7 Essential Cycling Skills

7 Essential Cycling Skills

There are certain skills that we all need as cyclists. Here are my top seven.
They may seem pretty basic and obvious but without them it could be argued that, at worst, you aren't really a cyclist or, at best, it will be very difficult to be a cyclist!

If you are a beginner cyclist this may just give you an idea of why getting on a bike for the first time is a little daunting. On the other hand, if you already ride a bike, you will almost certainly have the skills to some degree but by focusing on improving these seven essential cycling skills your on the bike experience will improve.
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Social Media

[davidbee]

Thank you for another useful video. A skill that I think is needed is to look ahead(up) and to look where you want to go. The same as when driving a car. If you observe an obstacle in time you can look where to avoid it. If you are staring at the front wheel you won't see things in time and likely run over the pothole, glass or whatever hazard. This is also useful in commuting in town. When you observe slowing traffic ahead at an intersection, it makes sense to ease a bit and arrive when they start moving. This lessens the wasted energy of constantly starting and stopping. For more advanced riding this builds confidence to ride with other people.
We are allowed to ride in small groups now so it is good to share the effort and ride further.

[ianleaver]

Although I’ve been a “serious” cyclist for 50+ years and having had a short racing career in the early 70’s, so have hopefully developed at least some skills over the years. Love your videos though, especially the way you put them together and the great commentary. I’m always looking forward to the next one as you always give great tips for people new to cycling and old dogs like me. Thanks Leonard 👍

[bernieleinz]

I really like the blend of pictures of scenery, mechanical footage and your calm, informative, and concise commentary. The pacing is just right. Well done sir!

[Gauge]

i do hope your trip abroad can come off and everything. top tip- after setting your cleat positions, light a candle and drip wax into the allen heads and check them every few rides. it'll stop grit from wearing the keyway and you will be able to pick out the wax with a cocktail stick and take them off when you need to

[kathywimble]

Great video. In my years of cycling I’ve found that keeping a couple of pairs of disposable gloves on my bike comes in handy when changing tires or anything having to do with the chain. It’s keeps your hands and, consequently, your bike and clothes free of grime.

[widenalgene]

Hey Leonard, not sure if you’ll see this, but just wanted to say thank you mate. As a heavier cyclist myself, you’ve given me a lot of information and guidance, but most importantly, you’ve given me confidence. You’ve helped me see that I don’t have to be the fastest set of wheels on the street to feel good about my ride. You always have a calm, upbeat attitude and that has been nothing but beneficial to me getting off the couch and in the saddle. All that to say, thanks so much for all the videos, you are an absolute legend.

[kennymathieson]

Camping chair and a track pump might be regarded as rather luxurious roadside puncture accessories. Tricky getting them in a saddle bag ... 🤔

[leesjs]

love the detail and easy to comprehend instructions but above all the once a video humor moment 🤣

[Flix-fq]

Another skill: countersteering. It´s fun but rather important in urban cycling for diving fast through tight corners. I enjoy doing it on a racing frame with flat steering bar.

[plumislandmichael]

Continue to enjoy your videos. As more of a bike packer and less competitor rider perhaps a video on “riding your own ride” making your bike and style unique to yourself with little regards to the “norms” of others.

[broncobronco]

Love your videos mate. An absolute pleasure to watch. As a newish heavy set cyclist like myself its refreshing to watch somebody abit closer to home who understands. Keep up the great work and keep peddling brother👍🚲💨

[markfeldman]

Great us experienced riders need to be refreshed and reminded of the basics. Keep getting your fitness up for your big trip!

[michaeltattershall]

I also learned to ride a bicycle when I was 5 years old and the first mechanical skill I learned was to change a flat tire.

[bujeaux]

Just recently bought a mountain bike about a month ago to start my bike journey. Im currently 180 kgs, a novice biker and have very little confidence in riding so still getting the hang of things in the bike trainer. Your Videos are very inspiring and i watch a few of them daily. My goal is to be as confident as you are cycling and eventually build up the courage to go out. Thank you for all the content you do and i hope to have a more in depth interactions with you in the future! Cheers from the Philippines!

[dominicwalker]

Larger tubeless ready tires and rims can be interasante' to get seated propperly with hand pump. So newer tubeless tires can be a bear to wrestle back on. May wish to work out the procedure to accomplish this at home. There are youtube vids where content creater actually show putting new rubber on. Pro tip, hand and forearm strength a plus. Larger tires allow for a rolling onto the rim.( unless your casing is too supple. ) Great tips Leonard, hope your well. Keep up the great content.

[kenchang]

Really enjoy your videos. I would love to have empty country roads to ride on, like the ones accessible to you.

[markl]

Another well considered set of advice ... really useful for anyone starting out.
Hope things over there are picking up a bit now

[elmerrichardson]

Another great video with timely information from the "Sage of Cycling". Ride on.

[FraiseRaboteuse]

You may like to know learning to track stand is easier on a slightly undersized bike, not least because if it all goes wrong you need have no fear of the crossbar. Also, during your demonstration of braking and turning you did that 'lifesaver' glance over the shoulder. Brilliant.

[Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

Not a fan of the clipped pedals but buying a small pump now! Thanks!