8 Things Not To Do When You're New To Road Cycling

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 22. 05. 2024
  • When you're new to road cycling, it's all too easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush out the door on your brand new road bike to tackle a monster ride...without any food...or spares...and with your helmet on backwards. In this video, Hank, Manon, and Conor share their top mistakes to avoid when you first get into cycling to make sure you don't end up bonking miles away from home with a flat tyre!
    23/06/2020: Please note - We have edited this video to remove a section we feel was misjudged.
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Komentáƙe • 1,7K

  • @gcn
    @gcn  Pƙed 4 lety +395

    What mistakes did you make when you first started cycling?

    • @ezrabrooks1609
      @ezrabrooks1609 Pƙed 4 lety +49

      Global Cycling Network I just started lol

    • @raychambers3646
      @raychambers3646 Pƙed 4 lety +85

      Leaving it about 20years before starting again!

    • @retroonhisbikes
      @retroonhisbikes Pƙed 4 lety +46

      My big mistake was not buying a road bike sooner, not going tubeless sooner.

    • @rommelreyes2209
      @rommelreyes2209 Pƙed 4 lety +165

      Not bringing a water bottle.

    • @arthursimonet4047
      @arthursimonet4047 Pƙed 4 lety +59

      Definitely forgetting to bring food on longer rides!

  • @awakenedbahamut2574
    @awakenedbahamut2574 Pƙed 4 lety +5162

    I feel like every time I do a ride, I have a headwind and when I turn around, the wind turns around.

    • @michaelb1761
      @michaelb1761 Pƙed 4 lety +252

      That's a real problem for me, sort of. I ride my bike to work, and in the summer, the wind is typically out of the north in the morning and switches to the south late afternoon. Guess which direction work is from my house.

    • @awakenedbahamut2574
      @awakenedbahamut2574 Pƙed 4 lety +15

      @@michaelb1761 North.

    • @JibbaJabber
      @JibbaJabber Pƙed 4 lety +42

      @@michaelb1761 Ahhh a trick question - do you work on one of the Poles??? Cheeeeeeky😉

    • @mobeefus8867
      @mobeefus8867 Pƙed 4 lety +121

      I always thought that was my problem. Until I realized I was just slow.

    • @tms-tomas9803
      @tms-tomas9803 Pƙed 4 lety +37

      Im dutch so i ride my normal city bike to school everyday with my friends and we all have that problem XD.

  • @logunder4597
    @logunder4597 Pƙed 3 lety +986

    To all of you experienced cyclists out there. Please don’t ignore some obviously new cyclists, kind of just give them a simple, “hi” or a wave and it’ll motivate them a ton just from you acknowledging them. I personally am an amateur and just went biking, I was feeling unmotivated cus I was on a steep hill, then an experienced looking cyclist rode passed me and gave me a simple nod, that itself motivated me to finish the climb and get to that nice nice decent

    • @MythmasterFunky
      @MythmasterFunky Pƙed 3 lety +4

      Snowflake

    • @KermitFrogThe
      @KermitFrogThe Pƙed 2 lety +88

      If there is an experienced cyclist not acknowledging you it means one of the following things.
      1. There's sweat in their eyes and they can't see you.
      2. They are so fatigued their nod was imperceptable to the human eye.
      3. They have paid a fortune for a bike that does a lot of things for them and think this is one of the automated features.
      4. They forgot baggy shorts still need underwear and have sat on themselves.
      5. They've just finished digesting the last bug and are using their mouth to net another one.
      6. They have a superbike on finance and refuse to wave to anyone who may have finished paying for their bike.
      7. They forgot rear observation before overtaking and have just soiled themselves after nearly ending up under a truck.
      8. They didn't actually notice you as they were completely focused on their power meter wattage.
      9. They have lost track of the fact that cycling is supposed to be enjoyable even if commuting.
      10. They are quite simply ignorant morons the rest of the cycling comunity are ashamed to be associated with.

    • @MythmasterFunky
      @MythmasterFunky Pƙed 2 lety +11

      @@KermitFrogThe no one us obligated to wave to you

    • @MythmasterFunky
      @MythmasterFunky Pƙed 2 lety +8

      No one is obligated to wave to you. Stop being soft

    • @KermitFrogThe
      @KermitFrogThe Pƙed 2 lety +41

      @@MythmasterFunky No one is obligated to ride a bicycle either. We choose to because we enjoy it. As social animals we acknowledge others with similar interests too, it's called community., especially when we have no friends outside it.
      Like the name by the way.

  • @edmarkey4057
    @edmarkey4057 Pƙed 4 lety +1298

    Three kinds of wind: crushing headwind, brutal crosswind, and "Wow, I feel great!"

    • @paulmanship7952
      @paulmanship7952 Pƙed 4 lety +80

      Ed Markey I have to say I disagree... 3 types...
      Headwind
      Crosswind/headwind
      How is it still a headwind!?!?

    • @joelell1
      @joelell1 Pƙed 4 lety +10

      @@paulmanship7952 There's always a head wind!

    • @johnbradley1599
      @johnbradley1599 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      @@joelell1 Joe is right on the money here - every wind is always a head wind.

    • @mrbadger9920
      @mrbadger9920 Pƙed 4 lety +26

      Ed Markey . Cycle behind me on on the wrong day and you'll discover another kind of wind

    • @cameronking1872
      @cameronking1872 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Paul Manship I am in the Inland Empire of Southern California and it feels like no matter what direction, There is ALWAYS a headwind! Hahah

  • @nineofoto
    @nineofoto Pƙed 4 lety +591

    I got my clipless pedals and shoes arrived on Christmas day. I heard the horror stories of people not being able to clip out and stacking it. I practiced a few times on Christmas day in my neighborhood and began to wonder... How could anyone not get out in time? 27th December, back to work... Down a huge hill to work. Full stop at the junction at the bottom onto main road, rush hour, unclipped right foot in preparation... Eventually realising I'm leaning left... Straight onto my side on the path, teddy bear roll onto the grass. Cars beeping in approval, people shouting and celebrating. I had to just lay there and laugh. So many people about.

    • @neverforget4126
      @neverforget4126 Pƙed 2 lety +4

      đŸ˜‚đŸ˜‚đŸ˜‚đŸ˜‚đŸ‘«

    • @HuorNolatari
      @HuorNolatari Pƙed 2 lety +14

      It's not hard to clip out but sometimes you'll get caught in a emergency and your subconscious just won't let you clip out.

    • @ayodejiokanlawon9183
      @ayodejiokanlawon9183 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      đŸ€ŁđŸ€ŁđŸ€ŁAbsolutely brilliant!

    • @Esmeej
      @Esmeej Pƙed rokem

      I’ve had my new pedals not allowing me to clip out. The spd actually moved 45 degrees from my shoe lol. Now I’ve adjusted the pedal things and now it’s ok.

    • @jfar3340
      @jfar3340 Pƙed rokem +1

      strangers care about you that much?

  • @kedarkulkarni3030
    @kedarkulkarni3030 Pƙed 4 lety +1492

    Don't stop cycling when you are new to cycling...

    • @Mbaus930
      @Mbaus930 Pƙed 4 lety

      Kedar Kulkarni
      As

    • @jirivorobel942
      @jirivorobel942 Pƙed 4 lety +36

      Don't stop cycling until you get used to it. Then you won't ever think of giving it up.

    • @zigzagnemesist5074
      @zigzagnemesist5074 Pƙed 4 lety +37

      I made this mistake, I was smashing it for 2 months and then I stopped for a month and when I got back I could barely get up the first hill. The hills really get you after a long lay off.

    • @elisabarranco6197
      @elisabarranco6197 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      So true

    • @matthewcrich5951
      @matthewcrich5951 Pƙed 3 lety +15

      I realize that it’s highly individualized, but as a 63 year old new cyclist, who is just starting out, what’s a reasonable amount of time or mileage to determine if the sport is “for me” or not. I’m on week 2 with teeny tiny 10 km rides on the flats so far. The purchase of a Wahoo bike computer makes the rides more enjoyable when I can accurately measure time, speed, distance & elevation changes. So far, so good but I’m currently undergoing treatment for cancer so am expecting some rough days ahead as far as strength & endurance.

  • @mayabang4637
    @mayabang4637 Pƙed 3 lety +39

    My first mistake was spending too much time binge watching GCN. Instead of actually hopping on my bike 😅😂

  • @Sttuey
    @Sttuey Pƙed 4 lety +496

    Not to mention those days you head out with a miserable headwind only to get to the turn and realise damn, that *was* the tailwind 😄

    • @drdoominstien713
      @drdoominstien713 Pƙed 3 lety +7

      I was sick that day

    • @frodo0901
      @frodo0901 Pƙed 2 lety +1

      Oh
 You were riding with me too, yesterday? That happened also to me, then! 😅

    • @h7283
      @h7283 Pƙed 2 lety

      Easterly winds are a gift from Satan, especially when they hit on the exe trail, south Devon đŸ˜”

    • @nanisimi
      @nanisimi Pƙed 2 lety

      true :)

  • @downinla4076
    @downinla4076 Pƙed 3 lety +249

    “It never gets easier, you just get faster” - Greg LeMond
    “Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades” - Eddy Merckx
    "If I have the exact same equipment as Team Ineos, I'll be as good as them" - Middle-age dentist when considering their first bike

  • @zedkindadead5241
    @zedkindadead5241 Pƙed 4 lety +1874

    Who else is not new to cycling but watching this because this is GCN?

    • @crazyjoedavola9002
      @crazyjoedavola9002 Pƙed 4 lety +9

      Also would love to see video where are the old gcn members now.

    • @Gias1
      @Gias1 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      It's a feast of recognition.
      Also too bad they didn't use the clip of Matt tipping over with his feet locked in.

    • @plymouth491
      @plymouth491 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      Definitely, and Manon Lloyd doesn't hurt either.

    • @BryenGraver
      @BryenGraver Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Bingooo

    • @knusperkas6001
      @knusperkas6001 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      I don't even ride road. I'm mountainbiker. But GCN videos are just interresting.

  • @AlainCarAudioManiac
    @AlainCarAudioManiac Pƙed 4 lety +860

    I'd add: BRING LIGHTS!!!

    • @trentjanszmusic
      @trentjanszmusic Pƙed 4 lety +21

      Even during the day! - The more visible you are to cars, the better! It's better to look like a goose with a headlight on then to have an accident or a near-miss (even if it ain't your fault!)

    • @sebastianjost
      @sebastianjost Pƙed 4 lety +33

      And CHARGE those lights.
      They are useless if the power runs out half way through the ride.

    • @ChrisHayworth100
      @ChrisHayworth100 Pƙed 4 lety +12

      Make sure the rear light is flashing it makes you even more visible.

    • @KandiKlover
      @KandiKlover Pƙed 4 lety +5

      I use c3sports mini pursuit 100 lights. They are very bright in daylight.

    • @Dominik-vn6lo
      @Dominik-vn6lo Pƙed 4 lety +9

      @@ChrisHayworth100 but not when it's dark. Unless you have two lights, a constant light and a flashing one. I have my flashing rear light on my helmet, high up. Also, that's the only way it's legal in Germany (flashing lights aren't allowed on the bike, but there's no law against having them on your clothes, backpack or other luggage)

  • @michelgrenier7261
    @michelgrenier7261 Pƙed 2 lety +22

    Not sure its been mentioned, but the biggest thing I suffered from as a newbie is underestimating the importance of proper tire inflation. I had so many flat tires as a result of under inflation I became an expert at fixing them. Now, to make sure I always leave with the correct pressure, I deflate my tires on purpose (not completely) returning from a ride, just to make sure I inflate and pressure check before every ride.

  • @RishabhSharma-lq1id
    @RishabhSharma-lq1id Pƙed 3 lety +87

    One more tip, running helps a lot to increase endurance. I literally went from cycling 50km to 103km after running for 1 month.

    • @sebastianriemer1777
      @sebastianriemer1777 Pƙed rokem +2

      Ha. I did it the other way around. 😁

    • @imjonathan6745
      @imjonathan6745 Pƙed 5 měsĂ­ci +1

      isn't it more practical to increase your cycling endurance by riding your bicycle more often rather than running

  • @wombatsauce
    @wombatsauce Pƙed 3 lety +27

    One of the most common mistakes I tend to see and help new cyclists with is gearing. Seems like everyone new to cycling thinks it's got to be difficult, like a real huff and puff to climb a hill. No! Just find the right gear and get going at what ever speed works best for you. The more often you cycle, the faster that speed will be. Have fun with it!

    • @NYGiants4Life
      @NYGiants4Life Pƙed rokem +4

      That was one of my worst mistakes when I got into cycling. I was using heavy gears to try and push up, instead of using a lighter one to peddle with better efficiency.

  • @Enigma71559
    @Enigma71559 Pƙed 4 lety +15

    My very athletic niece decided to try cycling, after seeing how fit I had stayed doing it for many years. She spent the money on a nice bike, helmet, good shoes and clipless pedals. I don't think she rode more than a few times. She hated how her quads burned. AND she could NOT get used to getting out of her pedals and kept falling over. I kept telling her it would all get better with a little more practice, but her cycling career was over before it started. Stay with it!

  • @jasonwojcik
    @jasonwojcik Pƙed 3 lety +18

    That big soft comfy saddle makes the difference between riding for 2 hours versus 5 minutes. When you are calorie challenged like I am, you need a soft saddle! No shame in being pain-free, guys!

  • @jaidanhubbard6947
    @jaidanhubbard6947 Pƙed 3 lety +36

    3:05 are we not going to mention the size difference in frames ??? 😂😂

  • @kimcookie0
    @kimcookie0 Pƙed 4 lety +245

    I am non english speaker but they explain some tips very easily so i can understand those well.And also very informative. Thx :) from korea.

    • @sebastianjost
      @sebastianjost Pƙed 4 lety +7

      Keep watching then. It's a great way to learn English ;)

    • @lindatisue733
      @lindatisue733 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      It is so wonderful Korea has put in so many cycle roads! Love the Han Gang paths. I am happy you can understand this channel. 안녕하섞요 슀웚덎 에서.

    • @confused5546
      @confused5546 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      When it comes to british accent I have to listen carefully

    • @matthewcrich5951
      @matthewcrich5951 Pƙed 3 lety

      S S even though the sound of it is really quite atrocious!

    • @jhowardsupporter
      @jhowardsupporter Pƙed 3 lety +1

      I speak some Korean
      Kamsahamnida
      Chincha
      Shibal

  • @Guitarguyonetwothree
    @Guitarguyonetwothree Pƙed 4 lety +299

    I like the 'new' GCN crew. They do quite well. And eventually, they will be a bit older and develop interesting quirks and funny jokes :3 Thx m8s!

    • @FoolishLopez
      @FoolishLopez Pƙed 4 lety

      Guckspecht totally not rude to assume that theyre for years. They are the founders of gcn after all so no real incentive to stay for the long run

    • @Guitarguyonetwothree
      @Guitarguyonetwothree Pƙed 4 lety +7

      @@FoolishLopez sorry I don't quite get what you mean. To me they appeared on the screens more recently so i thought they were new.

    • @zobayer1
      @zobayer1 Pƙed 3 lety

      kinda missing Dan.

    • @Schradermusic
      @Schradermusic Pƙed 3 lety +3

      @@FoolishLopez What are you talking about? Mannon and Conor are pretty new to the team.

  • @stephentuthill4598
    @stephentuthill4598 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    Another thing to be aware of is not to go too fast to begin with, and to take time to get used to how the bike handles as each type of bike handles differently. I have been riding for years, have both a winter hybrid bike and a summer road bike, but still allow myself time to adjust between machines.

  • @OpticDelusion
    @OpticDelusion Pƙed 4 lety +37

    Thanks for the advice! I've got my first road bike as a birthday present (today!) and can't wait for the weather over here to get better to start riding. So stoked!

  • @tuscanturtle2846
    @tuscanturtle2846 Pƙed 4 lety +80

    I’ve never seen such good acting by a presenter until Conner! The clipping out problem with the pedals was very well done 👍

    • @bensaund
      @bensaund Pƙed 4 lety +4

      I'm moving over to Clipless soon, so I will be practicing out of sight!

    • @tuscanturtle2846
      @tuscanturtle2846 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      bensaund the first time I put on clipless I stopped at a light and thankfully fell right onto a soft patch of grass on the side of the road. It is the best upgrade ever!

    • @bensaund
      @bensaund Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Ouch! I hope you didn't hurt your pride too much!

    • @jimcappa6815
      @jimcappa6815 Pƙed 4 lety +3

      If you have room, take some time to practice indoors. Prop yourself against a wall, and practice clipping in and unclipping.

    • @bensaund
      @bensaund Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Thanks Jim. I'm going MTB clicpless as I ride gravel bike 90% of the time as I like the fatter wheels on the road. Plus when I ride the MTB offroad, I can use the same shoes.

  • @ryshort7255
    @ryshort7255 Pƙed 4 lety +148

    100% Manon drew the short straw to get the helmet segment

    • @monsterinyourcloset7573
      @monsterinyourcloset7573 Pƙed 4 lety +52

      Manon's just the only one with a face suitable for close-ups.

    • @newttella1043
      @newttella1043 Pƙed 4 lety +10

      Wearing helmet backwards will make the headwind feel like a tailwind, I believe.

  • @caioo82
    @caioo82 Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Simply love all GCN videos! Such passionated bikers and laidback videos, that are technical and fun to watch! Cheers from Brazil!

  • @Gibi92
    @Gibi92 Pƙed 3 lety +31

    Just transitioned to a road bike and the biggest learning curve was figuring out the shifters. Having come from a hybrid bike I found new shifters quite daunting. But I'm over it now and also I cycle 20km to my parents for a visit and on cycle paths and occasional roads. Yes most avid road cyclists are complete tools, basically the BMW drivers equivalent to cyclists

    • @adamkane4217
      @adamkane4217 Pƙed rokem

      Definitely this one for me as well--a few times I thought I needed a repair but it turns out I was just shifting under load or cross chaining.

  • @alimackerali9259
    @alimackerali9259 Pƙed 4 lety +109

    Not fueling on a ride was by far my biggest problem. When I was 16 I don't think there was a ride I didn't bonk 😂.

    • @craigfirman1809
      @craigfirman1809 Pƙed 4 lety +5

      I always wondered why i was a better crit and track rider then road. turned out i just kept running out of energy on the longer road rides

    • @GRAHAMAUS
      @GRAHAMAUS Pƙed 4 lety +8

      Yup, same here. Hard to believe, but I never made the connection between eating a light breakfast and hitting the wall on a ride for ages!

    • @davidmarshall2399
      @davidmarshall2399 Pƙed 4 lety +13

      Sixteen year olds, always bonking.

    • @AndrewBlucher
      @AndrewBlucher Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Newbie error: imagining bonking means running out of energy.

    • @kawaspresso3228
      @kawaspresso3228 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      Bonking is just being out of glycogen store.

  • @rockhopper01
    @rockhopper01 Pƙed 4 lety +21

    Seat height yes! My first decent road bike was a prior-year model Specialized Allez that was on clearance. They didn’t give me any sort of fitting, and I had lots of problems with hand numbness, which had me fiddling with gloves, handlebar padding, all sorts of stuff. When I upgraded to a Roubaix, it was fitted like a glove and the biggest adjustment was the seat height and angle. Kinda seems counter-intuitive to solve hand problems with the saddle, but having the right geometry overall does wonders.

  • @plusbonus1165
    @plusbonus1165 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    I'm a mountain bike/tourer but am thinking of getting a roadie.
    This was pretty informative for newbies.
    I still have to jump into lycra yet , and this is my hurdle !

  • @juliocesarpereira4325
    @juliocesarpereira4325 Pƙed 2 lety +13

    Great tips. When I decided to use clipless pedals, I went to a quiet place and practice clipping in and off until it became almost second nature. It was well worth it, for the next day I commuted with my bicycle with no problem.

    • @Alex-kr7zr
      @Alex-kr7zr Pƙed rokem

      Same thing, everything worked fine, but then I was confident that I decided to clip in again while riding down into the underground garage of my apartment. Bad mistake, was literally falling on the last few meters of my ride.

  • @MoneyMakerRealty
    @MoneyMakerRealty Pƙed 2 lety +9

    The tail wind situation is one I have experienced personally. Absolutely devastating on the turn around. I almost bailed on one ride.

  • @GVilleAnarcho
    @GVilleAnarcho Pƙed 4 lety +218

    Here's another one: Don't be intimidated by dudes in full Lycra and gear. None of those dudes are nearly as hard as they think they are. And they're usually a lot friendlier than they seem as well! I'm known to give them shit for going out looking like silly aliens. But cycling is a celebration of life, and everyone out there is celebrating with you.
    Tldr; Don't judge a book by its cover. And make friends!

    • @qwikz28
      @qwikz28 Pƙed 4 lety +34

      I stopped cycling regularly after a foot injury and about a year or two ago I was suffering up a steep hill at the end of a long ride. I am no ace so I don't wear full Lycra and I'm a big guy. Well, a dude in full Lycra was at the top of the hill, stopped and started cheering me on. It gave me that extra push to finish the hill strong.

    • @insertname383
      @insertname383 Pƙed 4 lety +8

      @@qwikz28 thanks for sharing, put a smile on my face 😊

    • @alexanderespinoza
      @alexanderespinoza Pƙed 4 lety +13

      Funny how some people are intimidated by full Lycra gear when I think it does the exact opposite.

    • @user-pr4ww4pt1x
      @user-pr4ww4pt1x Pƙed 3 lety +8

      how tf can you even be intimidated by that? they do look like clowns. i pace a lot of them on my mountain bike with a tracksuit and a hoodie

    • @DinnerForkTongue
      @DinnerForkTongue Pƙed 3 lety +2

      @@user-pr4ww4pt1x
      Those are posers. We're talking regular dudes.

  • @sk2KLAZ
    @sk2KLAZ Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Great tips! I started cycling in November last year just before Christmas new bike! I learnt along the way and built up a good bit of kit! But now need to buy my first chamois/ thin short sleeve coat and a all in one suit. Suncream is a must especially today! ☀ dam road cycling is expensive but worth it!

  • @boyobane1590
    @boyobane1590 Pƙed 3 lety +3

    I'm not really new to cycling, been my primary method of transportation for 22 years, but the empty roads of 2020 encouraged me to get much deeper into it and start really doing it properly. Increased my comfortable ride distance from 5 miles to 40 miles, dropped 4 stone, and did a 200 mile tour which unfortunately killed my cheap hybrid bike by going between Boggle Hole and up the main street in Robin Hood's Bay and had to be cut short (was supposed to be 600 miles).
    The long slow rides, especially to new places, really sparked something in me so I'm really looking to get a tour grade bike as soon as I can. Really got my heart set on a Kona Sutra 2021, but will definitely look into a lightweight road bike if my savings don't stretch to doing another tour in 2021.
    If I do get the Kona Sutra I am uncertain if I will get clipless pedals or not. Flats seem better for the sort of multi week cargo-loaded rides I'm planning. If I end up with a regular road bike though; definitely going with clipless.

  • @velocirapture89
    @velocirapture89 Pƙed 4 lety +21

    "Sometimes even painful!" --- Greatest understatement of 2020.

  • @stillededge
    @stillededge Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Been riding for many years and I STILL fall for the tail-wind trick! I don't care if they are coming or going...they make me feel fast...the only time I get to feel that way! đŸ€Ł

  • @tellytellz5080
    @tellytellz5080 Pƙed 3 lety

    I'm so glad I discovered this channel. I love it! Great work guys!

  • @jpj1703
    @jpj1703 Pƙed 2 lety

    New to cycling and just got to this video. Absolutely love it! You guys are hilarious and the content is 100% helpful! Thank you!

  • @johnandrus3901
    @johnandrus3901 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    When I went to SPD from the old clips, I stopped right in front of my old college and fell over trying to unclip. A number of students got a chuckle out of it and I laughed it off. Last time it happened. I always unclip as I near an intersection where I might have to stop.

  • @turtlebobprod
    @turtlebobprod Pƙed 4 lety +70

    Also, always call out when passing other cyclists or pedestrians. It keeps everyone safe and it's polite.

    • @wolfthequarrelsome504
      @wolfthequarrelsome504 Pƙed 3 lety +4

      Never done here.
      It's the law to have a bell on your bike. I have a hybrid so I have a bell and use it when overtaking another bike or pedestrians

    • @FF-ub7bn
      @FF-ub7bn Pƙed 3 lety +2

      Riders with ear buds...

    • @jammin023
      @jammin023 Pƙed 2 lety +2

      ​@@wolfthequarrelsome504 In my experience ringing a bell simply makes pedestrians panic and move randomly. Calling out causes less stress, your hands can be on the brakes instead of on your bell, and you can say "on your left" or "on your right" which is far more useful and generally results in a smoother pass.

  • @TonyNque
    @TonyNque Pƙed 4 lety +1

    I am old and I remember the chamois leather and scoops of Vaseline... But having made the change from shoes to cages to clips I found the best advice was to approach stops carefully taking turns twisting legs out before the actual stop.... building muscle memory helps . Although the salto mortale over the bars is still a thing of beauty to behold and still gives me shivers down my spine . Having regularly had the "BONK" as I cycled home early in the morning in a time before energy bars it was bad but the worst was in a time of a Terror alert almost banging into the back of a dark blue parked armoured car at about 03.00 - what alerted me was the lack of moonlight on the farm windows at the T junction ahead. It was an interesting conversation with the driver - a Military police officer...... Keep up the good work lads and lasses ...

  • @pjagan123
    @pjagan123 Pƙed rokem

    thank you. I have just started my journey and your tips are very valuable

  • @andrebaron1387
    @andrebaron1387 Pƙed 4 lety +8

    @2:16 ah the good ol’ Shimano flop. Nothing like doing it at a light in front of your mates AND a bunch of cars to make sure you NEVER forget to unclip again.

    • @renegadetenor
      @renegadetenor Pƙed 4 lety +1

      I did it again...then stopped counting. I think its better now..

  • @richardbecton6879
    @richardbecton6879 Pƙed 4 lety +402

    Forget to wave at other cyclists.

    • @tme98
      @tme98 Pƙed 4 lety +35

      but I wanna wave and use my ding ding thing when I meet other bikes :(

    • @AlamoSimon
      @AlamoSimon Pƙed 4 lety +39

      Where I come from, rarely anyone waves back especially not other roadies :(

    • @tme98
      @tme98 Pƙed 4 lety +59

      AlamoSimon I really like the biking, but I don’t like the community.. kinda sad.

    • @Tokoroegao
      @Tokoroegao Pƙed 4 lety +69

      I am an overweight female rider. I ride my bike a lot - have for years. And actually am much fitter than I look. But those sporty dudes in tight outfits on their carbon rides NEVER wave back. So I stopped even trying.

    • @AlamoSimon
      @AlamoSimon Pƙed 4 lety +37

      When I was still mostly riding MTB, everybody waved. Roadies are weird. Or they spot my MTB shoes and helmet and don't deem me worthy.
      I greet everybody who looks like they're riding for sports and wave back to everybody wo waves at me. But I get you, I stop trying sometimes.

  • @raceface_m2579
    @raceface_m2579 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Haven’t been in the loop with GCN, and have recently found my love for cycling again. New cast, I see. Great mix!

    • @gcn
      @gcn  Pƙed 4 lety

      Thanks Raceface, great to hear you're getting back into cyclng and you like our new presenters

  • @douglaspate9314
    @douglaspate9314 Pƙed 4 lety

    Manon is a totally awesome addition to the team. YES!! And I do like her nail polish colour (at 4:20) coordinated with the red of the GCN cycle clothing. Cool detail.

  • @kianmokhtary3539
    @kianmokhtary3539 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    Another great video for beginners and regulars! Loving the new GCN team. The wind is horrendous in the UK at the moment fortunately my ride involves into the wind most of the time boosting my average speed on the way home. As for the last tip! Helmet on backward? 😂 can’t say I have ever seen it - worth a spy on my next sportif then!! đŸ€Ł as for the lack of food on ride far too guilty of this in the past to find talking in a different language to my wife when I get home! My top tip when starting cycling don’t wear underpants under bib shorts I was guilty of that doh! đŸ€Šâ€â™‚ïž

  • @philbool
    @philbool Pƙed 3 lety +13

    For my first two years, I was riding an old bike that had been entry-level when new. The clip-in pedals were extremely stiff, and I came off so many times it really hit my confidence. I found I chose to walk up some hills because I couldn't start on a climb. It was only when I tried a newer bike, with newer pedals, I realised they were the problem all along. An old bike can save you money and get you started, but it can also hold you back. Plan to move on if you plan to keep cycling!

    • @paulzx
      @paulzx Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci +1

      I replaced the clip-in pedals, cheaper than replacing the entire entry level bike (specialized allez elite)

  • @MrDaemondays
    @MrDaemondays Pƙed 4 lety

    Used indoor season to learn clipless pedal usage. Worked out well!!!

  • @Richard-yt4rk
    @Richard-yt4rk Pƙed 4 lety +2

    Thanks for saddle height recommendation. Never knew about that rule of thumb

  • @johnmacaulay9132
    @johnmacaulay9132 Pƙed 4 lety +20

    Around 2:20 didn't have the same commitment as Dan missing the pillow.

  • @tazerface8659
    @tazerface8659 Pƙed 4 lety +20

    Calling sunscreen "sun cream" doubles it's price instantaneously

  • @25liveforever
    @25liveforever Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Connor is class, great addition to the team and a natural in front of the camera

  • @littlemas2
    @littlemas2 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    One of my first long rides I headed out in a massive tail wind. The ride home was killer!

  • @lowlifeangler
    @lowlifeangler Pƙed 4 lety +57

    Don't buy a Walmart bike for your first 215 mile tour

  • @Cypress1983
    @Cypress1983 Pƙed 4 lety +12

    I'm fine with heading out into a tailwind if I have a 6'8" ex-World Tour rider to draft on the way back...

  • @willlehrfeld457
    @willlehrfeld457 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thanks Guys!! Great video! I am re-entering cycling and I can use all the help I can get. Cheers! Love the channel btw

  • @samw156
    @samw156 Pƙed 4 lety

    I headed out with a tailwind during storm Dennis two weeks ago, not my best idea, still a good training and great fun was had!

  • @tompriestner9007
    @tompriestner9007 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    Good lord! Applying the sun cream at 1:44 turned the video in a direction I wasn't expecting!

  • @PierreKaptanian
    @PierreKaptanian Pƙed 3 lety +3

    This is so well produced, acted, and written. I am GAGGED, send this to those Hollywood awards shows

  • @HuattKahn3isDis
    @HuattKahn3isDis Pƙed 3 lety +1

    I love how created they are in doing this content!

  • @andyhaochizhang
    @andyhaochizhang Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Two years ago we did a multi-day trip in early May Ontario and on the second day the headwind was so strong we need to pedal to not slow down when we went downhill. And the third day temperature dropped to 2 degree Celsius. Good days they were.

  • @retroonhisbikes
    @retroonhisbikes Pƙed 4 lety +8

    I laughed when suncream was mentioned - water repellant cream more like.

  • @forfunonly009
    @forfunonly009 Pƙed 4 lety +17

    man, going home from a 50km ride with a headwind makes me think that should I go home or not. lmao

  • @mattrussell250
    @mattrussell250 Pƙed 4 lety +1

    Just started out recently. Bought a lovely used Cervélo and enjoyed getting some miles under my belt. Just started to feel confident with the cleats/pedals and stopped at a crossing to let a lady and child cross. Forgot I was clipped in and pancaked onto my right side, much to the amusement of everyone else around. Thankfully my pride took a bigger hit than my hip. Lesson learned.

  • @teamtananandsalon8618
    @teamtananandsalon8618 Pƙed 4 lety

    Never stop cycling,im a newbie..thank you for the video

  • @TiberiusMoon
    @TiberiusMoon Pƙed 4 lety +37

    I would definately like to overestimate my fitness on a casual ride. you get to rest up and enjoy the view

  • @Sutlore007
    @Sutlore007 Pƙed 4 lety +5

    Personally, riding against the wind is sort of challenge. love it

  • @ricksnyder6318
    @ricksnyder6318 Pƙed 4 lety +2

    I have been cycling for a very long time. I researched this video to see how many of these mistakes I have made over the years.
    The result-a perfect 9/9.

  • @mirzamurtaza931
    @mirzamurtaza931 Pƙed 3 lety

    Nice to watch this very informative video as beginner, I learned how to adjust seat accordingly, because i don't know about it, thanks

  • @simonlee3727
    @simonlee3727 Pƙed 4 lety +20

    LOL i think i made every mistake going and found some new ones but is was fun

  • @Justin-zv4cm
    @Justin-zv4cm Pƙed 4 lety +24

    @3:52 Best moment of the video...

  • @budiisnadi
    @budiisnadi Pƙed 3 měsĂ­ci

    Over estimating your fitness is so true. I stopped cycling when I enter middle school (12yo). Then I go back to cycling when I enter college. I immediately go around town with my new bicycle, came back home happily, only to suffer so much pain in my legs during the night. It was so painful I almost cried.

  • @moose246
    @moose246 Pƙed 4 lety

    You guys are great, very educational and funny. Thanks.

  • @tomeksypko2435
    @tomeksypko2435 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    3:31 tip nr 10: don't forget to tight your front caliper brake

  • @ThatGuy-uz7ew
    @ThatGuy-uz7ew Pƙed 4 lety +3

    2:24, a not so sunny day????? thats a bloody beautiful day!

  • @mikeadams6538
    @mikeadams6538 Pƙed 3 lety

    You guys are the best....I so enjoy your videos....

  • @dooleyfan
    @dooleyfan Pƙed rokem +1

    My brother in law rode across Canada from east to west about 35 years ago. The prevailing winds are from west to east. I asked him why he didn’t go the other way. His answer? “We wanted to finish in BC because it’s more fun there”.

  • @paulsherwood5864
    @paulsherwood5864 Pƙed 4 lety +12

    I'd rather ride into a headwind (which is almost permanent at the moment in S.E England) than rain. And, oh my god, have we had so much rain lately!!

    • @comethiburs2326
      @comethiburs2326 Pƙed 4 lety

      i'll raise you headwinds in a tunnel. in summer. chills your bones out worse than riding without weatherproof pants in torrential january rain.

  • @twatts4436
    @twatts4436 Pƙed 4 lety +7

    He'll, I've been riding for a few years and still screwed up unclipping last weekend!
    It was (frankly) hilarious!

    • @robtk3
      @robtk3 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Yep, same here, fell over a few months ago.đŸ€·â€â™‚ïž

    • @rossfuller8025
      @rossfuller8025 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@robtk3 Same. It was rather embarrassing.

    • @renegadetenor
      @renegadetenor Pƙed 4 lety

      That helps, thanks for sharing!

  • @Wilhst
    @Wilhst Pƙed 3 lety +1

    Beautiful Port Pollenca! Hope to see the GCN crew there one day!

  • @stifmaster69
    @stifmaster69 Pƙed 3 lety

    Mallorca at that time is amacing. I also was there in Feb. 2020 - on the other side... and I realy enjoy your videos. You are funny and competent. Great 👍

  • @dejavery
    @dejavery Pƙed 4 lety +108

    My biggest mistake was only buying one bike 😂

    • @ChrisHayworth100
      @ChrisHayworth100 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Me too but the family grew.

    • @dereckrobinson9861
      @dereckrobinson9861 Pƙed 4 lety

      Yeppp

    • @andomare
      @andomare Pƙed 4 lety +4

      Why would you need multiple bikes?

    • @Gee-xb7rt
      @Gee-xb7rt Pƙed 4 lety +2

      @@andomare different bikes for different needs, a bike with really good geometry is better for hills, a light speedy bike is better for flatter rides, a "rain bike" for bad weather.

    • @dustintrimble9099
      @dustintrimble9099 Pƙed 4 lety

      And something for trails!

  • @lechprotean
    @lechprotean Pƙed 4 lety +41

    3:51 my top tip for things not to do: pro (or ex pro) cyclists should not pick fights with anyone over the age of 7.

    • @ErikHawkinson
      @ErikHawkinson Pƙed 4 lety +3

      What about picking fights with someone under the age of 7?

    • @icehot900
      @icehot900 Pƙed 3 lety

      @@ErikHawkinson 😂😂

    • @DinnerForkTongue
      @DinnerForkTongue Pƙed 3 lety

      @@ErikHawkinson
      Neither. Win or lose, it'll be embarrassing for them.

  • @marknaylor8957
    @marknaylor8957 Pƙed 3 lety

    Great Video , I,m new to cycling , lived for 11 years in the Pollença area of Mallorca but never rode , its a fantastic island

  • @gaakbecker
    @gaakbecker Pƙed 3 lety

    Thank you for the right to the point issues one might have if they're starting to ride a new bicycle. It was a great way for me to learn to ride and not do any of those things you said not to.

  • @workingguy6666
    @workingguy6666 Pƙed 4 lety +3

    2:22 - make sure you practice both unclipping one, for average stops and lights during a ride, and unclipping both - fast - for when in mid-wreck. Getting both feet / legs unattached, fast, from the bike before going all the way down can prevent a lot of leg, knee and ankle injuries that happen when one isn't unclipped from the bike. It can make the difference between getting tangled up and hitting really hard, or having some ability to roll the fall out. This has saved me many times, the last of which was a 44 KPH high-side. My bike beat itself up on the pavement, but I luckily got thrown to the side of the road, first, before being thrown back onto the road surface.

    • @GrantTobias2
      @GrantTobias2 Pƙed 4 lety

      Why you stacking so often?

    • @workingguy6666
      @workingguy6666 Pƙed 4 lety

      @@GrantTobias2 The practice came from riding technical mountain bike trails fast. That's where I developed my quick ability to unclip both, but many road riders may not do the MTB path first. In the road peletons, all it takes is someone screwing up 6- to 10-riders ahead to take a section of the peleton out. My guess is that multiple sprint segments (Strava) along the route is what turns the pack into a chaotic mess that so often puts riders down. But then there's the cars hitting a cyclist or three along the route every weekend.

  • @cesar0610
    @cesar0610 Pƙed 4 lety +134

    You forgot eye protection such clear or sunglasses. As important as wearing a helmet

    • @marcografvonpartagas
      @marcografvonpartagas Pƙed 3 lety +2

      Agreed. I’m currently trialing a type of swimming goggle due to suffering from hay fever

    • @scorpionblade4112
      @scorpionblade4112 Pƙed 3 lety +48

      All fun in games until a bug flies into your eye at 20 miles per hour

    • @icehot900
      @icehot900 Pƙed 3 lety +1

      @@scorpionblade4112 😂😂

    • @Shadowboost
      @Shadowboost Pƙed 3 lety +2

      Forgot my Oakley's yesterday and got nailed in the eye by a bug... Hurt like a bitch and I had to stop

    • @stevek8829
      @stevek8829 Pƙed 2 lety

      It's for more than bugs. Motor vehicles spit up stones from the tires at times. They can break windshield glass and do an eye as well.

  • @colinmcdonald2499
    @colinmcdonald2499 Pƙed 4 lety

    Great video... Not only bring a spare tube... But a pump, and patch kit ( unluckly second flats do happen) and know how to fix a flat before it happens ( some places may be out of phone range/ you tube)

  • @mariodiaz7957
    @mariodiaz7957 Pƙed 4 lety +38

    You forgot an important thing: To use gloves, for confort, better grip, safety

    • @sydneydowd8969
      @sydneydowd8969 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Some people don't like em đŸ€·â€â™€ïž

    • @mariodiaz7957
      @mariodiaz7957 Pƙed 4 lety +6

      ​@@sydneydowd8969 You are right: beginners don't like gloves

    • @sydneydowd8969
      @sydneydowd8969 Pƙed 4 lety +2

      @@mariodiaz7957 lol I know beginners and former pros alike who don't.

    • @SamuelGarcia-eo8kd
      @SamuelGarcia-eo8kd Pƙed 4 lety

      Agree Mario

    • @AndrewBlucher
      @AndrewBlucher Pƙed 4 lety

      GCN don't do gloves

  • @randomstudios9286
    @randomstudios9286 Pƙed 3 lety +6

    I actually over estimated my fitness and barely managed a three mile run from house and back

  • @joeyjr4145
    @joeyjr4145 Pƙed 4 lety

    Thanks guys , I’m new to cycling I just ordered my bike yesterday it’s a Costelo speedcoupe

  • @soomro81
    @soomro81 Pƙed 11 měsĂ­ci +1

    Nice video. One thing I learnt is, plan how long would you like to ride the Bicycle and do a proper warm up like for every other exercise for few Kilometers. I do it like 17km on a Mountain Bike on hard trail everyday, so I take it really easy for first 5KMs per se. So proper warm up will give more energy to get going longer. So dont rush it!

  • @Falkirion
    @Falkirion Pƙed 4 lety +6

    Never bonked in all my time riding. A trend I intend to keep going.

    • @bensaund
      @bensaund Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Yes I'm paranoid about the bonk and well fuel up

    • @edmarkey4057
      @edmarkey4057 Pƙed 4 lety +4

      All you need is one bonk... then you'll never let it happen again.

    • @BeeRich33
      @BeeRich33 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Believe me, you won't forget it.

  • @dfbrownnz
    @dfbrownnz Pƙed 4 lety +5

    I would like you to also cover weaving...newbies use their whole body to stomp on the pedals and weave from side to side. This is very dangerous on roads shared by cars.

  • @darkaether2798
    @darkaether2798 Pƙed 2 lety

    Yep, always start off with a headwind, so when you’re tired and on the way home, it’s much easier. If I get a puncture, I usually just change the inner tube, repairs can wait until you get home, but check the tyre to make sure there’s nothing there to cause another puncture. I have a Crank Bros multitool with a chain splitter on, never had to use it but you never know.

  • @dennishaughton4554
    @dennishaughton4554 Pƙed 3 lety

    That was an awesome video. Man u guys did an awesome job & the quality of the video is superb. Those bikes r so beautiful wow. Love the black one.

  • @adamsenik2573
    @adamsenik2573 Pƙed 4 lety +6

    I remember going out without any spares for 60 mile rides when I was a teenager. I ended up cycling to the nearest bike shop to buy a new front brake, and yes... I needed some tools too. Oh, and went out for the same ride (different time) without a food... Well... I managed to get home.... All I can say ....
    Now, I am experimenting what not to eat on the ride... Looks like energy bars are not that good for the stomach after all...

    • @SuperDeinVadda
      @SuperDeinVadda Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Yep eating isn't just eating anything.
      Packing to little and the wrong stuff is so bad!
      When I did my 350km journey last year all I ate was energy bars, nuts and dried fruit. Even had to stop at a Cafe but all they sold was cake...
      I was in the red for nearly 2/3 of the 16 hours I rode that day. :(
      That's probably the reason why it took me so long 😂

    • @Chance57
      @Chance57 Pƙed 4 lety +1

      Also, eating isn't for everybody. If you're a fit cyclist little body fat, pack some energy before you pass out.
      If you're me and your bigger, ketosis is fine. I've got plenty of body fat to spare and I ride fasted to and from work 13 miles each way.
      I tried small snacks before, but anything that doesn't have a high GI load is literally useless (besides placebo) and I don't want to eat these "health" bars that are basically Snickers.

  • @ZeusBike333
    @ZeusBike333 Pƙed 4 lety +25

    Never leave your mates behind. I was on a group ride once and got separated from the main group because one of the women riders was having trouble keeping up so I stayed back with her.
    Our planned stop was at a country store and I was a little peeved when I got there and there were only a couple of bikes in front meaning the main group had left us behind. I locked my bike up with the other riders bike and as I entered the store imagine my surprise when I ran into a group of riders inside and asked where are your bikes? Which leads me to my second advice, never leave your bike unattended or unlocked even for a second.

  • @bobwilkie5721
    @bobwilkie5721 Pƙed 2 lety

    Always entertaining; very funny, thanks

  • @edwinhesketh9720
    @edwinhesketh9720 Pƙed 3 lety

    I’ve got into cycling these last few months and lemme tell ya, I bloody love it. It’s amazing I just feel great doing it, I’ve recently invested in a proper road bike which makes a lot of difference and I can now comfortably do long distances. I do have a few issues though. Living in Lytham St Annes on the west lancs coast means that strong winds come in from the west meaning I’m guaranteed to be facing the wind on the way home otherwise I’d have to come home through Blackpool which is a no no because of all the traffic and people about everywhere. Also it’s very flat and coastal round here which means when there is wind it’s very strong but still you’ve just gotta deal with it I guess. Also I haven’t got the first clue about bike mechanics as not only am I kind of new to this but I’m just useless with anything practical altogether so I really need to learn basic skills like mending a puncture if I get one and other little things but apart from that it’s just amazing I can’t get enough of it, I’ve got an 80 mile route planned that I’m hoping I’ll be able to do in a few weeks time, I’m nearly reaching those sort of distances already