10 Tips I Wish I knew When I started Cycling

new to cycling? here's 10 things I wish I knew as a beginner cyclist, let me know if there's anything you wish you knew when you first started in the comment section

The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping the channel thrive:
Attacus Cycling,
Wilier Triestina,
MET Helmets,
Shimano,
fidlock,
Hutchinson Tyres
Pedalsure

#cycling #bikes #bicycle

[fredhubbard]

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.

[kiball]

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

[lindsayoakes]

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

[zurichrider]

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

[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!!!!

[jirdesteva]

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

[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!

[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.

[lisagilmer]

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. :)

[philiptaylor]

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.

[LeDore]

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.

[Notimprtant]

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

[timyaiser]

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

[stuartpage]

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.

[jamessheard]

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.

[hansmclain]

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.

[navbravic]

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

[davidmarquez]

*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.*

[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.

[lewtheblu]

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