10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Cycling

Summary

This video shares ten key insights for cyclists, including the benefits of drop handlebars, the relative unimportance of bike weight, and the significance of training volume over intensity. It emphasizes building a good relationship with your local bike shop, investing in smart bike upgrades like high-quality tires, and always carrying essential spares. Additionally, it highlights the value of slow-speed skills for confidence and control. The video wraps up with a discussion on bike price versus performance and the life-changing nature of cycling as a hobby.

Takeaways

• 😀 You don't need drop bars, but they help with a neutral hand position, improved weight distribution, and speed.
• 😀 Bike weight isn’t as critical as it's often made out to be; a heavier bike can still offer great performance and fun rides.
• 😀 Volume is more important than intensity when training to get faster—consistency and more riding yield better results than going hard all the time.
• 😀 Building a good relationship with your local bike shop can save you time and money in the long run, especially for repairs and warranty services.
• 😀 Small and affordable bike upgrades like high-quality tires and appropriate gearing can make a big difference in bike performance.
• 😀 Fancy upgrades, like group sets or ceramic bearings, don’t significantly impact ride feel but can look cool if that’s your preference.
• 😀 Quality cycling shoes often make more of a difference than high-end carbon wheels since power transfer starts at your feet.
• 😀 Affordable bikes are better than ever, offering great performance even at lower price points, making it easy for beginners to enjoy cycling.
• 😀 Always carry spare essentials like an inner tube, patch kit, multi-tool, and mini pump to be prepared for unexpected issues on your ride.
• 😀 Slow speed bike handling skills are essential for all riders, helping improve confidence, control, and maneuvering in various conditions.
• 😀 There’s a sweet spot in bike pricing; spending around £1,000 will give you a highly functional and well-built bike, but anything beyond that offers diminishing returns in terms of real-world performance.

Q & A

Why do recreational and sports cyclists prefer drop handlebars?

Drop handlebars put your hands in a more neutral position, reducing wrist and shoulder pain. They also improve weight distribution by shifting some weight off the saddle and onto the hands, and they provide a smaller frontal area, making it easier to cut through the wind, offering free speed.

Does bike weight significantly affect performance?

Bike weight doesn't matter as much as people often think. While it's easy to obsess over weight because it's measurable, unless you're racing or frequently carrying your bike up stairs, an extra kilogram or two won't significantly affect your overall ride time.

What is the most important factor for improving cycling speed?

Volume is more important than riding hard. The more you ride, the more you get accustomed to your bike, develop mechanical skills, and build endurance. It's better to focus on consistent riding rather than just riding intensely.

How can a local bike shop benefit you?

A good relationship with a local bike shop is valuable because they offer aftercare, warranties, and often help with fitting parts. They'll also assist with maintenance and repairs. While some shops charge labor fees for parts purchased online, it’s often more cost-effective to buy directly from them due to the added services they provide.

What are the most important upgrades to make to a bike?

High-quality tires and appropriate gearing should be prioritized when upgrading a bike. Afterward, focusing on contact points like the saddle, handlebars, and handlebar tape can improve comfort and control.

What upgrades are less essential for everyday riders?

Upgrades like group sets, ceramic bearings, fancy jockey wheels, and carbon finishing kits generally don’t affect how the bike feels or rides significantly. They may be visually appealing but don’t offer substantial performance improvements for most riders.

What difference do cycling shoes make compared to carbon wheels?

Cycling shoes make a much greater difference in performance than carbon wheels. Power transfer from your legs is more efficient through the shoes, affecting how much power reaches the pedals. A quality pair of cycling shoes can be more important than investing in expensive wheels.

Why are entry-level bikes more affordable yet perform well?

Entry-level bikes have seen significant improvements, with lightweight and durable frames, comfortable shifters, and grippy tires. Technology has trickled down to lower-end models, meaning that affordable bikes are now capable of handling a variety of cycling tasks.

What should you always carry when cycling?

It's essential to carry spares like a spare inner tube, a patch kit (preferably with a separate glue), a multi-tool with a chain breaker, and a mini pump. Some cyclists also recommend carrying CO2 cartridges for quicker puncture fixes.

What are slow-speed skills, and why should you focus on them?

Slow-speed skills are the foundational techniques for controlling the bike at lower speeds, like maneuvering over curbs or potholes. Mastering these skills makes riders more confident and improves their handling in faster, more complex riding situations.