Is there anything we missed? What other skills do you think all cyclists should know?

@MossieRidesBikes

2 жыл бұрын

Not moving predictably in a pack is something that seems to cause the majority of accidents in our local group rides.

@gosato

2 жыл бұрын

Putting on ur cleat shoes

@jeffconnaly6209

2 жыл бұрын

Fixing bike

@kevinbennett437

2 жыл бұрын

Preempting changing gears on hills and climbs before you come to a grinding halt.

@TheAnonyy

2 жыл бұрын

Cycling without both hands off the handle bars. I've never tried this my bike is heavy so hard to control without hands on.

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

@sappa66

2 жыл бұрын

Never had a problem unclipping in an emergency. Unclipping when not an emergency on the other hand 😅

@KaiTenSatsuma

2 жыл бұрын

7. Shouting loud enough for slow pedestrians or cyclists to hear you because of course they're going to ignore your bell.

@blubbblubb6239

2 жыл бұрын

@@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

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Certainly a game-changer once you start doing it Lucas!

@mazda6driver512

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@mickfanning93

2 жыл бұрын

Same, though I think it will be easier on my weekend bike than the chunky city share bike I use for my commute!

@sventice

2 жыл бұрын

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!

@falcoperegrinus82

2 жыл бұрын

Getting into the habit of changing gears before a stop is also a very good thing.

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.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

That's why we're here! Glad to hear you've been finding our content helpful Thangaraj! 👍

@task82

2 жыл бұрын

Also a newbie and have been loving all of the helpful content from GCN 🥳

@CanonFirefly

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jack002tuber

2 жыл бұрын

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

@charleschavarria7523

2 жыл бұрын

Cycling not biking

Changing gears while stationary was really a handy tool 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks GCN for explaining it really simple 👌🏻

"On your left" a phrase every cyclist should know. Great job and great smile as always Manon

@BobShurunkle

2 жыл бұрын

Also “on your right”. Depends where you live 😁

@reidwagner1508

2 жыл бұрын

I say “passing”. Every body understands that. I ride in areas where both sides are used. Easier.

@danielnguyen9616

2 жыл бұрын

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

No Manon, I think you covered everything. Most importantly the international signal of letting others know how you feel, haahaa All the best

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.

@carlosoruna7174

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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!

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

It's a gamechanger!!

Oh man! Seeing Manon flip the bird was the best part! Not recommend but needed and used periodically.

Need to try #5 with the brake! Learn something new everyday 👍

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.

@YoanPratamaPutra

2 жыл бұрын

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

@WarMatt86

2 жыл бұрын

3. Backflip

@philipcooper8297

2 жыл бұрын

@@WarMatt86 Sure, why not.

@MrBenHaynes

2 жыл бұрын

@@WarMatt86 All politicians are adept at that skill...

Thank You Manon, I learned something. I never thought of changing gears while stop that way!!! 😘

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!!

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Always good to be learning new things!

The changing gears while stationary is a really good one. Didn’t know that one! Helpful for a newbie like me!

That last one is a great trick .. Manon always comes through with great tips. And easy to listen to voice. Happy safe riding and Thank you !

Thank you Manon. I learned something new today...changing gears when stationary. I always enjoy GCN and GCN Tech videos.

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.

@reidwagner1508

2 жыл бұрын

I believe shifting while stationary is hard on the chain and cog teeth. There is a lot of stress on the drive train… IMO

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.

The last tip of changing gears while you are stopped is a really usefull! I have never imagine it! Thanks for the video.

Excellent video as usual. I honestly didn't think I was going to pick up much from another "x tips" videos. Watching made me recall that lately I have felt uncomfortable looking over my shoulder. I kept forgetting to do anything about it. Well, thanks to this video I practiced that very thing last night on some safe sections. And to be honest I'd never even thought of changing gears after an unexpected stop. You guys truly have great content.

I need to tell you something. I just found this channel and this video for my health is now so good I can start bike again, so I sat at my desk and held my hands on the desk and turned my head and "the pain!"... no, it was not that bad, but that movement is something I seldom do when sitting at my computer or just walking, so now it is something I will try to do as a morning routine every day until I get a bike to the scandinavian summer. Thank you for a good video and good tips.

I like the lifting (the rear of the bike) & shifting. I typically shift a few feet before I stop, but that provides a nice alternative. Getting out of both pedals quickly when clipped in is another skill to master, as well as jumping over obstacles while on your bike (potholes, railroad tracks, etc.).

I know all of this but, i just loved to watch you manon😍😊

4:00 on cornering is game changer 🙌🏼

Love the last tip. Never seen that before. Very helpful. Great video!

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.

Amazing! thank you for the video. Well explained and didn't spend too much time on the fluff. Good stuff... thank you!

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.

@westisdwn3558

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@deabreu.tattoo

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Megadeth6633

2 жыл бұрын

Mirrors are your friend

@KazeyoYT

2 жыл бұрын

erm side mirror...it may look silly but effective

@gethinap

2 жыл бұрын

I use a Corky side mirror, I don't have any neck impairment although I find it gives me more confidence in traffic.

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.

Thank You. I use all but the 5th skill ATM. Thanks for teaching me something new. It will be handy!

the last one - changing gear whilst stationary - this one is VERY helpful

For somebody who has been riding bikes regularly for 20+ years and since I was 8 years old. This was funny. Good video.

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.

Another wonderful GNC video -- thank you!! The only thing I would add is for Riding One-Handed: place the hand staying on the handlebar as close to the stem as possible. At least for me, this always provides the most stability.

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.

I have been a cyclist since 1983 and I picked up a couple tips from this one. Looking behind me has always been a fun trip, I will start practicing THIS method in about 40 minutes.. (riding out on a very short recon of a yard sale sight not far from home). The other takeaway is changing gear while at a stop. Never thought of that! I reckon I was more concerned about getting that foot unclipped. At least now I can seperate those two moves. Many thanks, Manon and GCN for another great video

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Great to hear this helped - you can always learn something new!! 😁

so beautiful seeing GCN in my region

Thanks for the common-sense basics well presented Mannon. Love the paint job on your ride 🙂

Great the last one. Tks!

Thanks a lot so much fun learning stuff i've learned today.

Riding in a straight line. Seriously underrated skill.

@MA_808

5 ай бұрын

she is having an issue with that

Keep the videos coming please ! I’m new to riding & this video was GREAT for me ! Thanks !!!!

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear this one has been helpful Deus!! 👍

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.

Great video. I’m going to practise that last one. Never thought of that. My one is ‘practise tearing the top off a gel or bar without wiggling all over the road’ and I haven’t mastered it yet. When they say practise nutrition for your tummy etc they don’t mention that actually getting it into your mouth can sometimes be awkward!

I have been a cyclist for years and I picked up a trick here of how to shift from a stationary position. Thanks!

Thank you so much for sharing this information.I didn't know the last one, and I'm going to put it on practice.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alvaro - great that this video had taught you something! 🙂

Keeping your shoulders fixed when looking behind is GREAT, I will remember that forever, Thank You

Totally concur that these are essentials. I learned all these skills when I was a kid, but now at the age of 70 I use them a bit more carefully.

very nice video, gcn! i appreciate.

Ive never knew i needed to learn these skills. Thanks

As mentioned just below by Niteesh, descending safely. Another chapter could be devoted to safely coexisting with motor vehicles. There are a couple of important skills specific to that condition. Good video. I've been riding road bikes for 50 years and didn't't know about static shifting. Manon, as usual, is fabulous.

Thanks for all the info you give us

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

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.

Great video, I've been riding almost every day for a year and I still learnt a lot ! Thanksss

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Luca - glad you enjoyed it and learned something!! 😀

Nice job! Excellent pointers!

Very helpful advice. Loved it.

thank you Manon it's really work on me as a newbie☺️

I can look over one shoulder easily but not the other. Good video

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.

I really liked this video i actually watched it a couple of times!

3:09 Awesome music starting and playing until the end of the video!

Thanks. All really useful especially the gear changing one!

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Cinque Terra is such a beautiful area and a great place to ride.

0:14 GCN Inspiration.

wow! The five skills you listed are my top 5 which i need to practice more to make it a habit. Probably #6 is to change gear without loosing momentum especially in uphill, probably its just but me who needs it.

Thanks for the video great information

Thank you for this awesome video! I lead grouprides for my Canadian cycle club. Great points covered. I liked the how to get back in the appropriate gear when stopped. I find beginners need to learn to shift and feel comfortable shifting. Especially learning to downshift BEFORE stopping.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Geoffrey - glad you found this one useful!

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. 🥳

you're amazing manon.

Excellent points. I would only add that when shoulder checking, listen as well as look.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Very good point Rick! 👍

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.

Thank you Amy Lee of Evanescence, you really made it very simple for us to understand. ❤️ Love from 🇵🇭

Nice- perhaps for the sequel, clip in pedal tips, gear choice and cadence (climbing/flat) and reading the road (hazards/anticipation/positioning)?

When I started riding again as an adult, I actually had a bit of trouble learning to look behind me without inadvertently drifting into the middle of the road. Many people instinctively turn their shoulders when looking back, especially males, and I've been completely unable to wean myself from doing this. I finally had to train myself to angle the front wheel slightly to the right while looking back, and this seems to work very well. (I ride on the right side of the road where I live; if you live in the UK, you'd probably need to angle your bike a little to the left.)

I did'n't know about changing gears at a stop. Thank you. I'll practice that

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Cool - glad to hear you learned something new!

loved that last tip

I believe this most essential skill you need to know and how you set your bike to your body...!!!

Thanks for the great info

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

I was watching this bored like "duh" until the last bit about applying the front brake to change gears while standing. After all these years of lifting my back wheel by hand , I have learned something I never knew !

We can’t count all the skills but these ones surely help :)

1) For urban riding, balancing at snail speed for intersections, or better (more advanced) mastering a motionless track stand. There's youtube instructions out there how to do this on a non-fixed gear bike. Once mastered, it makes for a more enjoyable and safer riding on streets with frequent stops and on shared multi-use paths where you're less tempted to "roll through" busy intersections or roll past unpredictable path users . Plus cool kid street cred while wearing lycra... 2) The art of gentle contact while riding in groups or double pacelines. Leaning in and touching shoulders with relaxed arms avoids deadly handlebar contact or getting trapped between a rough or dropped road edge and another rider resulting in a crash. Best learned at slow speed on grass with a few friends.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

This is a really key skill to learn!

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!

@SuperRat420

2 жыл бұрын

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

Thank You Manon, I learned something.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Glad we could help!

Mirrors are awesome!!

Thumbs up Manon cool vid

Wow everything I can’t do!! 😂 great video

im gonna try out that last type for sure.

The video is interesting. I also enjoy cycling around the city.

Great video and brilliant essentials

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig!

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.

Great advice!

3:11 · So now GCN is also my source for fire beats? 🥵

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 for this great information. Would like to know the rules and etiquette for riding in groups.

@gcn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Amy. We did this one a while back which should help with that! 👉 kzread.info/dash/bejne/oqaNr69wdJXXdps.html

Hm. Re: looking over your shoulder. When I was young (in the early 80s), I read in a cycling magazine (granted, it was for bike tourists), to look behind you, to sit more upright, put your outer hand on the tops of your handlebar, take your inner hand off, and turn from your waist. This was to prevent accidentally swerving into the lane of the road. And it's worked for me ever since. The alternate was to look through your armpit while on the hoods.

Thank you for these tips. And look beautifull...

Looking for the next video on the next 5 bonus skills, that will make you cool on the bike 😁

I guess Manon gave us simply but important advices thanks

The last tip❤️