Thanks a lot. I've just started road biking a month ago, and have no mates to teach me all this. I really appreciate the effort put In by th GCN team. I relate myself a lot to the first point, looking behind and ending up in the middle of the road.
Find and join a local cycling club. Most will have groups of all skill levels and abilities. Great way to meet people, learn skills and gain confidence.
In addition to the ones mentioned 1. Emergency stops 2. Emergency stops with not being thrown over the saddle 3. Descending with confidence 4. Unclipping the cleats when in an emergency 5. Knowing the limits of your power while overtaking a stopped vehicle (have seen many overestimate their power and ability to accelerate and almost run into an oncoming vehicle) 6. Knowing which side to fall on when in traffic if you lose control of the bike
@@KaiTenSatsuma true that! Shouting suddenly let's people turn their head and jump to the side in the last second, when I can't stop that quickly. There are an insane amount of ignorous people around...
the last bit was actually a new thing for me. I got used to always changing gears before stopping, but that's a trick I feel I'll be using for the rest of my life
It's an underrated tip. I've been cycling for 20 years and only recently figured out that holding the front brake was the key to changing gears while stopped.
This trick was new to me also. I ride flat MTB pedals most of the time (for commuting), and I was curious to see if it worked with those, and yes, it does!
Emergency braking is an essential skill all cyclists should know. As is how to ride in a straight line. I would put both of those above stationary gear changing.
How to drive in the wet. And pull emergency stops. In brief loads of saddle time. When ya do 20k km a year ya learn or die. Ohh and driving in snow on a mountain bike with studded tires. Fock carbon , ride.
Since I injured my neck when I was 12 (not cycling related injury) I cant turn my head to the right that far anymore, so looking over my shoulder is quite tricky for me. I either solve this by turning to the right in the hips as well or - a bit more artistic - bend forward and then look behind below my right armpit. Maybe hard to imagine and I would not recommend it when your neck functions properly but it works for me.
I look over my shoulder by taking off the hand from the handlebar on the side I'm turning my head to. I feel I can rotate my upper torso but staying straight that way. maybe this trick can help you
I have to practice the gear changing one, the amount of times I've stopped in a high gear because of traffic and wished I could change it, did't even think of doing it that way!
I’ve been cycling for a long time but I’ll freely admit the tip re skill to look behind you - keep shoulders straight- never even began to be something I thought about. Old dogs, hey!
Seems a bit silly at first to be discussing how to look behind... except I've just realized I may have been turning my shoulders this whole time. So thanks for that!
Agree these are useful and braking should be included as well. The first one, turning the head, should be accompanied with a look in the rear view side mirror, but wait, there is no mirror. I know a mirror will add a dozen or so grams but isn't it worth the safety benefit?
Imo “passing” works a bit better, the folks won’t have to take a moment to figure out their left and will just automatically move to the side. Also 1 less syllable
When you want to look back, and you are riding next to someone else, put a hand on their shoulder for your straight line reference. Also prevents bumping into the person next to you. (Probably already been said.)
Its been 3 years since I learned how to bike (MTB) and still not know how to stand on a bike and never rode or ride a road bike before, I found it hard to do it even now even when just standing without pedaling cause it just not feel comfortable at all cause of the long steers
Also: 1. Bunny hop 2. Wheelie Bunny hop to safely hop over obstacles on the road, that you wouldn't be able to avoid otherwise, and wheelie to learn how to fully control your balance on the bike. Both are also huge confidence boosters.
I think it's gonna be easier for the beginner learn it through the ability to full body and one leg stretching while on the bike (like what Alaphilippe usually did) rather than wheelie
Being Dutch this is like second nature or as we say 'is er met de paplepel ingegoten' :) Although we might be a bit too confident. The amount of near-misses I see on a daily base.
Thank you. Very helpful info. I have been out of the saddle for 40 years and getting back on one is challenging but has to be done. I am finding looking back difficult, not as mobile as I used to be. Are mirrors useful?
Been cycling for years and years and actually learned two things how not to runoff the road when looking back and changing gears at a stop! The hand signals I’ve got that one down to a Tee!!
You can be a car 🚗 or a bike 🚴 but not both. I see so many ride the lanes until they get to a light and then suddenly become a “pedestrian” and cross the street with foot traffic. This does little to help the autos know what we are doing (and to fire up a bit of road rage)
I always look behind to see if I don't get my bike stolen. I never take my hands off my bike a car may swipe me and I'll be dead. cheers from Argentina
Depending on your riding position, it might be hard to keep your shoulders straight while looking back. It's why we generally look behind by one handing so that arm can stay straight. Especially because we ride different bikes and the position can be very different. I don't usually have to because I have good peripheral vision and I just need to turn my head to see behind me but I will still do it. Because I learnt how to cycle from bicycle lessons when I was small, I got to learn most of those like one hand riding, cornering, looking behind and standing up. Actually found it easier to ride out of saddle when I first learned because I could balance myself better. Changing gears while stationary however I learnt much later.
Addendum: While riding one handed keep the pedal on the opposite side down. That way you are more stable than when hand and downward facing foot are on the same side.
Like riding a Harley wasting your weekends in a bar instead of riding.cycling getting miles and time on your ride instead of eating and drinking…🥸😎🚴🏽♂️🏍
My brother helped me feel more confident when riding with no hands. This is was almost 30 years ago and I think it was the road that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, but I'm not sure about that it was almost 30 years ago. I do remember it was absolutely insanely busy with loads of cars. So we both were riding with no hands on the bars and riding side by side, with me by the curb. Which is when my brother carefully swerved his bike into my for a gentle tap, followed by another tap. You know just gently bumping our bikes into each other, without using our hands, on a very major road. I don't recommend this technique to anyone at all, the cars were blasting past and it was just totally mad. Although if you look at the way my brother use to drive cars back then, and how much damage he did to the cars he drove, it does explain why he would ride a bike like that.
Outstanding content, outstanding communicator Manon. It is great to have GCN content that focuses on riding basics and safety. To add a little to the item about looking behind you, I always use a handlebar end mirror. How about a video about risk awareness when sharing a path with motor vehicles? That is an early thing I cover when coaching a new motor vehicle driver -- applied paranoia to prevent accidents. That car just parked, and that door could open into your path. Truck just passed you and may turn across your path. It goes both ways: Too many bike riders in my area ride through traffic signals and stop signs to avoid dismounting. At some busy intersections I walk my bike across because auto drivers seem more respectful to pedestrians than bikers. My boss once collided with a goose while commuting on bike to work. Arrived to meeting bleeding.
Terrific video Manon! All the more notable after GCN putting out quality content for many years now. I don't recall a previous video that covered this material in such a tight bundle.
Being a city commuter - emergency stops, basic/advanced roadcraft (which can probably be its own video) but most importantly learning how to balance on your bike and not fall over when youre super super slow almost like a track stand but your weight is positioned on the bike that youre still 100% stable.
Thanks for the back view tip that will be handy. Am disappointed how you showed using your phone to take a selfie whilst riding, we can’t have it both ways you know. Self important cyclists, not self aware.
should know, i think correct wording might be, 5 bike skills you didn't realize you had, or is good to know, cause as i got faster, these skills developed instinctively ,and when you start your slow enough were it doesn't matter, cause first is start with should,than it escalates to must, than there should be a law about it and before you know it,we have a cyclist manual ,a written test and a road test, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE, I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE (i am laughing now at my own dramatic self)
I was watching a video I found it very helpful and when you send your video you look behind you and just got to make sure you don't go in the middle of the highway middle the highway or in the grass and you said I'm going downhill with one hand in my opinion I find that too dangerous now you're riding one and you have to start you have to break suddenly guess what will happen to you you'll go over and the bike will go on top I don't think ID like to do it seems to be better to do one hand going on a larger bike do this more I use an an 18 speed mountain bike I don't like going one I don't like going downhill fast you know we not a mountain bike going downhill with my shogun 21-speed that might be different from the mountain bike but going downhill fast with once with one the one hand well I don't really go if you have to break suddenly it's not going to go to well for you ID like to ask you a question I have an 18 speed mountain bike do I have to use 18 speed gear levers or can I use any gear levers although there is another thing you can do when you going downhill on you're looking behind you what you can get is a a rear vision mirror
1/ get a mirror 2/ dress in visible clothing not black 3/ get a rear light 4/ wear gloves... for some reason GCN aren't wearing them these days but they are essential kit IMO Not skills, but being properly prepared and considering safety ABOVE ALL ELSE is job one for amateur enthusiasts
Cornering: DO NOT look at an obstacle/ pothole etc (more applicable to MTB) or you will find yourself riding towards it…. Last one! Nah, just pedal slowly whilst crunching the chain up the cassette 😝
Some idiot car tries to be nice and take their right of way, making you come to a stop instead of a roll, and you bet they're gonna get tired of waiting the second you to decide to ust go, and if you're in high gear, now you're flat. At least in the US
Lol! Did it last week…looked over my right shoulder, bike drifted left and I lost the wheel over the road edge and bike tilted over to right … but remarkably I saved it and the group behind me said “no idea how you saved that”. 😎 Give you amateurs another..don’t wear your glasses on your helmet or an arm down the back of your jersey. Either on face or in rear pocket. It might look cool but you’ll drop them. I found a brand new pair of Oakleys on the road a few months ago. If I hadn’t picked them up they were flat by the next car. 🥳
Two things I didn't see mentioned: 1) Varying the degree to which you lean your bike over when cornering. Learn how to corner with the bike more upright than normal, or leaned over more than normal. This doesn't sound important for a beginner, but will become so with more experience, especially when in a peloton. 2) Learn how to use your brakes, especially your front brake. Many beginner cyclists avoid their front brake, thinking it will cause them to fly over their bars. In truth, most of your brake force is generated by the front wheel. Learning how to modulate your braking early will help you avoid problems and will serve you well when in an emergency stop situation.
What a miss. One, other than a quick over the shoulder glance to check your blind spot, it is much, much easier to check what is on your left by looking over your right shoulder. Two, a keen sense of hearing is a good bicyclists best defense against crazy drivers - no head phones. Three, a sense of anticipation, understanding drivers mentality and knowing what they will do next.
If you ride a bike, are over the age of 12 and still can’t look behind you or remove one hand from the bars (two things critical for safe riding on the roads) then please, sell your bike and walk. You do know how to walk don’t you?…
Just ride a bike everyday for those who never ride a bike then this skills will come to you naturally no need for any tips this is basics even a little kid can do
Glasses over straps. But more seriously, riding with one hand on the brake may seem more intuitive, but if you take a bump like that, you will be very unstable and may even crash. Moving it to the center will allow you to keep the bike straight over a bump, but you won't be able to brake. So choose wisely.
love the channel. one handed riding is generally a bad idea but eventually you are going to do it. so everyone is naturally going to learn it. my top skills would be: 1. learn to change your position on the bike. it is good for your back... yes i hurt my back from climbing. 2. be super aware of your surroundings and relax when you don't have to. 3. know how to bunny hop. you will save money on rims and your butt will thannk you. 4. learn from your wipe outs. 5. changing tires/tubes. yeah this is a big one. when you drive your car to the store this is not important. but bikes get flats i would say 1-2 per 1000km but can peak to 10+ depending on environment. i've had 5 flats in one day of riding. yeah it was hot and i was in the middle of no where so buying a new tire wasn't an option. 6. don't ride your bike when you really really don't want to. not riding your bike for a few days will remind you about why you love it so much.
After more than 30 years of practising bicycles, I'm not sure I am a beginner. Though it's the first time I see someone showing how to shift down when standing in a stop... :-)
Glossed over the most critical component: cornering. Learn the science behind it. Figure out what counter-steering means. Forward pressure on the left bar makes the bike go left, etc.. Play with it until it becomes second nature.
For city cycling a vital skill is getting good at accelerating from a standing start (i.e, pushing off with your foot and proper use of your gears). If standing starts feel annoying then there's temptation to not stop when you should, which leads to unsafe cycling.
So pity you came in Liguria in such an unpleasant day Manon. We had a streak of sunny and very warm days lately and the roads you ride is ones of the most beautiful that you can find nearby, it's really a dream in spring without the summer tourist... You should come again with the excuse of filming, we have a lots of different riding opportunity here, on and off road, but little knowledge outside of the residents of how wonderful is to ride a bike here.
No.1 should be common sense regardless of vehicle type. Always look behind when turning. And check twice or thrice in advance when approaching an intersection. Planning ahead is crucial and gives other vehicles time to react.
Gaaa!!! When you're looking behind you in traffic DON'T turn your head!!!! Look down under your arm. Once your sure no one's in the immediate area, then you can turn your head if you need/want to.
The one I wished I had learned is how not to wobble, panic grab the right-hand brake, lock the wheel and go head first over the handlebars 😐 It was ok... no cars were coming at the time (fortunately)
@@gcn For sure. I just commute now with a 100km every other weekend but am forever still pedaling going round corners but can work out the angle to give a bit of a gap.
Every cyclist needs wear a loud Whistle around their neck I just ride around, nothing fancy or extreme A Whistle has prevented so many potential collisions or getting doored
![FendiDa Rappa - Clock Dat ft. Shamar Marco [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3NBU8KHdxYY/mqdefault.jpg)
Is there anything we missed? What other skills do you think all cyclists should know?
Not moving predictably in a pack is something that seems to cause the majority of accidents in our local group rides.
Putting on ur cleat shoes
Fixing bike
Preempting changing gears on hills and climbs before you come to a grinding halt.
Cycling without both hands off the handle bars. I've never tried this my bike is heavy so hard to control without hands on.
Thanks a lot. I've just started road biking a month ago, and have no mates to teach me all this. I really appreciate the effort put In by th GCN team.
I relate myself a lot to the first point, looking behind and ending up in the middle of the road.
That's why we're here! Glad to hear you've been finding our content helpful Thangaraj! 👍
Also a newbie and have been loving all of the helpful content from GCN 🥳
Find and join a local cycling club. Most will have groups of all skill levels and abilities. Great way to meet people, learn skills and gain confidence.
I use a mirror on my helmet. I can scan the area behind me and getting older I don't bend like I used to
Cycling not biking
In addition to the ones mentioned
1. Emergency stops
2. Emergency stops with not being thrown over the saddle
3. Descending with confidence
4. Unclipping the cleats when in an emergency
5. Knowing the limits of your power while overtaking a stopped vehicle (have seen many overestimate their power and ability to accelerate and almost run into an oncoming vehicle)
6. Knowing which side to fall on when in traffic if you lose control of the bike
Never had a problem unclipping in an emergency.
Unclipping when not an emergency on the other hand 😅
7. Shouting loud enough for slow pedestrians or cyclists to hear you because of course they're going to ignore your bell.
@@KaiTenSatsuma true that! Shouting suddenly let's people turn their head and jump to the side in the last second, when I can't stop that quickly. There are an insane amount of ignorous people around...
No Manon, I think you covered everything. Most importantly the international signal of letting others know how you feel, haahaa All the best
the last bit was actually a new thing for me. I got used to always changing gears before stopping, but that's a trick I feel I'll be using for the rest of my life
Certainly a game-changer once you start doing it Lucas!
It's an underrated tip. I've been cycling for 20 years and only recently figured out that holding the front brake was the key to changing gears while stopped.
Same, though I think it will be easier on my weekend bike than the chunky city share bike I use for my commute!
This trick was new to me also. I ride flat MTB pedals most of the time (for commuting), and I was curious to see if it worked with those, and yes, it does!
Getting into the habit of changing gears before a stop is also a very good thing.
Keeping your shoulders fixed when looking behind is GREAT, I will remember that forever, Thank You
The last tip of changing gears while you are stopped is a really usefull! I have never imagine it! Thanks for the video.
Changing gears while stationary was really a handy tool 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks GCN for explaining it really simple 👌🏻
A good skill to learn is to start your bike uphill with the gear in 52-13 configuration. I learned that with a fixed gear bike
😅😅😅😅
Excellent points. I would only add that when shoulder checking, listen as well as look.
Very good point Rick! 👍
Emergency braking is an essential skill all cyclists should know. As is how to ride in a straight line. I would put both of those above stationary gear changing.
How to drive in the wet. And pull emergency stops. In brief loads of saddle time. When ya do 20k km a year ya learn or die. Ohh and driving in snow on a mountain bike with studded tires. Fock carbon , ride.
Ive never knew i needed to learn these skills. Thanks
Need to try #5 with the brake! Learn something new everyday 👍
Nice job! Excellent pointers!
Since I injured my neck when I was 12 (not cycling related injury) I cant turn my head to the right that far anymore, so looking over my shoulder is quite tricky for me. I either solve this by turning to the right in the hips as well or - a bit more artistic - bend forward and then look behind below my right armpit. Maybe hard to imagine and I would not recommend it when your neck functions properly but it works for me.
You may want to invest in a cycling side mirror - I have heard good things and they would probably be a great thing for your overall safety.
I look over my shoulder by taking off the hand from the handlebar on the side I'm turning my head to. I feel I can rotate my upper torso but staying straight that way.
maybe this trick can help you
Mirrors are your friend
erm side mirror...it may look silly but effective
I use a Corky side mirror, I don't have any neck impairment although I find it gives me more confidence in traffic.
thank you Manon it's really work on me as a newbie☺️
you're amazing manon.
Why look back when you can use a mirror? For the fashion conscious roady, the Italian Road Bike Mirror IRBM looks great!
I have to practice the gear changing one, the amount of times I've stopped in a high gear because of traffic and wished I could change it, did't even think of doing it that way!
It's a gamechanger!!
I’ve been cycling for a long time but I’ll freely admit the tip re skill to look behind you - keep shoulders straight- never even began to be something I thought about. Old dogs, hey!
Everyday is a school day!
Seems a bit silly at first to be discussing how to look behind... except I've just realized I may have been turning my shoulders this whole time. So thanks for that!
Thank You Manon, I learned something. I never thought of changing gears while stop that way!!! 😘
Can we get a gif made up of Manon flipping the finger 😂.
Agree these are useful and braking should be included as well. The first one, turning the head, should be accompanied with a look in the rear view side mirror, but wait, there is no mirror. I know a mirror will add a dozen or so grams but isn't it worth the safety benefit?
"On your left" a phrase every cyclist should know. Great job and great smile as always Manon
Also “on your right”. Depends where you live 😁
I say “passing”. Every body understands that. I ride in areas where both sides are used. Easier.
Imo “passing” works a bit better, the folks won’t have to take a moment to figure out their left and will just automatically move to the side. Also 1 less syllable
Thanks. All really useful especially the gear changing one!
Glad it was helpful!
im gonna try out that last type for sure.
I guess Manon gave us simply but important advices thanks
When you want to look back, and you are riding next to someone else, put a hand on their shoulder for your straight line reference. Also prevents bumping into the person next to you.
(Probably already been said.)
Its been 3 years since I learned how to bike (MTB) and still not know how to stand on a bike and never rode or ride a road bike before, I found it hard to do it even now even when just standing without pedaling cause it just not feel comfortable at all cause of the long steers
Also:
1. Bunny hop
2. Wheelie
Bunny hop to safely hop over obstacles on the road, that you wouldn't be able to avoid otherwise, and wheelie to learn how to fully control your balance on the bike. Both are also huge confidence boosters.
I think it's gonna be easier for the beginner learn it through the ability to full body and one leg stretching while on the bike (like what Alaphilippe usually did) rather than wheelie
3. Backflip
@@WarMatt86 Sure, why not.
@@WarMatt86 All politicians are adept at that skill...
I prefer cornerning with pedals at 9 and 3.
Wow everything I can’t do!! 😂 great video
Thank you for these tips.
And look beautifull...
Thank you Manon. I learned something new today...changing gears when stationary. I always enjoy GCN and GCN Tech videos.
I like the bit where Manon says "if you're Italian and you need to speak on the bike"..........in her best Welsh accent.🙄😂
#6 Don't fall off. But #4 is sometimes tough, even after cycling for 50 years.
Being Dutch this is like second nature or as we say 'is er met de paplepel ingegoten' :)
Although we might be a bit too confident. The amount of near-misses I see on a daily base.
Wished I've learned tip #5 at a stop before a small hill.
she always ride and record a video on rainy days. Actually I love it😏
Oh man! Seeing Manon flip the bird was the best part! Not recommend but needed and used periodically.
That lovely voice of her¡!
I just wish I had roads as evenly paved as those shown.
Thank you. Very helpful info. I have been out of the saddle for 40 years and getting back on one is challenging but has to be done. I am finding looking back difficult, not as mobile as I used to be. Are mirrors useful?
3:11 · So now GCN is also my source for fire beats? 🥵
Been cycling for years and years and actually learned two things how not to runoff the road when looking back and changing gears at a stop! The hand signals I’ve got that one down to a Tee!!
Always good to be learning new things!
You can be a car 🚗 or a bike 🚴 but not both. I see so many ride the lanes until they get to a light and then suddenly become a “pedestrian” and cross the street with foot traffic. This does little to help the autos know what we are doing (and to fire up a bit of road rage)
Happily I can do all them skills 😎😎😎👍👍👍
I always look behind to see if I don't get my bike stolen. I never take my hands off my bike a car may swipe me and I'll be dead. cheers from Argentina
How do you ride out of the saddle if you have muscle weekness, because (obviously) it would be much harder as you don't have the strength to do so.
Great video and brilliant essentials
Thanks Craig!
Depending on your riding position, it might be hard to keep your shoulders straight while looking back. It's why we generally look behind by one handing so that arm can stay straight. Especially because we ride different bikes and the position can be very different. I don't usually have to because I have good peripheral vision and I just need to turn my head to see behind me but I will still do it.
Because I learnt how to cycle from bicycle lessons when I was small, I got to learn most of those like one hand riding, cornering, looking behind and standing up. Actually found it easier to ride out of saddle when I first learned because I could balance myself better.
Changing gears while stationary however I learnt much later.
The italian reference Manon! hahaha 😂🤣
Thumbs up Manon cool vid
Also, when jumping out of the saddle try to avoid throwing your bike backwards into the front wheel of the cyclist behind you.
Hey Manon, if you're a good cyclist why not use Shimano Claris on one of your videos?
Addendum: While riding one handed keep the pedal on the opposite side down. That way you are more stable than when hand and downward facing foot are on the same side.
I know all of this but, i just loved to watch you manon😍😊
Essential skill : Knowing ahead of time where all the cafe stops are.
Always! ☕️
Like riding a Harley wasting your weekends in a bar instead of riding.cycling getting miles and time on your ride instead of eating and drinking…🥸😎🚴🏽♂️🏍
My brother helped me feel more confident when riding with no hands.
This is was almost 30 years ago and I think it was the road that goes under the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, but I'm not sure about that it was almost 30 years ago. I do remember it was absolutely insanely busy with loads of cars.
So we both were riding with no hands on the bars and riding side by side, with me by the curb. Which is when my brother carefully swerved his bike into my for a gentle tap, followed by another tap. You know just gently bumping our bikes into each other, without using our hands, on a very major road.
I don't recommend this technique to anyone at all, the cars were blasting past and it was just totally mad.
Although if you look at the way my brother use to drive cars back then, and how much damage he did to the cars he drove, it does explain why he would ride a bike like that.
Want try last skill
Outstanding content, outstanding communicator Manon. It is great to have GCN content that focuses on riding basics and safety.
To add a little to the item about looking behind you, I always use a handlebar end mirror.
How about a video about risk awareness when sharing a path with motor vehicles? That is an early thing I cover when coaching a new motor vehicle driver -- applied paranoia to prevent accidents. That car just parked, and that door could open into your path. Truck just passed you and may turn across your path. It goes both ways: Too many bike riders in my area ride through traffic signals and stop signs to avoid dismounting. At some busy intersections I walk my bike across because auto drivers seem more respectful to pedestrians than bikers.
My boss once collided with a goose while commuting on bike to work. Arrived to meeting bleeding.
Um, 1 handed ridding comes in handy when trying to Signal turns and braking as well
very nice
Thanks!
Terrific video Manon! All the more notable after GCN putting out quality content for many years now. I don't recall a previous video that covered this material in such a tight bundle.
I believe shifting while stationary is hard on the chain and cog teeth. There is a lot of stress on the drive train… IMO
Thank you for this great information. Would like to know the rules and etiquette for riding in groups.
Thanks Amy. We did this one a while back which should help with that! 👉 ruclips.net/video/prYMM7D2qF8/видео.html
Being a city commuter - emergency stops, basic/advanced roadcraft (which can probably be its own video) but most importantly learning how to balance on your bike and not fall over when youre super super slow almost like a track stand but your weight is positioned on the bike that youre still 100% stable.
Thanks for the back view tip that will be handy. Am disappointed how you showed using your phone to take a selfie whilst riding, we can’t have it both ways you know. Self important cyclists, not self aware.
should know, i think correct wording might be, 5 bike skills you didn't realize you had, or is good to know, cause as i got faster, these skills developed instinctively ,and when you start your slow enough were it doesn't matter, cause first is start with should,than it escalates to must, than there should be a law about it and before you know it,we have a cyclist manual ,a written test and a road test, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE, I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE (i am laughing now at my own dramatic self)
I was watching a video I found it very helpful and when you send your video you look behind you and just got to make sure you don't go in the middle of the highway middle the highway or in the grass and you said I'm going downhill with one hand in my opinion I find that too dangerous now you're riding one and you have to start you have to break suddenly guess what will happen to you you'll go over and the bike will go on top I don't think ID like to do it seems to be better to do one hand going on a larger bike do this more I use an an 18 speed mountain bike I don't like going one I don't like going downhill fast you know we not a mountain bike going downhill with my shogun 21-speed that might be different from the mountain bike but going downhill fast with once with one the one hand well I don't really go if you have to break suddenly it's not going to go to well for you ID like to ask you a question I have an 18 speed mountain bike do I have to use 18 speed gear levers or can I use any gear levers although there is another thing you can do when you going downhill on you're looking behind you what you can get is a a rear vision mirror
1/ get a mirror 2/ dress in visible clothing not black 3/ get a rear light 4/ wear gloves... for some reason GCN aren't wearing them these days but they are essential kit IMO
Not skills, but being properly prepared and considering safety ABOVE ALL ELSE is job one for amateur enthusiasts
Cornering: DO NOT look at an obstacle/ pothole etc (more applicable to MTB) or you will find yourself riding towards it….
Last one! Nah, just pedal slowly whilst crunching the chain up the cassette 😝
I’m not sure when I’d have to shift down while stopped but I’m embarrassed to say I wouldn’t have thought to do it this way. Nice!
Some idiot car tries to be nice and take their right of way, making you come to a stop instead of a roll, and you bet they're gonna get tired of waiting the second you to decide to ust go, and if you're in high gear, now you're flat. At least in the US
Lol! Did it last week…looked over my right shoulder, bike drifted left and I lost the wheel over the road edge and bike tilted over to right … but remarkably I saved it and the group behind me said “no idea how you saved that”. 😎
Give you amateurs another..don’t wear your glasses on your helmet or an arm down the back of your jersey. Either on face or in rear pocket. It might look cool but you’ll drop them. I found a brand new pair of Oakleys on the road a few months ago. If I hadn’t picked them up they were flat by the next car. 🥳
Two things I didn't see mentioned: 1) Varying the degree to which you lean your bike over when cornering. Learn how to corner with the bike more upright than normal, or leaned over more than normal. This doesn't sound important for a beginner, but will become so with more experience, especially when in a peloton. 2) Learn how to use your brakes, especially your front brake. Many beginner cyclists avoid their front brake, thinking it will cause them to fly over their bars. In truth, most of your brake force is generated by the front wheel. Learning how to modulate your braking early will help you avoid problems and will serve you well when in an emergency stop situation.
What a miss. One, other than a quick over the shoulder glance to check your blind spot, it is much, much easier to check what is on your left by looking over your right shoulder. Two, a keen sense of hearing is a good bicyclists best defense against crazy drivers - no head phones. Three, a sense of anticipation, understanding drivers mentality and knowing what they will do next.
If you enjoyed this video, go back and re-watch Chris Opie's insightful presentation on how to install a water bottle cage!
If you ride a bike, are over the age of 12 and still can’t look behind you or remove one hand from the bars (two things critical for safe riding on the roads) then please, sell your bike and walk. You do know how to walk don’t you?…
Just ride a bike everyday for those who never ride a bike then this skills will come to you naturally no need for any tips this is basics even a little kid can do
Glasses over straps.
But more seriously, riding with one hand on the brake may seem more intuitive, but if you take a bump like that, you will be very unstable and may even crash. Moving it to the center will allow you to keep the bike straight over a bump, but you won't be able to brake. So choose wisely.
love the channel. one handed riding is generally a bad idea but eventually you are going to do it. so everyone is naturally going to learn it. my top skills would be: 1. learn to change your position on the bike. it is good for your back... yes i hurt my back from climbing. 2. be super aware of your surroundings and relax when you don't have to. 3. know how to bunny hop. you will save money on rims and your butt will thannk you. 4. learn from your wipe outs. 5. changing tires/tubes. yeah this is a big one. when you drive your car to the store this is not important. but bikes get flats i would say 1-2 per 1000km but can peak to 10+ depending on environment. i've had 5 flats in one day of riding. yeah it was hot and i was in the middle of no where so buying a new tire wasn't an option. 6. don't ride your bike when you really really don't want to. not riding your bike for a few days will remind you about why you love it so much.
After more than 30 years of practising bicycles, I'm not sure I am a beginner. Though it's the first time I see someone showing how to shift down when standing in a stop... :-)
Glossed over the most critical component: cornering. Learn the science behind it. Figure out what counter-steering means. Forward pressure on the left bar makes the bike go left, etc.. Play with it until it becomes second nature.
Che carina Manon mamma mia
For city cycling a vital skill is getting good at accelerating from a standing start (i.e, pushing off with your foot and proper use of your gears). If standing starts feel annoying then there's temptation to not stop when you should, which leads to unsafe cycling.
So pity you came in Liguria in such an unpleasant day Manon. We had a streak of sunny and very warm days lately and the roads you ride is ones of the most beautiful that you can find nearby, it's really a dream in spring without the summer tourist... You should come again with the excuse of filming, we have a lots of different riding opportunity here, on and off road, but little knowledge outside of the residents of how wonderful is to ride a bike here.
No.1 should be common sense regardless of vehicle type. Always look behind when turning. And check twice or thrice in advance when approaching an intersection. Planning ahead is crucial and gives other vehicles time to react.
Gaaa!!! When you're looking behind you in traffic DON'T turn your head!!!! Look down under your arm. Once your sure no one's in the immediate area, then you can turn your head if you need/want to.
Where were you a year ago. On a bend, looked behind and clipped the curb 50km/h. Almost broke my neck. Arm in a cast for two months.
We can’t count all the skills but these ones surely help :)
Amazing! thank you for the video. Well explained and didn't spend too much time on the fluff. Good stuff... thank you!
The one I wished I had learned is how not to wobble, panic grab the right-hand brake, lock the wheel and go head first over the handlebars 😐
It was ok... no cars were coming at the time (fortunately)
Knowing when to stop pedaling when cornering.
Absolutely don't want to bottom out your pedal going round a corner - the results can be devastating!
@@gcn For sure. I just commute now with a 100km every other weekend but am forever still pedaling going round corners but can work out the angle to give a bit of a gap.
Every cyclist needs wear a loud Whistle around their neck
I just ride around, nothing fancy or extreme
A Whistle has prevented so many potential collisions or getting doored
0:14 GCN Inspiration.
For somebody who has been riding bikes regularly for 20+ years and since I was 8 years old. This was funny. Good video.
The scenery is amazing, didn’t know Britain is this beautiful. I feel sorry they left the EU.😩
Thank you Amy Lee of Evanescence, you really made it very simple for us to understand. ❤️ Love from 🇵🇭
Mannon No! A major safety violation. Skewer Always on the non drive side of the bike. Look at that front wheel, not even a full 6 seconds in.
looking behind is genuinely good advice
2-5 are kinda just biking idk
6 works for light bikes only :^)