10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED CYCLING

Are you 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!

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[purklefluff]

i'd add: if you're new to cycling, it really helps to familiarise yourself with how to fix certain things while you're in the comfort of your home or garage. I know lots of people who avoid that sort of preparation and fling themselves into something and come unstuck. It can really give you confidence to be out and about, self-sufficient and without fear of getting stranded. Changing a tyre, an inner tube, being able to take your wheels on and off, tightening and loosening bolts in key areas such as the saddle or handlebars for adjustment if needed, removing installing or fixing a chain (this is probably the trickiest, so worth doing at home when you've got time and can walk away for a cup of coffee or something). Give yourself a proper feeling of freedom rather than always being on the edge of needing to call someone for help due to a simple mechanical issue. It really pays off and allows you to be more adventurous

and of course - ask your cycling friends if you have any, for help with this. It can be a social thing too, rather than a frustrating deep dive into how-tos and youtube videos

[CanyonWanderer]

Plus one on the MTB / SPD pedals: I use them exclusively, both on my MTB/hybrid commute as on my carbon racer...
Advantages:
dual sided clip-in,
"one shoe fits all"
You can actually walk normally in the "one shoe that fits all"
not much weight difference
not expensive (both cleat and shoe)

[ElrocStone]

Addtonally to number 1, you can wear bib shorts under normal clothes if you feel a bit weird about wearing lycra in public. It will seem normal after a while but when you're new it can be daunting so some baggy shorts or pants will work fine over top of bib shorts.

[cneubert]

Something I learned for myself is don’t just bike. I have advanced so much with my cycling by adding in running.

[PumpkinVillage]

Rule ten is the best. Ride to ride and have fun. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[kevinlyon]

All useful stuff, I'd add if you've never fixed a puncture, learn how to fix one at home first even if it's just taking the tyre on and off.

[kowalski]

My beginner tip: knowing things needs experience. You can watch ten Sram vs Shimano videos, but until you have ridden X amount of kilometers you can’t know which you prefer. The same goes with most stuff, you will learn when you ride - what gear ratios you need, what kit, what bike etc. Just start somewhere (use rule no 10) and see how it feels.

[gabrieljohannson]

Your introduction on what you can wear was a perfect definition of myself; bib shorts and sloppy-Joe. I’m also in mountain bike cleats. Gotta admit, eating after or enough is a real mental challenge.

[malcontent_]

Haha, Franny says "base layers are a lie, promoted by Big Base Layer"

[troycollett]

One more tip is to support your local bike shop and in turn they tend to help you out a little bit more if you are a regular customer and they get to know you

[heidijarvis]

As a British cycling ride leader I love taking out diverse groups of riders out on the road and give them confidence, we even have a couple of deaf ladies that ride with us. I always get people in the group say that their bike is not as good etc and I tell them it doesn’t matter it’s a bike and they are getting out and socialising and having fun. I agree some “clubs” put too much pressure on people to fit the mould

[wayneclement]

My go to post ride meal is instant noodles, with a tbsp of peanut butter and an egg

[chrisoconnellUK]

Hi Chris, interesting tip re. time as opposed to distance. I have often thought more in terms of achieving distance, so this has given me pause for thought - as I do sometimes find myself anxious/lacking motivation at the prospect of completing say a 50 mile ride. On a related note, though, I've taken lately to setting off with no route/distance in my Wahoo etc, gauging my effort, and then heading for home at a natural point of fatigue. A sort of cycling jazz - which I'm enjoying the freedom of.

[redauwg]

Thank you for the video Chris... The only rule i follow is sun glasses over helmet straps.. lol

[teddgram]

Do not compare yourself to others - UNLESS....

You start getting into a friendly rivalry with a friend, in which case have at it. One of my better years of staying in shape was a year when a co-worker of mine got a new bike and we were competing to see who could get the most miles in for the year. Good times, good times.

[ncc]

Re: Tip 1. Someone thought I was crazy for wearing jeans while on a ride last week while wearing my clip in shoes. It was the only way I felt like I could comfortably ride that day since the thermal base layer and the bib shorts alone definitely couldn't cut 3 Degrees C alone.

Also, Gravel shoes are a nice middle ground to offroad and road shoes. SPD cleats are easier for clipping and walking in, and the soles are still as stiff as the road version (for my Shimano shoes at least)

[wheeler]

Check wind direction. Never fly out in one tail wind direction then find you have to grovel back home into it. As a newbie best stick to local mixed terrain circular circuits of say 20 km . Improve your skills on said circuit increasing laps after a while . Handy if it starts raining as you can veer off directly home quickly.

[ellipticalsoul]

Some good tips here. I was very hesitant getting back on a bike a couple of years ago because I hadn't ridden since I was a kid and worried about wearing non-cycling clothes etc but I've kind of worked my way up to proper kit haha. In hindsight, I think you are right about bib shorts being the best investment you can make to start with. If you are a bit self conscious about tight clothing because you're on the heavier side like me, mountain bike tops or underarmour type tshirts are good because they don't soak up sweat like a cotton tshirt which can be really uncomfortable.

[justsomedude]

I actually converted all my road bikes to Time ATAC pedals as I really like them, but got tired of dealing with different shoes, cleat systems. Been using ATAC for almost 20 years now.

[ShawnIsBatman]

A helpful video, especially for beginners. To expand on a couple of your points:
1) With regard to eating while riding. If your ride is going to be 60-90 minutes, especially if it is not very intense, you won't need to worry about eating on the bike (assuming you are not fully depleted at the start of the ride), however, as you mentioned, you should replenish calories soon after the ride to help recovery. At most, some liquid calories during the ride would be sufficient.
2) Regarding cycling shorts/bibs. If you are purchasing your first pair, you do not need to spend a huge amount on them! If possible, ask friends (or club members) for their recommendations. Before purchasing, if purchasing online, search for buyer reviews from several different sources. In general, cycling shorts will be less expensive than bibs, bibs vs. shorts is a preference, try both if you are just starting. Also, shop the sale/closeout section of the online shop or local bike store and get a deal vs. paying full price! Just because something is more expensive does not necessarily mean that it will be better for you.