9 HABITS Beginner Cyclists Must AVOID

From bike handling and position to descending techniques and safety advice, these are 9 habits beginner cyclists should avoid doing to improve their cycling ability.

The brands I support:

00:00 Intro
00:10 Use lights
01:24 Bike handling
03:03 Avoid locking upper body
04:30 Descending techniques
06:49 Surging
07:58 Under-fuelling
09:13 Bike maintenance
09:59 Bike fit
11:00 Safety

This cycling instructional video was filmed in Girona, Catalunya, Spain; a cycling mecca that has been home to many professional cyclists including Ben O'Connor, Jack Haig, Esteban Chaves, Ryan Mullen, George Bennett, James Knox, Dorian Godon, Jay Vine, and at one point George Hincappie, Lance Armstrong and Tyler Hamilton. Girona is used for training for races such as the Tour de France, Volta Catalunya, Vuelta Espana, Paris-Nice, Giro d'Italia and more. Teams such as Bora-Hansgrohe, INEOS-Grenadiers, Israel-Premier Tech Pro Cycling, Human Powered Health, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, UAE Team Emirates and others use Girona for team training camps and rider testing.

[HarishChouhan]

One important thing is to carry some tools and learn how to use it. I often go on group rides where people don't carry anything ever and just depend on help from others.

[kerryp]

I would suggest that a point missed about pedal position when cornering is that by keeping the inside pedal up, you avoid the risk of having the pedal strike the road surface.

[jefflilyea]

Don't litter. I'm always finding wrappers and gelpaks.

[anthonysilva]

Good tips. I would add “wear something bright”. You can’t underestimate the average motorist.

[truthserum]

One point of safety I believe you missed is “Gloves” I’m a firm believer in wearing them, if you take a fall the first thing you do is put your hands out, as a guitar player I’m always trying to protect my hands from falling or getting cut or scraping them, it also helps from getting sweat all over the bars and stuff.

[lonot]

Your descending tip on putting pressure on the outside foot has been super crucial in getting back my confidence after crashing and breaking my collarbone six months ago. Thanks again 👍

[carloscansing]

I just forwarded this video to my son who wants to start riding to work. He is not living in my state (USA) and though I’m an experienced cyclist, I haven’t had a ride with him in over 18 years. I very much appreciate being able to share these sound advice videos with him to ease my worries.

[slugbones]

Here's one: Don't feel like you have to buy a bike with such an aggressive stance. Being crunched over all the time is pretty miserable. If you are doing simple commutes then look for a bike that allows a more comfortable upright riding position.

[greatlakesbikeandhike]

Thanks for mentioning relaxing your shoulders and elbows. This is one thing I have trouble remembering. It not only improves comfort while riding but also helps prevent you coming home with sore or stiff arms after a long ride.

[RiseNShine]

A really good way to improve bike handling is to go mountain or gravel biking on some technical trails (preferably with some friends). It really taught me a lot and how to respect not only my bike, but also the terrain I am riding on. It also helped build my confidence when riding on the roads.

[kempek]

Biggest tip for begginers, dont fall for the newbie no gloves look. wear gloves and save your palms if you land at over 30kmh.

[FoxBandyKoot]

I just want to say that it's better to avoid removing clothing while cycling. I had an incident where the sleeves of my jacket got caught in the rear wheel, locking it as I was taking it off. My arms remained trapped in the sleeves, propelling me forward for several meters, and I came close to a fatal accident.
Otherwise good video !

[primegoat]

One recommendation I have (this isnt a DONT, but you can frame this as a.. dont not do this 😄) is to always do the calculus. This is how I refer to doing the mental calculations of predicting where moving objects will be to avoid a collision with them. Combined with this, also prepare for the worst case scenario when dealing with unknowns. For example, if you have an intersection coming up and you can't see if a car is coming or not (due to a parked truck blocking the view, for example), then assume that there is a car coming at just the right speed to hit you right as you go through the intersection. That would mean slow down, even stop if necessary, to check for that car first. Usually there is no car, but there have been MULTIPLE occasions when I would be telling myself "youre following this rule way too anally" only to see a car drive by right as I stopped to check for it, saving my life. It may seem boring and annoying to have to slow down or even stop very often, especially if you see another cyclist speed through an intersection as you slow down to be cautious because you can't see if anything is coming. That other cyclist may end up getting killed doing that tomorrow, however. Don't be them.

[BlahBlahPoop]

Glad you mentioned sunscreen. So many bikers skip on this and they end up aging like raisins over their lifetime (UVA sun rays account for the majority of skin aging) while also increasing thier risk of skin cancer greatly. Hat and sunglasses also is of great help, and also sun protection clothing.

[RonMcEwen]

In city environments, I find that a front blinking light, day or night, is at least as important as a rear light. I get much more recognition from drivers turning in front of me, from my lane or the opposing lane (s)) when I have one.
I started to consistently use one when a driver approaching from the front, in broad daylight, turned right into me, and only stopped then their bumper hit my front wheel - I was turning away from them the whole time. They were focused on turning into a parking lot and claimed to just not see me.

[eatingMagniDezmondsAss]

I always avoid cornering with my inside foot because the inside foot might hit the road causing an accident. Didn't know about putting weight on the outside foot to make cornering better. Guess I'll try that. Thanks.

[sethalexanderg]

this tip just came in after I've crashed during a corner, cycled a 100 km ride with horrendous posture, cycling with only one hot dog consumed, bike back bearing broken, thanks for teaching me

[vuwysoo]

Avoid patches of loose gravel on junctions and bends; especially if braking.

[adolfomclovin]

I literally surge up every single hill. Ty for these tips I've been cycling near daily for 6 months straight now and I still have alot to learn

[lafamillecarrington]

Use cycle paths where they are available.
Don't wear too many layers - you'll warm up very quickly, even when it is cold outside. But do wear a wind-proof outer layer.