10 things I wish I knew when I started cycling

Experience is the best teacher and we're all on our own journey. Here's what I'd share with people if you're looking to jump into cycling!

use CAROLIN for 5% discount

Disclaimer: If you are inexperienced in exercising or considering starting a fresh fitness regimen, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. This video may provide insights into health, fitness, or nutrition, and it is intended solely for educational purposes. It is essential to understand that this information should not be viewed as a substitute for seeking guidance from a qualified medical professional or recommended treatment. Please be aware that engaging in any exercise or program is entirely at your own discretion and risk.

[malcontent_]

As a _long_ time cyclist, I must say you've compiled an *_excellent_* list. Ride safe & have fun.

[CapieVideo]

I am an avid cyclist and Carolin absolutely nailed it. The only other thing I would mention is to always use high protection sun screen as cyclists we are exposed to the sun.

[HabaneroTi]

Another rule: When trying a new hobby, interest, pursuit, etc., start slow and small and don't go overboard right away. Like, don't go from not riding a bike much if at all to doing 3-5 hour rides regularly. That's bound to lead to injuries, health issues, frustration and burnout. Work your way into it and if it take you'll be doing it for years. You're not looking to prove anything or make up for lost time, but to enjoy yourself and get fitter.

This applies to bike maintenance and repair too, of course. While it's important to understand how your bike works and be able to do basic maintenance and repair work on it, as you won't always be near a bike shop that's open when something goes wrong, you shouldn't try to learn and do too much of it too fast.

Start by learning how to fix a flat, adjust derailleur and brake cable tension (if you have traditional ones, and the corresponding adjustments if not), center brake pads and keep them from rubbing, reattach a chain that's fallen off, clean and lube your chain and parts, replacing a cassette, etc., and work your way up to more difficult tasks (if you so wish) like replacing your cables (or hydraulics and wiring), adjusting play in bearings, truing a wheel, etc.

But, even if you never bother with more complex maintenance and repair tasks (and that's fine), everyone should be able to do the ones that come up during rides, or else you're likely to have to get a ride back home.

Oh, and, of course, take all the tools and parts you might need for these on your rides, e.g. multitool with chain breaker, tire levers, spare tube or two, patch kit, spare quick links, etc., and lights if you get stuck out after dark.

[hinault]

“It never gets easy, you just go faster” - Greg Lemond

[MrKing]

If bike is not set up and fit for you, you will never enjoy the ride, and you must have to be fit to ride. You made a good point here. Enjoy and be

[mrnicegary]

I'm 65 years old and have recently taken up bike riding, I've a lot to learn but sites like this is just what I need, thanks

[isa]

i just bought my first hybrid bike and im having a great time learning how to properly ride despite how difficult it is for my out of shape body. im focusing on technique and having fun, and its really making a difference in my experience. thanks for the great list!

[londonunnie]

Such great tips!! I would definitely add stretching and also finding a way to release the lactic acid build up from inclines and just spinning on flats

[sprig]

Brilliant delivery and information …bravo🎉

[Ben-gknf]

G'day Carolin, that is a great list! One thing I would add for anyone who is riding on the road is to buy a decent set of front and back lights for you bike. Not just for night - but on a daytime flash during the day. Being seen by (increasingly distracted) drivers on our roads - hundreds of metres out from where you are - is one way to avoid being hit!

And if you ride a lot on quiet, country roads, a tail light with an integrated radar to warn you of vehicles approaching behind is another brilliant addition to your bike. Worth the investment!

[NessieJapan]

Soreness tends to be from muscles; pain tends to be from joints. Nice breakdown, Carolin, especially the chapterization!

[pwanlass]

I am a life-long cyclist and these are fantastic tips for everyone. Thank you for this video.

[CycoPatPonfe]

4:14 YES. FINALLY finally, someone else, AGAIN, said something on How to Fix a Flat! Thank you very much.

[selennemartinez]

super awesome video! I love the furnace analogy you put - after YEARS of conflicting weight loss tips I am finally learning that calories are GOOD even NECESSARY!

[Josh-ewle]

Great tips! Eating constantly during long rides is the so very important

[nickmetcalfe]

A couple more: 1. Take a little bit of $ + travel card with you in case you run out of food or maybe need to get public transport if you have a mechanical 2. Don't let your bike sit in the garage wet after a rainy ride, wipe it down, wipe the chain and relube to prevent rust, 3. If you are out and about and need to lay your bike down, do so on the none derailleur side.
Also, it's amazing how many people you see with the seat way too low- your knees shouldn't come up round your ears! I like the seat as high as is comfortable to stretch out the legs properly
Last one, helmets need to be on properly and tight enough round your chin so it doesn't fall off your head if you crash!
Actually this is the last one- Cars might not see you- be careful and assume they can't if you are passing intersections where they pull out. At night have lights!

[ignore-fvrc]

great list. bike fit is definitely crucial

[AlignmentCoaching]

I couldn’t go about my routine. I was mesmerised. Well done ! :)

[IowaNinersFan]

All good pointers, Carolin. When I first started cycling, I had a flat and didn't know how to fix and was an hour away from my car. Luckily, I encountered a LBS owner who changed out my flat and got me going again. When I got home, I started watching YouTube videos on how to change a flat and now can do it with ease even though it's the last thing I want to be a pro at lol. Also, I just wanted to mention about your repair kit, make sure to carry a tire pump and not just CO pump and cartridge. I've ran into people stranded on the side of the road with CO pump and spent cartridges. All it took was a tire pump to get them going again. It doesn't have to be expensive, just one with the correct valve head.

[eto]

I'm forwarding this to new cyclists I meet. This is a great list, very thoughtfully explained!