Try THIS To Improve Confidence On Your Bike

No one wants to feel nervous or anxious on their bike! That's why we’ve put together these 5 essential cycling skills to help you feel safer and more confident on the road. Practice these and you'll feel great on every ride!

00:00 How to feel safer on your bike
00:18 Stopping Quickly
01:59 One or No Hands
04:06 Looking Behind You
07:05 Covering Your Brakes
09:04 Steep Climbs

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Which skill are you going to practice first? 🚴‍♂️💨 Let us know in the comments!

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[gcn]

What’s the skill that gave you confidence and that you’re most proud of? 🎩

[brittle]

If you're on deep section wheels, make sure there's no crosswind before you no hand

[johnmorris]

Conor has mastered the Pogachar look with that lock of hair sticking out of his helmet. As always Conor gives great advice.

[elindred]

For urban riding mastering the standing start is vital, particularly at traffic lights. If you know you can get up to speed quickly and easily you'll be less hesitant to stop when you need to, and you'll ride more safely.

[fredmcgough]

I'm most proud of staying calm, reacting quickly and anticipating unwise behavior of people around me.

[cluoeqq]

Really surprised that you didn't mention signalling. Riding one-handed is essential so that you can signal your intention to turn. Being able to look behind you is essential to see if there's anyone to signal to and then to do a last-minute "lifesaver" check immediately before turning.

[pompeymonkey]

Good stuff.
Although implicit in some of your advice, I think you could also do a dedicated "reading the road" video (or even series!). This has a huge scope, ranging from hazards on the daily commute right up to looking for mini-berms to help you corner faster.

[billmacrae]

A rear view mirror is very effective, and there are models out there that are very aerodynamic.

[cb]

Thanks Conor and crew..slow riding and track stands at traffic lights

[michaelplantarich]

Of all of these, I feel like the most important is the look-behind is the best. Its very thorough, and is probably something that requires more muscles/technique than most skills. Sure, a mirror can help, but I've felt like they screw up perception.

[PIves-btbx]

For someone who has just started the joys of cycling at a late age, these tips are precious. Thank you for going to basics!

[simonpotts]

When looking over shoulder try holding the back of the saddle with the hand on the side of the shoulder you’re looking over. Helps you keep straight and stable

[AlisonAdventuring]

Good tips, I probably learned the looking behind thing when I did my cycling proficiency test though! video wise one on gear choice on hills would be good, and gravel skills (I know there’s older ones on these). I’d also like to see a hybrid bike to road bike transition one, as many folk take it for granted but the positioning is so different 😀

[jacktuber]

The whole part about looking behind you, in my opinion, I say get a mirror and put it on your helmet, practice using it and scanning by moving your head. You can see everything behind you and never have to look away from looking forward. That is a skill you will use and need forever

[davidluyt]

I like having a rear view mirror on the traffic side of my drop bars, means I can frequently glance at it to keep an eye on whats behind me.

[sethchapman]

I would add that when riding one handed, be careful if you have to brake. I was riding with one hand, and I had to stop. Not even thinking I hit the brake, unfortunately it was my front and it didn't lock but the force turned my bars and I flew over and hit pavement. Luckily just skinned up, glad i had helmet because it totally saved my head when it hit.

[GilbertTang]

Shifting, but that has its own video(s). Track stands have their own videos, too. Slow, tight radius turns and other crafty maneuvers as well.

[nuttycommuter]

Right now, sitting here with road rash on my thigh, my elbow and multiple bruises, I don’t need to increase my confidence, I just need to unclip BEFORE stopping as I’ve learnt that the other way round is painful. Only been riding clipless for 15 yrs. You’d think I’d have learnt by now

[peterdraper]

I used to ride hands free without a thought - but I now I'm I'm my late 60s I just don't seem able to do it any more!

[markd.]

Great video! :D
You're telling not around the topic like the other guys, you talk directlier :D