[music] Speaker 1: You've just found our amazing sport
of cycling. We want to give you a very big, warm welcome because you, you're going to
absolutely love it. Speaker 2: It's fun, exhilarating, healthy,
and sometimes life-changing. Speaker 3: It can be challenging and sometimes
even painful, but it's still fun, type II fun.
Speaker 1: To help you have more fun, this is our video on top tips on what not to do
when you start cycling. This one, it's a banger. One thing that can cause you to feel that
you are fitter than you are is a tailwind. We've all been there, flying along with the
wind on our back, thinking we are on flying form, only to begin to turn around on the
ride and realize you are faced with a, well how can we put it? a stinking headwind. It's
not the best feeling. Your speed slows considerably and the ride turns into a massive slog.
Here at GCN, we recommend checking where the wind is coming from and try to finish your
rides with a tailwind. There's no better feeling than finishing up the day with the wind on
your back and flying home. Speaker 3: This is something we, as Brits,
can often be forgetful of, suncream. Ironic really as we probably need it the most with
our pale complexion. Even on a not-so-sunny day like today, the sun can still be quite
strong. I hope you've got suncream on, boys. The obvious places are where your skin is
exposed to the sun, so your legs, your arms, your face, and your neck. You need to be careful
as a lot of modern jerseys are so thin you can burn through them.
[music] Speaker 1: It won't be long until you start
using clipless pedals when you start Road Cycling, a slightly strange name given that
you clip into them. Their origins come from the fact, that they replace the traditional
toe clips that everyone used in the late '80s. The trouble is your feet are effectively attached
to the pedals. To get out of them, you need to twist, which is easy, as long as you're
thinking about it. The problems come when you want to put your foot down in an emergency
and your natural instinct is just to pull upwards and backwards, which won't get you
off your bike, unfortunately. Make sure you practice getting out of your
pedals, preferably in a soft environment where you won't hurt yourself as much if you do
fall. Now, I think I need to do a bit more practice because it is rather embarrassing
when this happens and you're in a group and there's people watching you.
[laughter] Speaker 3: What are you doing?
Speaker 1: I'm going to get on my bike, try again, and do some practicing because you
know what they say, "Practice makes perfect." Speaker 2: You do need some practice, mate.
Speaker 1: Yes. [music]
Speaker 1: The first thing you'll notice about your road bike is your saddle. It just doesn't
look comfortable, does it? Look at it. The temptation to go for that big, soft, comfy-looking
one is definitely there, but looks can be deceiving. Go for one that fits you. A minimalist
one like this one will be far more comfortable than those big, fat, soft ones. Trust me.
Take this advice because your bottom, it will thank you. Oh, like getting in an armchair.
[music] Speaker 1: Now, there aren't many sports where
you see people eating as they take part. However, cycling is definitely one of them. Neglect
to eat or even replace the calories you've lost, and you'll soon be hit by the dreaded
bomb. To anyone who hasn't experienced this, it basically feels like a sucker punch from
Mike Tyson to the face. Now, to avoid this happening to you, make sure you bring some
food with you on your rides and eat at regular intervals. I'm going to tuck into some croissants
now. Speaker 2: Try not to overindulge though.
[music] Speaker 3: Another thing that can stop you
in your tracks is a mechanical, unless you're prepared, of course. The most common being
a puncture, which is relatively easy to fix if you've got the essentials, a pump, inner
tube, tire levers. It's also a good idea to take a small multi-tool. It'll get you out
of most small-bike-related issues. [music]
Speaker 1: A common mistake amongst new riders is overestimating your fitness. Start small,
then work your way up to those bigger rides. The last thing you want to do is set out on
a big ride, and then only manage half of it. I think I'm overestimating my fitness now,
it's a big climb. [music]
Speaker 2: You can often tell a new cyclist by their saddle height,
Speaker 2: either too high or too low. A really easy method to help you find your saddle height
is by placing a pedal to six o'clock, then place your heel on that pedal like so. You
should find your leg's straight. Then when you go to clip in, you should find a slight
bend in your knee. If you need any more advice on that, then go to a professional bike fit
or ask the advice of an experienced cyclist like this guy.
Speaker 3: The last thing you should never ever do when you're new to cycling is wear
your helmet backwards. Don't laugh, we have seen people do it in sportives. It's not a
good look and it's probably not the safest either. The clue's in the retention, it should
be at the back of your head. Speaker 1: That was our nine tips on what
not to do when starting out cycling. Speaker 3: If we've missed anything, leave
it in the comment section below. Speaker 2: Don't forget to give this video
a big thumbs up. For more how-to's, click on-- My bike, guys, get off my bike.
Speaker 3: Sorry. Speaker 1: Sorry Hank.
[00:06:06] [END OF AUDIO]