How To Ride A Bike From Scratch! | A Beginners Guide To Starting Bike Riding

[@gcn]

Do you have a friend that's never ridden a bike before? This video is for them! Let us know how you've got on with learning to ride a bike 👇

[@apm9507]

I taught a friend to ride my mountain bike when I was at the University of Utah getting my MS in chemistry. His laughter and smile while cycling is something I cherish to this day. I also taught all three of my kids to ride. When my friend started riding 20 minutes after I started teaching him, he was giddy. Cycling is a surreal and positive experience that regular cyclists like me take for granted. My daughter started pedaling three weeks ago. She is up to 18 miles per day now. She said that a 🚲 means freedom. She's right. As shown in the 🚲 history GCN+ video, 🚲 greatly increased the range of how far people could go for much less than 🐎 and for less initial and maintenance cost.

[@rushbberlin1131]

Sponsor me a roadbike please 🤣 gcn just in size 46cm xxsmall🤣🤣🤣

[@Dragon1165]

Manon would make a great coach, she has the attiude and patienvce to teach it seems...

[@stephenrowe4303]

Hi Manon, Good job, I do this as part of my job as a National Standard Instructor for cycling. I mostly deliver Bikeability in schools, but also do teach adults. It's not normally as easy as you made it look here though. Most councils in the UK offer free cycle training to adults, up to six hours in some places, bikes can also be provided for the sessions. Easiest way to find out is to search Free Cycle Training near me. This is fully backed by the Department of Transport to get people onto bikes and increase their confidence and enjoyment on two wheels. The instructors are fully trained and insured and It is suitable for cyclists of every experience level, the most popular course is the Commuter Tutor, to encourage people to cycle to work and coming up with a route that they are confident to ride. Could you promote this to your viewers please Thanks

[@scottrogers8293]

If he sticks with it would be interesting to have a follow up trail ride with some of the GCN riders.

[@jennys-j5264]

I taught myself to ride a bike this year at the ripe age of 21! I bought a cheap bike, and a cheap helmet! I honestly didn't even think it was possible to learn as an adult. I learnt solo at night in a local park, filled with fear but also some hope it would be possible to learn. After about 30 minutes I managed for about 10 metres... After that it became easier and within 1.5hrs I could ride. Since learning I've even upgraded from my 80AUD bike to a 1300AUD TREK bike :). However the second time I rode a bike, a mountain bike, I hit a curb at a wrong angle and destroyed my ACL completely. Luckily I'm back on the saddle now, cycling bug as strong as ever :)

[@jonyfany8763]

Well done. Great story!

[@constanzamaruri9057]

i've learned last year at the age of 27, and i've improve ever since, we're an example that is totally possible

[@Lore-cg2jg]

Nice bike and its nice to see you've recovered.

[@MrDado937]

Well done man! Bike handling isn't easy as a beginner, but you'll manage! Keep it on!!!

[@jonyfany8763]

You know your a proper biker when you've wrecked your ac joints

[@LucasDimoveo]

Learning how to ride a bike as an adult is rough, but the freedom of being able to get around easily was worth the trouble

[@lisaswe]

Good on you for learning 👍🏻

[@taufikabidin412]

Naah, just get a recumbent trike

[@xum0007]

@@taufikabidin412 or a cheap car

[@nousdefions9600]

True... Still struggling here, hehehe... I'm bad with balance... Huhuhuhu...

[@cloudian975]

@@nousdefions9600 same

[@12villages]

These are the rules: 1) Ignore the urge to look at the top of the front wheel. You will wander off. You should look straight ahead. 20 feet ahead. 2) Cycle won't stay up if it doesn't move(pedal). Move to balance. 3) You arms will automatically navigate(the handlebar) to the direction of your eyes. Some evolutionary trait. Look at where you have to go. If you keep looking at a person, or a rock(on the road) you want to avoid hitting, you WILL hit it head on. Don't look at them. A bizarre phenomenon indeed. 4) Actual navigation(turning left or right) on a bicycle is done by shifting your body weight. A beginner wont be able to do it. Instead, press down on the handbar in the direction you want to turn. You will learn weight shifting turning on your own, trust me. 5) Don't put your weight on the arms, you'll regret the pain and give up cycling.

[@karar7408]

Thx a lot

[@LuigiCotocea]

Thing is i can ride with my phone in my hand and taking turns while shifting my body is so easy, riding with no arms on the handle bars is even challenging than one arm due using your body to keep the balance.

[@sabeehasyed5740]

Okay.. Thank you. Let me try these

[@goji-0045]

Question, how do you not put your weight on the arms? I just learned how to ride a bike and when i dont put my weight on my arms the bike just becomes less balanced and harder to control

[@nolanfrostberg4762]

​@@sabeehasyed5740fr how do you do that I did tried it but had a glimpse of feel but then again my arm just put some weight on it again

[@mlustosakm]

i am brazilian and was not riding a bike since was quite young cause of violence of my city, 2 years ago o moved to Poland, and started to ride again to loose weight, and finally was able to teach my son how to ride, on last sunday we made 84km togheter, and become our father and son time (he has 13). bike was one of the best things in my life in last years

[@gcn]

Awesome! This is a great story - we hope you and your son continue to make memories together on the bike!

[@daniell5238]

Parabéns!

[@reaodasdf]

Bardzo dobze

[@helio_afonso]

Parabéns irmão! Eu moro no Rio de Janeiro, aqui tem que selecionar por onde pedala senão volta a pé pra casa.. feliz você de estar na Europa.. Paz e saúde ✌

[@notchipotle]

brazil, paradise for criminal 🤣

[@sheilabegum.]

Today I learned how to ride a bike for the first time at 29 years old, in 45 minutes! After reading comments of people saying they learned in such short time, I really wanted to be one of them and I did it! It was the most amazing feeling! Thank you so much for the video!!!

[@therankingguru6960]

OMG im also 29 yrs old and planning to get a bike this May! So excited to learn from scratch! Thank you for your comment I got more confidence to learn biking💕

[@ChitChatWithAlyCat]

omg im about to be 28 so thank you!!!

[@BoringExtrovert]

25 here, just leaned it

[@zunairamazhar4533]

Im 35 can i learn

[@BoringExtrovert]

@@zunairamazhar4533 I also thought I couldn't. I just tried and it worked!

[@garethsledmore8141]

I learnt at the heady age of 57 after retiring. Found a guy who took me on some safe trails and held onto my shoulders for the first hour. At the end of the session he took me to the top of small hill and just got to freewheel and it was the Eureka moment of speed keeps you upright. Now 4 years later doing 10,000 miles a year on the Road and arranging and leading 2 group rides a week of around 80 miles at 17/18 mph pace. Conclusion, it’s never too late and the best thing I have ever done both from a health and a social perspective. Still wish my descending was better but the problem with age is that there is a greater tendency to overthink and greater respect for your own mortality😀

[@DannyHanny_]

Great!

[@jackbenson8228]

learnt? do you mean LEARNED?? good grief

[@garethsledmore8141]

@@jackbenson8228 think you will find in the UK “Learnt” is the correct term, but both are correct in their own way. Didn’t realise this was a Grammar thread as well as a Cycling thread. Get a life

[@anumuduemeka2361]

@@garethsledmore8141 he brought an English class in here. 🤣🤣

[@jeroenaarts85]

Awesome job Gareth. 16.000 km a years is really a lot, it's impressive! That's more than 300 km a week! I recommend you going on cycling holiday in the Netherlands, my country. It's convenient and safe.

[@bruhment82]

Learning how to ride a bike as an adult isn't really just about the fright of being injured, it's more about how other adults see you.

[@aleksandarkirik6978]

Yeah that's the scariest part. 😂 I'm 29 and I I wanted to learn how to ride a bike for so long, I might as well start already. I got excited by watching this video. And of course, I will learn at night, as late as possible hahaha

[@sarahreid1844]

​@@aleksandarkirik6978If you get up early just as the sun comes up, you can usually avoid anyone seeing you.

[@curtiscruz]

@@aleksandarkirik6978​ same plan as me bro lmao

[@DzekoZacher]

i am only 16 years old and already feel and scared of how other people will react or think about me knowing that i can't ride a bike, i can't ignore it, the thought of being watched and judged pain me to the bone and stopped me from actually riding it

[@Nutcruncher]

i just randomly brought up "man, i wanna learn how to ride a bike." and my buds just immediately responded "oh we could teach you lmao" with no hesitation. Absolutely amazing

[@saiesha3096]

Everyone around me know how to ride a bicycle, so I thought of learning it too. My 11year old brother rides it perfectly. As 19 year old I can’t and I was too shy to learn but after reading all these comments, I feel confident. It’s never too late to learn something new. Thanks guys!

[@nekeal]

How was it?

[@nekeal]

I am 15 yr old and my parents just got me one

[@nekeal]

And I'm still not able to ride it well

[@moonriseavenue]

@@nekealdid you get the hang of it? I just learned how today at 17 years old my dad taught me :)

[@WannzKaswan]

I'm 14 and only just learned yesterday. Hopefully I can succeed

[@sfkendrick]

Thank you so much for this! I took a class on how to ride a bike in my 30s. The things that many cyclists don't even think about, like just getting on the bike, were very scary to me. Now I bike thousands of miles a year and can't imagine my life without it. Just needed someone patient to break down the steps. Nicely done!

[@ladysknightthefamiliar]

Congratulations 🎉

[@phuphan913]

The fact that gcn just has an Orbea with ultegras on it lying around in the hq just makes me feel so broke.

[@enzoocampoiii2881]

imagine your first bike you ever ridden is a carbon Orbea with ultegras and when you like cycling so you bought a new bike but it feels like crap cuz your already attached to the bike lmao.

[@hermiesabanal4173]

Totally

[@alexcharles321]

Well not everyone has sponsorship deals, or you know, has a career in the cycling industry. It makes no difference whether he learns on a carbon or steel, expensive or old bike, it's being able to ride the thing that matters. At least I can see what a beautiful bike is like to ride, isn't that why we all watch GCN anyway? 😂

[@outerspacekaloy]

Makes me want to go to GCN HQ to "learn to ride a bike again" using Orbea or Pinarello

[@enzoocampoiii2881]

@@outerspacekaloy me at gcn HQ "Ummm i dont know how to ride a bike will you help me? I want that want the di2 pinarello i want to learn using that one please" lmao

[@zzzzzz-qh3qw]

literally watched this video along with the other adult video learning how to bike about an hour ago 2am in our local time before going out to practice the bike that I bought 3 days ago. I'm turning 28 years old and I can't express how happy I am to finally be able to ride a bike after 40 mins! You, who's like me, i know it's kind of embarassing but you can do it. You just have to put your mind in to it and forget about that fear for a minute. THANK YOU guys!

[@tamarabndk4612]

He really looks happy in the end. It was great to watch. Kudos to him! :)

[@All4Grogg]

This guy did very, very well for an adult learner! Manon went about it FAR better than I did years ago teaching my college roommate, trying "the hold onto the seat while running behind" method which isn't so easy with an adult learner. Definitely need a part 2 to correct any bad habits early, such as expecting to be able to reach the ground while on the saddle. It's shockingly common to see adults stay on the saddle when they come to a stop. Including my girlfriend, but she learned that quickly before discovering that all of my bikes feature toe overlap... Hadn't even occurred to me to mention until she was on the way down to (thankfully) the grass.

[@dismiggo]

Imagine learning to ride a bike on a carbon road bike that costs several thousands… But actually I feel bad for him, because every bike he will ride after that will just feel like shit

[@SimonBauer7]

to me this will feel like shit being a mountain biker and all because of the for me weird riding riding position

[@harris7412]

@@SimonBauer7If you have not tried a road bike you will be blown away. It is so amazing the handling the way you can corner at such speed is amazing

[@charlestaylor3195]

So true. If people ride around on an Orbea right before they go to purchase a Walmart bike they would realize how low quality their bikes are. That's probably why there are so many collecting dust in people's garages. ORBEA - a joy to ride. Cheap bike- struggle to ride.

[@dismiggo]

@@charlestaylor3195 I mean every bike above a certain price point is great, but I get what you mean

[@grumpynerd]

I'm not sure. What feels good to a beginner is bound to be different. What to an experienced rider would feel responsive might feel squirrelly to someone who's just learned to stay upright. The sensation of lightness is probably going to be lost on muscles that are not accustomed to moving the rider's weight around and don't have an efficient cadence burned into memory. Beginners prefer the most padded saddles possible, experienced riders usually prefer lightly padded saddles. You can't expect a beginner to really appreciate a sporty bike. I do have a bike that would spoil a beginner though: a 30 year-old steel touring bike. Non-cyclists who try it rave about it because it is comfortable and well-mannered; that's because it was designed to be manageable even when you're dead tired. The high volume tires and compliant fork soak up the bumps that an experienced cyclist avoids or takes using his arms and legs as suspension. Aside from the downtube shifters, a newbie can get on a bike like that and it just disappears beneath him, which is what you want. You want the beginner to experience riding, not fussing around with an unfamiliar machine.

[@yonassbhatu8]

I learned how to ride a bike at the age of 14 by myself. It took me 15-30mins doing multiple loops on my backyard and then got the hang of it quickly. 5 years later now, I am a road cyclist doing long distancing. I love biking.

[@dalephilbertgwapo]

I also learned bike at 14 it took me like half an hour to learn

[@leduck8096]

i learnt at 10 took me 2 weeks

[@nilevalleyafrican9451]

I learnt at 7

[@dyn956]

I learned at 79

[@Normal-human-00]

I don't even have a bike

[@mocky126]

I learnt cycling earlier this year at the age of 42 after watching my young son be so good on the bike. Totally loved it even though I crashed going downslope in June and suffered an ankle fracture. Going to cycle again as soon as I can.

[@grumpynerd]

Sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you're back riding soon. I think stories like yours suggest that further basic riding skills videos would be valuable. There's a lot of things like descending hills safely that experienced cyclists forget are actually skills you have to learn. Another basic skill example came up when my sister showed me the expensive "comfort bike" she'd bought. The selling point of this bike was that when you're stopped you can sit in the saddle with both feet planted on the ground. This addresses something that many novice cyclists perceive to be a big problem: how handle stopping, waiting, and restarting the bike in traffic. That's actually not hard to figure out at all, but it can be intimidating for some newbies. This bike addresses that by placing the seat very low, but if you know anything about bike fitting you'll realize that triggers a cascade of design compromises that result in a bike that is impractical and in many cases unsafe.

[@jamskof]

rumor has it he's now clipping in faster than matt stephens...

[@theegg-viator4707]

LoL, they need to bring back Matt for special guest appearances!

[@_MrSnrub]

They say Matt Stevens is still trying to clip in to this day...

[@edwardlancaster-okoro2358]

Thank you for this video. I'm in my 40's and i have never used a bike before. I used this tutorial and in 2 days i was riding good. I have started commuting to work with my new bike.

[@bgtherobit]

I'm 18. After my family has failed repeatedly to put the effort in to teach me to swim, bike, and as of recently, drive, (my dad using my car instead of his own and proceeding to break it in several ways before i could even get my permit) I've decided that since I have a bike of my own just sitting around collecting dust, I might as well take something into my own hands and teach myself so i don't have to walk everywhere anymore. Gonna use this video as a guide and bring a friend with me so they can spot me.

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

Manon is indeed a great teacher, this guy is very fast learner too

[@vgerster]

Indeed, I understand it was edited, but his natural balance seemed excellent right from the start, great stuff!

[@sebastianjost]

It probably made a difference that he has ridden a bike before. Even if it has been 10 years. But it was still impressive how fast he progressed.

[@clee6746]

I learned from zero cycling skill to balancing myself in 45 minutes and started pedaling in an hour. With a proper way of learning, it can be quick. Easiest way to start is to roll the bike down a gentle slope to learn to balance, that way you do not need to walk the bike with your feet, that's one less thing you need to worry about.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I'm 45 and literally just learned to pedal and balance somewhat. Still learning to corner. Still trying to get comfortable going up and down slightly steeper short slopes. Braking and gear shifting is still a challenge. I am beginning to loathe linear pull brakes. I'm so used to car driving and touching the brake to corner that I think I can do that on a bicycle when you can't. At least not with linear brakes. Learning to ride a bike is far harder than it looks. Kids have no fear, just get frustated more easily. Adults have tons of fear about the sheer probability of wrecking or falling off the bike that it takes longer to learn to ride due to that mental block. The mental part (fear) is what determines how long it takes to learn as an adult. I know for sure at 45 with autoimmune issues who gets fatigued going up a flight of stairs, no way I will ever hard core road bike or mountain bike. I'm destined for cruising which is better than not riding at all.

[@scottborrowman]

Manon is so nice and encouraging when there isn't a race involved.

[@L5GUK]

She's so nice and encouraging when there is a race involved...I don't know what you mean...

[@scottborrowman]

@@L5GUK Have you seen the videos she is Team GCN DS? She cracks the whip!

[@judgesugoma]

​@@L5GUKcringe reply

[@L5GUK]

@@judgesugoma cringe to reply to a year old comment with 'cringe'. But you tried. Try again next time.

[@judgesugoma]

@@L5GUK so you agree that you were cringe a year ago? Lol cringe comeback

[@shayscott7498]

I learned today at the ripd old age of 62 in anticipation of my retirement in a couple of months. I learned after 2 hrs. but got over confident and had a spill because I had difficulty breaking while taking a corner. It shook me up, but I intend to get back on tomorrow.

[@sydneyzulywitz9345]

wishing you the best

[@queenafrica2425]

Thank you so much it’s 4am now since 3:20 I learned how to ride my new Mtb & it only took me 20 min, I did all the step on the video & it felt so easy. It took me 23 years to get over this fear I want to cry .thank you

[@haideralibd]

Kieren did amazingly! I remember falling off the bike several times when i first learnd to ride.

[@LyndaFishyMom]

It is never too late to learn. I had been on a bike just 4 times in my life and was clueless. Three weeks ago my husband decided to get me a bike for my 68th birthday as I had shown an interest! I have been teaching myself with the aid of videos. My street is very steep and I can't get up to the top yet even in a low gear so I went to the local school 400m track on the weekends when it was empty and also a dirt path at a park. Today I managed over 4 miles on the track (with breaks of course). The path at the park is more challenging as it is uneven and rocky but still fun. The bike is a hybrid low step which is perfect for me as a senior beginner and the tires are on the wide side so I can ride in on dirt as well as the track. It is actually the most enjoyable thing I have done since I used to windsurf 30 years ago! Every little improvement gives a sense of achievement.

[@Pwn3dbyth3n00b]

I learnt how to ride a bike at 20. I just put thr seat all the way down and used my foot to waddle then push myself. After a while I got used to the feeling so I'd push and keep my foot up. Eventually I pushed and put my foot on the pedals. Then I pushed then started pedaling. After that I had to learn to get comfortable just starting with pedals alone. That took me 30 mins to learn and I was set. Eventually there's stuff you learn along the way like proper braking, cornering, no hand riding, etc.

[@xmtxx]

Kuddos. As I see how kids struggle with cycling, and as adult struggle to learn skiing, I though it would take ages for an adult to be able to cycle.

[@eloyanzola]

Kudos to Kieran for trying this. Follow up a year from now, after he's done the Olympics, bet he is gonna be super into it, super fit, and fast!!

[@raynersaggers]

One of my fondest memories was teaching my daughter to ride her bike properly. Massive Kudos to the chap as an adult volunteer to be in the video. If you can find a stretch of road with a small decline, that works really well in the scoot/balance bike phase to keep momentum up and help with keeping balance...Higher speed=more lateral stability.

[@natalyk7960]

That was exactly the way I taught myself to ride a bike 😀 After my dad tried to teach me by making me balance on the bike standing still.

[@paulm9079]

That's one of my favourite memories too. Seeing her smile after getting it was incredible.

[@GigglingChinchilla]

I'll be honest, I think learning how to bike on a roadbike makes it quite a bit harder. The position you sit on a roadbike is vastly different to a "regular" bike, and a roadbike is a lot stiffer and nervous.

[@ntglf467]

also the position is much more aggressive and lower than an average city bike or mtb which makes it even harder

[@capio78]

For sure but they don’t get advertising money for showing a Raleigh bmx

[@GigglingChinchilla]

@@ntglf467 Exactly. On a "normal" bike you still right up and your weight doesn't really affect balance in a corner. On a road bike, due to your position, you almost only steer with your weight in smaller turns and kinks.

[@Grolnn]

Came here to say this! I'd never recommend anyone using a road bike to learn cycling. MTB or city bike would be way easier. Usually better stand over clearance too. Other than that, good vid!

[@krak9927]

I find it really twitchy, i'm planning to get one but afraid i'm gonna regret it

[@markjthomson]

This is so cool! And for all those teaching little ones to ride... NEVER USE TRAINING WHEELS... all that teaches them is to pedal at an awkward angle... balance bikes! A gentle slope on some grass and it's sorted... balance and control is the important bit... the actual pedaling is pretty simple!

[@ng3004]

Pretty nice how Manon gave instructions. I learned it by myself as a kid and I never thought of how to teach it to someone. Also props to Kieran, who seemed really nervous, but in the end handled it like a champ.

[@simmo26]

I’m definitely in love with Manon. Always up for a laugh, knows when to be encouraging and supportive, and even does the mean DS role in style.

[@jynxtranchell9320]

It would be awesome to see a video in the beginner, amateur, pro series or more how to skills videos featuring Kieran & Freddie. Thank you to those who have been willing to put themselves out there & in a position for ridicule. Thank you GCN for great material.

[@FlyingCartographer]

Manon is an incredible teacher ! I’ve had to teach an adult to cycle. It can be frustrating. They both did really well.

[@Pwn3dbyth3n00b]

This is like learning how to drive a car in a Bugatti then afterwards you get a rusty 1999 Honda Civic as your daily driver.

[@billincolumbia]

Exactly. So much more difficult to ride that bike than an appropriate, less-expensive one.

[@jonyfany8763]

Ride high quality fixed gear. 👌

[@charliedillon1400]

Don't be dissing an old Honda.

[@sebastianjost]

As a beginner you don't feel a big difference.

[@TSUKUNORI-]

Napakasolidong analogy e, potek HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA

[@khairunsyazwin]

He is very fidgety.. can tell he is very nervous 😬 but at the end he’s less fidgety and more confident 💪🏻💪🏻

[@SonnyDarvish]

Manon is a great teacher

[@khairunsyazwin]

@@SonnyDarvish yea!! Kudos to her!!

[@adaly4649]

We aren't the demographic this video is aimed at, but my 4yo was struggling to transition from balance bike (basically the pedals off stage) to pedaling. He was so excited to see a grown man working on this skill instead of just little kids. What we were missing was putting his foot in the 2 o'clock position before he got started, but it was seeing an adult struggle and then succeed that finally motivated him to give it another try. Once we got to the bike paths he had it figured out within 10 minutes and rode joyfully for 2 hours. It was as if he had been riding his entire life. Thank you so much for motivating my little guy! I didn't know how I was going to help him over this hump.

[@kevcroft2815]

Thank goodness nice Manon turned up for this and not DS Manon!

[@wilyamiyooo]

I'm sorry but what does DS mean? I know that's the strict Manon but I don't know what DS means. Cheers!

[@kevcroft2815]

It stands for Director Sportife, maybe spelt wrong. Basically the sports manager.

[@wilyamiyooo]

@@kevcroft2815 thanks man!

[@JustAnotherHo]

Manon: Pro Cyclist, Pro Presenter, and Pro Teacher.

[@Lamefoureyes]

Seconded! She's a real all-rounder!

[@salva.]

Manon, this is nice. I would like to see you mentor him and his progress. All the way to make him a recreational rider (at least). 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@alexs2794]

This was an amazing episode! They need to make more instructional videos. For ppl like me - I love climbing hills but chicken out on fast descents with turns at the end. Would really appreciate any piece of guidance! Love this channel :)

[@ChrisGuarraia]

For the past year, there has not been a GCN video that I don’t like. This one is no exception. The difference? I had a big smile/grin watching Kieran become more and more confident under Manon’s tutelage. Chapeau, Kieran, and chapeau, teacher Manon!

[@IronFreee]

Great video! It is such a pleasure to teach someone to swim or ride a bike! It is something that they will keep for the rest of their lives. But finding the right method is difficult, which is why videos like this are so useful. And this guy is awesome, I've seen so many people not having the courage to learn.

[@holdsteadfast]

I love this video!!! I can feel the collective GCN audience cheering Kieran on!! The guy caught on so fast it made me think he might have faked it all just to have Manon as a teacher. Don’t blame you at all bud. 👍👍

[@dawnjohnson8739]

I’m really glad you addressed the issue of adults learning to ride. You’re right, not everyone grew up riding a bike and need to learn when older. Thank you!

[@SickTwistedQueen]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm Autistic and I don't learn things the same way as a lot of my peers, so my parents kind of gave up on me when trying to teach me how to ride a bike because I just wasn't picking it up with the same teaching methods as my siblings. And my parents didn't have the time to realize I just needed it taught a different way and that it's okay to learn things at a different pace. It shouldn't be embarrassing to learn certain skills in adulthood, but there's unfortunately so much societal shame towards people who simply didn't learn skills at the same time that most people did. There's no shame in it! Even though that feeling of shame can be very hard to shake off! We must all remember to be kind and patient with ourselves.

[@GhostTrainPhoto]

This is awesome! Thank you! My roommate hasn't been able to ride much and I JUST brought a bike home for her to ride but haven't the foggiest how to teach her, this video will be a great help. Keep us posted on Kieran's progress!

[@AbhishekKumar-gc5yj]

Still waiting to ride a bicycle at 31. A quick search got me here, and I am so glad to find similar adults who successfully got it. I plan to start biking one day soon. Wish me luck!

[@RickyBobby531]

Congrats GCN and to the rookie. Cycling is not just about the Pros and high en bikes it’s also about having more people enjoying the cycling lifestyle

[@babumushai5967]

just learn to ride cycle in 1 hour watching this video. Really helpful ❤

[@lisaswe]

Well done, Kieran! It’s never too late to learn.

[@MisterRubiksCube]

Ive learned how to ride a bike ever since i was 5 years of age and I'm glad I did! Biking is one of the most fun ways to explore and it's a big part of my life. Best of luck for those that are still learning

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

Absolutely loved this video!!! I learned when I was 7 on my cousin's bike in about an hour when they were visiting. Didn't own a bike until I was 46, so about 3 years ago.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Lesson 2. Dealing with inclines. When riding along the flat, you are probably just pushing the pedal with the foot by straightening the leg at the knee. That's fine. Then the path starts to rise. Now it's time to bring in the more powerful muscles. Along with straightening the knee with the muscles in the upper leg, consciously think about pulling the knee down by straightening the hip with the big backside muscles. Imagine you are climbing a ladder to the handlebars. Lesson 3. coming soon. "With the shoe clipped in."

[@koko-lores]

lesson 4. stopping at a stop light with your feet clipped in, day 1.

[@jonshepherd5906]

Manon changing from scary dragon ds, to encouraging mumma bear.

[@bergerliron]

Listen, I’m 40. I have been trying riding a bike on and off for the past 8 years and was completely unable to balance myself on it, therefore couldn’t ride it. Really. Zero skill. I tried your method and I am RIDING A BIKE! 40 years without! Thank you! ❤️

[@drews4466]

Good job GCN keeping the doors open for folks! This is good content. Removing the pedals to teach balance is such a great way to help new riders get the basics. Also bravo to Kieran for learning on camera, that's brave. The real question, though: when will we be seeing "Kieran vs Freddie vs Ollie?"

[@sterby1]

The real question is, will Freddie drop Ollie?

[@LucKy-sr1zi]

I'm 38 years old man. It takes so much longer time for me than the man in the video. But since last week I was able to cycle around my neighbourhood. Thanks for the video.

[@apm9507]

Needed this about 2 years ago but I bet I can use it in the future.

[@albertoaguayo9826]

Wow. Loved this video. Shows what Global means on the GCN name. Content for everyone. We always expect reviews of too notch gears and new tips. But going to basics is also great! Thanks!

[@emmagood1666]

This video helps me a lot to taught my self ride a bike for the first time legitimately!! The feeling of balance was definitely worth trying.

[@artsyfartsy1998]

This is such an upbeat and positive video! It takes away any shame you might feel learning to bike as an adult.

[@MadMarchTaffy]

Reminds me of my son learning - spent ages trying to get him to be able to take off the stabilisers. One day I turned up at the childminder's to find him whizzing round the garden on her son's bike with no stabilisers on... Missed that magic moment of seeing him 'get it'

[@ekales_]

I have finally decided to learn how to ride a bicycle at the age of 23. So I want to hire a bicycle tomorrow and teach myself. That is why I am here. I will post the update if I managed to learn or not. EDIT: I am back, I was able to learn how to ride a bicycle on my own in 3 hours. Now I know all basics.

[@sylivianalugya3200]

Congratulations 🎉 I am going to learn next week , I hope I learn in an hour 😅

[@ekales_]

@@sylivianalugya3200 You can do it, it is possible. I wrote my comment in 2022. A year later in 2023, I learnt riding a motorcycle. Now I am planning to learn how to drive a car in 2024.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Great video! I'm taking a lesson this Saturday, I'm 36 and really want to learn how to ride a bike, but I'm a little afraid, mainly afraid of falling and hurting myself 😬

[@fritzzon]

Me too

[@nicholaspiper5221]

Would be great to do some absolute beginner tips on braking technique. Obviously shifting gears too. My wife has had a few stacks so she's not so confident on the bike, going to use some of these tips with her 👍

[@blyatman2370]

Thank you for this! Really wanted to find something like this in anticipation of a road bike purchase since I have not ridden a bike in almost a decade.

[@SimonBauer7]

i would first start on a non roadbike to get the feel for it back once you are comfy on a non roadbike you can switch to a roadbike

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

Agreed. I got back to riding after 30 years and got a Walmart bike first. Although I eventually upgraded to a hybrid and then a road bike, I got the confidence (and the strength) riding the first two. You don't need to buy multiple bikes though :-)

[@SeanDalin]

I love that you guys made this. Cycling is for everyone, and to help people gain that confidence. I am going to use these learning techniques to help my best friend who just turned 37 today to learn! Love gcn.

[@ricardofernandez8485]

The first time I rode a bike was with trainers (really young back then). After riding for a bit in the morning, my dad decided to remove the trainers and I struggled to ride the bike. I was always falling off almost instantly. Frustrated (as a kid would be), I decided right then and there that I won't be biking anymore. Later in the afternoon, I decided to get my bike out again and try riding it. This time, I managed to stay on the bike and actually ride it. It was probably the most fun I had with biking. Then I completely lost the will to bike due to school, the bike deteriorated to the point of being unusable and got stuck in the garage. I don't even know where it is as we've been moving a lot back then, but it was a decade ago when I stopped biking. However, now I've gotten back to biking. I just purchased my first Gravel Bike after many considerations and I have been loving it so far. I've managed to bike almost every day now and It's been great not only for my mind during the pandemic but also for my health (I'm a chubby boi). I think I owe it to GCN for reigniting biking for me.

[@nataliascalvenzi5553]

I'm 26. I love bikes more than I would like to admit and yet, I've never been able to ride one. My childhood is full of bike traumas. Where I live, there's a group of volunteers that teaches adults how to ride bikes using the same method shown in this video one sunday a month. I've gone there many, oh, so many sundays for a couple of hours each time and I never learned. Once I was able to pedal 5 times in a row, it was the closest I've been to actually riding. I'm good at the coasting thing, but when it comes to the pedals, my brain seemingly melts. I see this guy learning in one hour and the many comments of people here saying they also learned in one hour and I want to laugh ironically and then cry. I just hope my day comes too.

[@tim_t]

"Look where you want to go" is SO important. I spotted dog poop several meters away -- but even if I was thinking that I should avoid it, I ended up squishing it with my wheels just because I was staring at it.

[@brekdakbanchamek6454]

Finally a Decent Tutorial on How to ride the Bike basic by basics!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!!😊🌄😇💖💯

[@temporalsoliton]

Is this the supportive environment Ollie has needed to thrive? 😁

[@rcranes2227]

I think you're right, he needs more support. GCN should give poor Ollie similar treatment and immediately take the pedals off his bike.

[@gethinap]

@@rcranes2227 Ollie "Why are you stealing my pedals?" GCN "It'll save weight!"

[@bikehope816]

Thank you for this video. It enabled our grandson to learn to ride at age 12. Pure joy when started riding. He still is joyful when he rides.

[@Daniel-rv2hb]

Great work Kieran! Congrats! I like the video! Although, I think a race bike is not the best choice for a beginner, Kieran did great! By the way, congrats for the engagement?!

[@mongmanmarkyt2897]

I love that this isn't condescending, just informative

[@TexasWahoo_]

Great job, Kieran! You're in for a world of fun. And good teaching, too, Manon!

[@andrewquin5630]

I thought I would share that after about 5 days (few hours each day) I can confidentially say I can ride a bike and it’s thanks to this video!! At 38.. nearly 39 this is huge as it has tormented me for years. I’ve been riding about 5km per day the last week or so. Thank you!!!

[@PatrickJamesKiernan]

Well done, Kieran! Took me days and quite a few falls to learn. Manon’s method is brilliant, too. All in all, a really useful vid!

[@better.better]

my only criticisms are: when doing the "scooting & coasting" is also when you cover "stopping"; and then when you progress to pedaling, you revisit the topic of stopping: choose your target, remove your foot from the pedal, THEN brake, goal being to stop at the target. Clearly this wasn't covered because he almost didn't put his foot down when he stopped, and Manon didn't cue him to do it either. To experienced riders, putting the foot down at the right time while braking is second nature. New riders? not so much. when cornering is covered, you should discuss that you actually put OPPOSING pressure on the bars from the direction you want to go, and you have them try it on the straight before they try any sharp corners. it's not something anyone really thinks about on a leisurely ride, but when you're in trouble, and need to avoid an obstacle, it can save your life.

[@Oolampara_Chekkan]

I taught myself to ride a bike at 5! It was so fun, I learned on my yard, which was really short, my grandpa bought me my first bike with training wheels, he took them off after about a week, it was difficult at first but got it and here I am riding through short roads with my 19 inch bike :}

[@Oolampara_Chekkan]

I'm young, so I'm still riding short bikes.

[@madhavplays972]

But it is difficult and embarrassing for a teenager to learn cycling.☹️

[@G.A.C_Preserve]

@@madhavplays972 how difficult it can be, I did it by myself without training wheels when I were around 6 years old (the attempt left me with a few scars on my legs but nothing serious)

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

That was excellently mentored, Manon is a natural teacher.

[@gloriousumukoro8589]

I'm about to put myself to the challenge. Pray for me

[@ClassicVA1800]

As a kid I’m was a scared of riding on a bike today. But thank you for making this video to help me god blesses you.

[@JesmondBeeBee]

Re-taught myself to ride early last year after not riding since I was a kid. So I'll see this lad's nine years and raise him about forty. 😉 GCN and other cycling KZbin channels have helped me a lot since then.

[@draxcir]

Going to try to learn tomorrow. Signed up for a class. My mom didn’t know how and don’t know my dad. Lived in dangerous area growing up so my mom made sure I was a homebody. I never learned but I have a toddler now and I want to show them one day. Thanks for this.

[@hudsonsamuels5046]

wow thank you so much. Now I can ride a bike :) greatly appricate this video. You deserve a LIKE!!!

[@daredemontriple6]

Pretty good going for a guy to pick it up that quick on a true road bike - probably the hardest thing you could learn on. Narrow tyres, stiff and twitchy frame, a pretty aggressive position even with the seat post all the way down, brakes only accessible on the drops or lever heads. Not to mention the 'jumpiness' you get with a bike that really wants to run, no gentle power transfer here, it'll accelerate like a rocket! Few things I picked up on in the video that didn't get mentioned/got overlooked and I feel like they're pretty commonly overlooked for newbies being taught. First, I've always found it much easier to use my non-dominant foot to 'push-off' on the pedal, while standing on my dominant. Surely ones balance is better on the dominant foot? Similarly I think a lot of people will be more confident taking a tight bend on their dominant side - you can see in the video Kieran takes the left-hand turns much sharper than the right, presumably due to being left-footed as he states earlier. When it comes to cornering I think it's more natural to have the outside pedal at 6 'o' clock. I also think it's important to emphasise that that saddle height is just to learn with, but in the long run it'll want to come up a fair way. With it that low the knees are gonna be aching and the power output is gonna take a hit too. Last thing I think is important to establish is the ability to take one foot completely off of the pedals 'during flight'. I think a lot of newbies come to a stop and then have to rapidly get a foot down as they suddenly find their balance has gone, which means they also have to sort of guess which foot is the one to put down. But if they were confident taking a foot off early they could roll to a stop with their foot ready and the natural off balance would pull them over to that side. It's not a big point but it would probably help with confidence and control, and avoid at least one falling over.

[@fz8692]

I want to motivate others like me I am 21 years old Today i tried cycling for the 2nd time in my life and I had some difficulty in start But just after 15 minutes of practice I could ride straight. Had trouble controlling it But since there was little traffic at the street so no harm was caused.

[@miekevandermerwe7853]

This list of tips is helpful, thanks GCN. I recently volunteered to teach girls how to ride a bike but when it came to it I actually struggled to give them the first steps because I just always knew how to do it , and I realised then how lucky that is. This will help to structure a "teaching" more.

[@marcomongke3116]

Manon is such a stunning host, it would be a dream to get cycling lessons from her.

[@groenner81]

Would absolutely fake not being able to ride just to get lessons from her 😅

[@npnischal6088]

Wow wow wow I am really proud of myself that I can ride a bicycle without training wheels . I was thinking the man who was riding a bike he knows already but when the peoples positive comment. I thought I can also do it and I did it 1.5 hours it was fun and very challanging.thanks to u guys and GCN

[@MehulJain2507]

I learnt cycling 🚴‍♀️ using the tricks at age of 31 . Thank you so much 🥰

[@gcn]

That's great to hear! keep it up

[@techmasterkat9048]

I'm about to learn at almost 32yo

[@NaNcents]

6:59 - "1 foot off..." 7:00 - "NICE!" 7:01 - *Casually releases a victory fart*

[@Salvador-312]

Lmfao I knew I wasn’t the only one who heard it

[@NaNcents]

@@Salvador-312 finally, after 2 weeks of waiting. Somebody noticed

[@itsandieji]

Next Monday my friends are going cycling and I wanted to join but I don’t know how to cycle but after watching this video I want to try to learn to join them

[@MrWoezoe]

As a Dutchman, this was interesting! Here we don't need to learn how to ride a bike, we just know. I think we're born with it. I honestly don't think I've ever met a Dutch person that does not know how to ride a bike 😂

[@har5814]

Sana all inborn

[@iwaseasymeat]

thxs for this, gonna have to give biking a shot!