having come from a hybrid bike I found new shifters quite daunting. But I'm over it now and also I cycle 20km to my parents for a visit and on cycle paths and occasional roads. Yes most avid road cyclists are complete tools, basically the BMW drivers equivalent to cyclists

[@adamkane4217]

Definitely this one for me as well--a few times I thought I needed a repair but it turns out I was just shifting under load or cross chaining.

[@plusbonus1165]

I'm a mountain bike/tourer but am thinking of getting a roadie. This was pretty informative for newbies. I still have to jump into lycra yet , and this is my hurdle !

[@MoneyMakerRealty]

The tail wind situation is one I have experienced personally. Absolutely devastating on the turn around. I almost bailed on one ride.

[@turtlebobprod]

Also, always call out when passing other cyclists or pedestrians. It keeps everyone safe and it's polite.

[@Kitiwake]

Never done here. It's the law to have a bell on your bike. I have a hybrid so I have a bell and use it when overtaking another bike or pedestrians

[@FF-ub7bn]

Riders with ear buds...

[@jammin023]

​@@Kitiwake In my experience ringing a bell simply makes pedestrians panic and move randomly. Calling out causes less stress, your hands can be on the brakes instead of on your bell, and you can say "on your left" or "on your right" which is far more useful and generally results in a smoother pass.

[@budiisnadi]

Over estimating your fitness is so true. I stopped cycling when I enter middle school (12yo). Then I go back to cycling when I enter college. I immediately go around town with my new bicycle, came back home happily, only to suffer so much pain in my legs during the night. It was so painful I almost cried.

[@alimackerali9259]

Not fueling on a ride was by far my biggest problem. When I was 16 I don't think there was a ride I didn't bonk 😂.

[@craigfirman1809]

I always wondered why i was a better crit and track rider then road. turned out i just kept running out of energy on the longer road rides

[@GRAHAMAUS]

Yup, same here. Hard to believe, but I never made the connection between eating a light breakfast and hitting the wall on a ride for ages!

[@davidmarshall2399]

Sixteen year olds, always bonking.

[@AndrewBlucher]

Newbie error: imagining bonking means running out of energy.

[@kawaspresso3228]

Bonking is just being out of glycogen store.

[@mariodiaz7957]

You forgot an important thing: To use gloves, for confort, better grip, safety

[@sydneydowd8969]

Some people don't like em 🤷‍♀️

[@mariodiaz7957]

​@@sydneydowd8969 You are right: beginners don't like gloves

[@sydneydowd8969]

@@mariodiaz7957 lol I know beginners and former pros alike who don't.

[@SamuelGarcia-eo8kd]

Agree Mario

[@AndrewBlucher]

GCN don't do gloves

[@velocirapture89]

"Sometimes even painful!" --- Greatest understatement of 2020.

[@dooleyfan]

My brother in law rode across Canada from east to west about 35 years ago. The prevailing winds are from west to east. I asked him why he didn’t go the other way. His answer? “We wanted to finish in BC because it’s more fun there”.

[@rockhopper01]

Seat height yes! My first decent road bike was a prior-year model Specialized Allez that was on clearance. They didn’t give me any sort of fitting, and I had lots of problems with hand numbness, which had me fiddling with gloves, handlebar padding, all sorts of stuff. When I upgraded to a Roubaix, it was fitted like a glove and the biggest adjustment was the seat height and angle. Kinda seems counter-intuitive to solve hand problems with the saddle, but having the right geometry overall does wonders.

[@soomro81]

Nice video. One thing I learnt is, plan how long would you like to ride the Bicycle and do a proper warm up like for every other exercise for few Kilometers. I do it like 17km on a Mountain Bike on hard trail everyday, so I take it really easy for first 5KMs per se. So proper warm up will give more energy to get going longer. So dont rush it!

[@stillededge]

Been riding for many years and I STILL fall for the tail-wind trick! I don't care if they are coming or going...they make me feel fast...the only time I get to feel that way! 🤣

[@TonyNque]

I am old and I remember the chamois leather and scoops of Vaseline... But having made the change from shoes to cages to clips I found the best advice was to approach stops carefully taking turns twisting legs out before the actual stop.... building muscle memory helps . Although the salto mortale over the bars is still a thing of beauty to behold and still gives me shivers down my spine . Having regularly had the "BONK" as I cycled home early in the morning in a time before energy bars it was bad but the worst was in a time of a Terror alert almost banging into the back of a dark blue parked armoured car at about 03.00 - what alerted me was the lack of moonlight on the farm windows at the T junction ahead. It was an interesting conversation with the driver - a Military police officer...... Keep up the good work lads and lasses ...

[@boyobane1590]

I'm not really new to cycling, been my primary method of transportation for 22 years, but the empty roads of 2020 encouraged me to get much deeper into it and start really doing it properly. Increased my comfortable ride distance from 5 miles to 40 miles, dropped 4 stone, and did a 200 mile tour which unfortunately killed my cheap hybrid bike by going between Boggle Hole and up the main street in Robin Hood's Bay and had to be cut short (was supposed to be 600 miles). The long slow rides, especially to new places, really sparked something in me so I'm really looking to get a tour grade bike as soon as I can. Really got my heart set on a Kona Sutra 2021, but will definitely look into a lightweight road bike if my savings don't stretch to doing another tour in 2021. If I do get the Kona Sutra I am uncertain if I will get clipless pedals or not. Flats seem better for the sort of multi week cargo-loaded rides I'm planning. If I end up with a regular road bike though; definitely going with clipless.

[@darkpheonix69008]

I'd say the saddle really depends on the person, while I'm slowly loosing I'm over 300lbs and a fat large confort saddle was the best investment for saddle sores.

[@ryshort7255]

100% Manon drew the short straw to get the helmet segment

[@monsterinyourcloset7573]

Manon's just the only one with a face suitable for close-ups.

[@newttella1043]

Wearing helmet backwards will make the headwind feel like a tailwind, I believe.

[@mattrussell250]

Just started out recently. Bought a lovely used Cervélo and enjoyed getting some miles under my belt. Just started to feel confident with the cleats/pedals and stopped at a crossing to let a lady and child cross. Forgot I was clipped in and pancaked onto my right side, much to the amusement of everyone else around. Thankfully my pride took a bigger hit than my hip. Lesson learned.

[@PierreKaptanian]

This is so well produced, acted, and written. I am GAGGED, send this to those Hollywood awards shows

[@ricksnyder6318]

I have been cycling for a very long time. I researched this video to see how many of these mistakes I have made over the years. The result-a perfect 9/9.

[@Sutlore007]

Personally, riding against the wind is sort of challenge. love it

[@25liveforever]

Connor is class, great addition to the team and a natural in front of the camera

[@twatts4436]

He'll, I've been riding for a few years and still screwed up unclipping last weekend! It was (frankly) hilarious!

[@robtk3]

Yep, same here, fell over a few months ago.🤷‍♂️

[@rossfuller8025]

@@robtk3 Same. It was rather embarrassing.

[@renegadetenor]

That helps, thanks for sharing!

[@Daniel-xg3ul]

Not exactly new to cycling, as I've been an MTB rider for some time. A lot of the things they talked about also apply to mountain biking. Saddle height, fitness level, type of saddle, bringing food, stuff to do repairs, etc. I'm adding road cycling to my biking experience. On my MTB I run flats, so it'll be a learning curve to move to clipless for road biking. Luckily falling is something mountain bikers probably experience more than guys on the road.

[@jaidanhubbard6947]

3:05 are we not going to mention the size difference in frames ??? 😂😂

[@andyhaochizhang]

Two years ago we did a multi-day trip in early May Ontario and on the second day the headwind was so strong we need to pedal to not slow down when we went downhill. And the third day temperature dropped to 2 degree Celsius. Good days they were.

[@philbool]

For my first two years, I was riding an old bike that had been entry-level when new. The clip-in pedals were extremely stiff, and I came off so many times it really hit my confidence. I found I chose to walk up some hills because I couldn't start on a climb. It was only when I tried a newer bike, with newer pedals, I realised they were the problem all along. An old bike can save you money and get you started, but it can also hold you back. Plan to move on if you plan to keep cycling!

[@paulzx]

I replaced the clip-in pedals, cheaper than replacing the entire entry level bike (specialized allez elite)

[@bryanqueme996]

Totally did the saddle mistake... Also, I thought the GTN videos were cool, but GCN videos are a whole new level. Great video guys. Had lots of fun watching it.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Falkirion]

Never bonked in all my time riding. A trend I intend to keep going.

[@bensaund]

Yes I'm paranoid about the bonk and well fuel up

[@edmarkey4057]

All you need is one bonk... then you'll never let it happen again.

[@BeeRich33]

Believe me, you won't forget it.

[@ronbyers9912]

Riding out into the wind and back with the wind sometimes depends on where you want to go. Sometimes you have to ride out with the wind and back into it. If I am on a training ride I pay attention to the wind direction and velocity. If the wind is really stiff I will ride out into it and back with it, but sometimes if it isn't all that strong I will ride out with and back into it depending on my training goals. For those of us riding in flat country wind is our version of a climb.

[@andrebaron1387]

@2:16 ah the good ol’ Shimano flop. Nothing like doing it at a light in front of your mates AND a bunch of cars to make sure you NEVER forget to unclip again.

[@renegadetenor]

I did it again...then stopped counting. I think its better now..

[@dudleybonton223]

Having the proper biking shorts for those seemingly uncomfortable saddles was something that was omitted, ijs ! Keep biking.

[@paulsherwood5864]

I'd rather ride into a headwind (which is almost permanent at the moment in S.E England) than rain. And, oh my god, have we had so much rain lately!!

[@comethiburs2326]

i'll raise you headwinds in a tunnel. in summer. chills your bones out worse than riding without weatherproof pants in torrential january rain.

[@wattsy4468]

This video is so wholesome and not judgmental.

[@ZeusBike333]

Never leave your mates behind. I was on a group ride once and got separated from the main group because one of the women riders was having trouble keeping up so I stayed back with her. Our planned stop was at a country store and I was a little peeved when I got there and there were only a couple of bikes in front meaning the main group had left us behind. I locked my bike up with the other riders bike and as I entered the store imagine my surprise when I ran into a group of riders inside and asked where are your bikes? Which leads me to my second advice, never leave your bike unattended or unlocked even for a second.

[@steven3517]

Legs straight when youve pushed the petal all the way down,thank you my seat was way to low!.Go against the wind and get a bike repair kit before long ventures..👌👍

[@Cypress1983]

I'm fine with heading out into a tailwind if I have a 6'8" ex-World Tour rider to draft on the way back...

[@obscurazone]

I live in the Netherlands. It doesn't matter what direction you go, whatever time of day, whatever time of year....EVERY ride there is a headwind.

[@dfbrownnz]

I would like you to also cover weaving...newbies use their whole body to stomp on the pedals and weave from side to side. This is very dangerous on roads shared by cars.

[@fixitfixation5891]

I could play this video over and over at 3:17- 3:21 - so important in cycling!!

[@TiberiusMoon]

I would definately like to overestimate my fitness on a casual ride. you get to rest up and enjoy the view

[@Richard-yt4rk]

Thanks for saddle height recommendation. Never knew about that rule of thumb

[@adamsenik2573]

I remember going out without any spares for 60 mile rides when I was a teenager. I ended up cycling to the nearest bike shop to buy a new front brake, and yes... I needed some tools too. Oh, and went out for the same ride (different time) without a food... Well... I managed to get home.... All I can say .... Now, I am experimenting what not to eat on the ride... Looks like energy bars are not that good for the stomach after all...

[@SuperDeinVadda]

Yep eating isn't just eating anything. Packing to little and the wrong stuff is so bad! When I did my 350km journey last year all I ate was energy bars, nuts and dried fruit. Even had to stop at a Cafe but all they sold was cake... I was in the red for nearly 2/3 of the 16 hours I rode that day. :( That's probably the reason why it took me so long 😂

[@Chance57]

Also, eating isn't for everybody. If you're a fit cyclist little body fat, pack some energy before you pass out. If you're me and your bigger, ketosis is fine. I've got plenty of body fat to spare and I ride fasted to and from work 13 miles each way. I tried small snacks before, but anything that doesn't have a high GI load is literally useless (besides placebo) and I don't want to eat these "health" bars that are basically Snickers.

[@kadiejohnson2841]

Always use a saddle with a cut out. Selle SMP is a great choice but there are others. Make sure your sit bones contact the saddle in a way that is noticeable way when you ride.

[@johnandrus3901]

When I went to SPD from the old clips, I stopped right in front of my old college and fell over trying to unclip. A number of students got a chuckle out of it and I laughed it off. Last time it happened. I always unclip as I near an intersection where I might have to stop.

[@reidwagner1508]

Great reminders even though I've been cycling for years. Great humor of what NOT to do.

[@gcn]

Glad you found it funny

[@adammorris6348]

As an exiled Pom in NZ, I now find it rather peculiar that in the UK its called suncream, which kind of implies that the sun is good for your skin. Instead, I'm now used to the more sensible wording of sunSCREEN which in NZ is very much needed due to effects on the ozone layer increasing the damage from uv rays.

[@aartyful]

I've been very blessed so far 6 years of cycling without any flats or mechanicals. I've never brought spare parts either

[@tazerface8659]

Calling sunscreen "sun cream" doubles it's price instantaneously

[@random_reveal9812]

I've just ordered an MTB and I would be a beginner to ride that, So, I want to say thanks what you have advised cause I'm to all those tips in mind 🙂

[@random_reveal9812]

I'm going to keep all those tips in mind while cycle riding*

[@randomstudios9286]

I actually over estimated my fitness and barely managed a three mile run from house and back

[@ridetillidie8090]

When I used to race, back when dinosaurs ruled the planet (70s) and going fast was survival, I rode a leather 'minimalist' saddle. I'm getting ready to take off on a "Ride Till I Die" around-the-world bicycle tour and am trying various saddle sizes. Stock saddle ain't working. Up next, a Fenix. I have 2.5 months to figure out which saddle to use. Great video. Great tips! I'm training up with progressive distances and adding weight to the bike; tent first, rear rack and bag next...then centers. Not using panniers. Stay safe! Oh, and I'm using 'traps.' :D

[@lechprotean]

3:51 my top tip for things not to do: pro (or ex pro) cyclists should not pick fights with anyone over the age of 7.

[@ErikHawkinson]

What about picking fights with someone under the age of 7?

[@icehot900]

@@ErikHawkinson 😂😂

[@DinnerForkTongue]

@@ErikHawkinson Neither. Win or lose, it'll be embarrassing for them.

[@handsfree1000]

Thanks guys, I’m 63 and just started riding, made sure the bike has a nice electric motor to help me up the many hills we have and if the wind picks up. Really enjoying it

[@cesar0610]

You forgot eye protection such clear or sunglasses. As important as wearing a helmet

[@marcografvonpartagas]

Agreed. I’m currently trialing a type of swimming goggle due to suffering from hay fever

[@scorpionblade4112]

All fun in games until a bug flies into your eye at 20 miles per hour

[@icehot900]

@@scorpionblade4112 😂😂

[@Shadowboost]

Forgot my Oakley's yesterday and got nailed in the eye by a bug... Hurt like a bitch and I had to stop

[@stevek8829]

It's for more than bugs. Motor vehicles spit up stones from the tires at times. They can break windshield glass and do an eye as well.

[@peterhighcock2319]

As well remembering to eat, taking a full water bottle (or 2!) is also essential. I was told hundreds of years ago to "eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty"

[@andrewwilson8317]

When you are new to cycling don't forget to enjoy yourself. Even the grimacing Lycra clad racing snakes on their carbon spaceships are, deep down inside, enjoying themselves!. The main thing is to just get out there, keep things modest and build things up slowly and don't feel judged, everyone had to start out once.

[@raceface_m2579]

Haven’t been in the loop with GCN, and have recently found my love for cycling again. New cast, I see. Great mix!

[@gcn]

Thanks Raceface, great to hear you're getting back into cyclng and you like our new presenters

[@GVilleAnarcho]

Here's another one: Don't be intimidated by dudes in full Lycra and gear. None of those dudes are nearly as hard as they think they are. And they're usually a lot friendlier than they seem as well! I'm known to give them shit for going out looking like silly aliens. But cycling is a celebration of life, and everyone out there is celebrating with you. Tldr; Don't judge a book by its cover. And make friends!

[@qwikz28]

I stopped cycling regularly after a foot injury and about a year or two ago I was suffering up a steep hill at the end of a long ride. I am no ace so I don't wear full Lycra and I'm a big guy. Well, a dude in full Lycra was at the top of the hill, stopped and started cheering me on. It gave me that extra push to finish the hill strong.

[@insertname383]

@@qwikz28 thanks for sharing, put a smile on my face 😊

[@alexanderespinoza]

Funny how some people are intimidated by full Lycra gear when I think it does the exact opposite.

[@ЦветозарЦветков-е5о]

how tf can you even be intimidated by that? they do look like clowns. i pace a lot of them on my mountain bike with a tracksuit and a hoodie

[@DinnerForkTongue]

@@ЦветозарЦветков-е5о Those are posers. We're talking regular dudes.

[@autofox5.067]

I am a complete newcomer to road biking but I have ridden since I was a kid. I recently purchased a used road bike with clipless pedals. Yes I fell over 3 times before purchasing a new set of shimano clipless pedals designed with lighter spring tension for new riders. I really enjoy the ride now!

[@alfonsorodriguez9055]

Lol just upgraded from a trek fx 2 to a giant contend ar1 and I switched to clipless pedals, fell 2 times today lol

[@sk2KLAZ]

Great tips! I started cycling in November last year just before Christmas new bike! I learnt along the way and built up a good bit of kit! But now need to buy my first chamois/ thin short sleeve coat and a all in one suit. Suncream is a must especially today! ☀️ dam road cycling is expensive but worth it!

[@CarlosRamos-ps7zw]

I joined a local club and there was a fast, medium and slow group.... Went in the slow group we did bloody 50 miles on my maiden ride , lucky i am a keen runner and have done a marathon so i just said that was fun and smiled....

[@lowlifeangler]

Don't buy a Walmart bike for your first 215 mile tour

[@littlemas2]

One of my first long rides I headed out in a massive tail wind. The ride home was killer!

[@richardbecton6879]

Forget to wave at other cyclists.

[@tme98]

but I wanna wave and use my ding ding thing when I meet other bikes :(

[@AlamoSimon]

Where I come from, rarely anyone waves back especially not other roadies :(

[@tme98]

AlamoSimon I really like the biking, but I don’t like the community.. kinda sad.

[@Tokoroegao]

I am an overweight female rider. I ride my bike a lot - have for years. And actually am much fitter than I look. But those sporty dudes in tight outfits on their carbon rides NEVER wave back. So I stopped even trying.

[@AlamoSimon]

When I was still mostly riding MTB, everybody waved. Roadies are weird. Or they spot my MTB shoes and helmet and don't deem me worthy. I greet everybody who looks like they're riding for sports and wave back to everybody wo waves at me. But I get you, I stop trying sometimes.

[@MrSmid888]

I just had my first puncture.And it was at my furthest away point just on the turn for home. I had all the tools for the job but I had to eat the tyre to get the thorn out with my teeth!!! Might add a pair of tweezers to my kit! 😬 and some ketchup 😋

[@dejavery]

My biggest mistake was only buying one bike 😂

[@ChrisHayworth100]

Me too but the family grew.

[@dereckrobinson9861]

Yeppp

[@andomare]

Why would you need multiple bikes?

[@Gee-xb7rt]

@@andomare different bikes for different needs, a bike with really good geometry is better for hills, a light speedy bike is better for flatter rides, a "rain bike" for bad weather.

[@dustintrimble9099]

And something for trails!

[@ohwell2790]

Where I live in Kingman AZ the prevailing wind is from the South. So, I usually ride to the south and then when tired just turn around a let the wind help me home. I am 77 massive heart attack and a triple bypass %40+ heart mussel dead in 2015 and now in 2021 am as fit as I can get and getting better and happy to be on my bike everyday.

[@tompriestner9007]

Good lord! Applying the sun cream at 1:44 turned the video in a direction I wasn't expecting!

[@BobMahal]

A few suggestions which I think are probably just as relevant if not more..... 1. Always carry a spare layer (gilet or rain jacket) with you if you are in the UK; 2. Buy and wear tight fitting cycle clothing; 3. Don’t carry a back pack for road rides!; 4. Always buy the best bike you can afford (especially one with a quality frame that fits you, the rest you can upgrade in time); 5. Always carry some lights (even small ones) in case you get caught out by bad weather or failing daylight.

[@johnm91326]

Around 2:20 didn't have the same commitment as Dan missing the pillow.

[@ucnguyenminh9393]

Old school fan

[@tconnolly9820]

So. I'm in my 50's and ride a 5 year old hybrid bike that cost £300 new. It has a wide comfy saddle (I changed it from the bacon slicer it came with), flat handlebars, sticky out mirrors and indicators for safety plus a variety of lights front and rear. I regularly carry large pannier bags for a small shopping and have a large trailer for a full weeks shopping (60kgs plus load at times). Mostly shorter trips of 6-10km but I have occasionally taken it 20km plus to work wearing size 14 work boots and work gear. (The rest of me is proportionally as big, my bike is the largest frame size I could get). I don't and never will own any lycra and I have just discovered what click in's are in this video. I can only conclude that I am obviously not a "cyclist" and there appears to be no community to represent or inform me or my kind. So if I'm not a "cyclist", what am I? I'm curious?

[@tomek86rz]

3:31 tip nr 10: don't forget to tight your front caliper brake

[@dancairns2962]

I have to admit I chuckled at the thought of wearing a helmet backwards, but Manon, you pulled it off with style and panache!!!

[@forfunonly009]

man, going home from a 50km ride with a headwind makes me think that should I go home or not. lmao

[@cjreeve79]

Learning how to use your gears and keeping to an efficient cadence. Most people tend to grind away but some people bounce like an unbalanced washing machine. The efficient sweet spot is somewhere in between.

[@Or_321]

The gearing system is still a mystery to me

[@naldyano]

I see manon, i press like

[@patsgarage8593]

I've made the not bringing food mistake the first couple of times out mountain biking this spring. It's amazing how important food is lol

[@connect2krish]

I'll add: hydration

[@Shadowboost]

THISSSSSS

[@Shadowboost]

@@TheAwflores takes awhile for your body to really go into survival mode and tell you that it's thirsty. I've cramped numerous times (double calf cramp is a BITCH) and not been "thirsty". Moment I brought a second bottle with me, that hasn't happened since. medicalxpress.com/news/2018-04-thirst-indicator-hydration.html