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Really Useful Tips Thread

pottsstevepottssteve Posts: 4,069
edited August 2009 in Road beginners
Hallo!

I'm quite new to cycling and as a novice the amount of stuff to learn can be daunting. There is also the assumption by salespeople, other riders etc. that you know stuff. However, you may be too shy/macho/stupid to ask, so here's your chance.

Experts - post your top tips here.

Novices - Ask your question here without fear of mockery.

Here's top tip Number 1 which I learned:

1. When riding in hot weather, if you don't have a casquette (hat) or sweat band, smear Vaseline above your eyebrows. This will divert the sweat away from your eyes. :wink:

Over to you...
Head Hands Heart Lungs Legs
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Posts

  • CubicCubic Posts: 594
    However much you choose to spend, make sure you get the bike that fits you the best.
    Cannondale Synapse Carbon

    Giant Anthem X 29er 2
  • skyd0gskyd0g Posts: 2,540
    Padded Shorts.

    No, you don't wear anything underneath them. :wink:
    Cycling weakly
  • MettanMettan Posts: 2,103
    In the name of Safety - get used to looking over both shoulders regularly whilst riding (both seated and standing).
  • softladsoftlad Posts: 3,513
    put your bike into it's highest gear at the back (ie 11, 12, 13, or whatever you have) before dropping out your rear wheel. Makes the process of removal and re-fitting so much easier and quicker....
  • sovedasoveda Posts: 306
    Always remember to breathe going up hill...
  • APIIIAPIII Posts: 2,010
    Remember to undo the quick release mechanism on your brakes before taking the wheel off. I'm not sure how long it took me to realise they were on the brake levers when I first got my Campag setup :oops:
  • themightywthemightyw Posts: 409
    Don't worry if you're overweight. Lycra has a natural slimming effect when viewed by passers by....
  • RedstevebRedsteveb Posts: 201
    New rider here, but my tip is to make sure you eat before your ride.
  • bicebice Posts: 772
    Don't exclude old fashioned plastic toes clips as an (urban commuter) alternative to SPDs - but make sure you get firm, sculpted plastic ones, not the flimsy nylony ones that come with most road bikes
  • Slow DowncpSlow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    APIII wrote:
    Remember to undo the quick release mechanism on your brakes before taking the wheel off. I'm not sure how long it took me to realise they were on the brake levers when I first got my Campag setup :oops:

    And remember to fasten it back up after you've put the wheel back in.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • Robmanic1Robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    Here's my tuppence;

    NEVER rush a repair

    ALWAYS grease your post
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3336802663/
  • WoodchipWoodchip Posts: 205
    On your first few rides make small adjustments to the saddle height until you feel it's the most comfortable.

    Well, I did anyway and it seems to have worked for me.
    I have nothing more to say on the matter.
  • MattC59MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    If the first hill of your ride is near the start, don't be disheartened if you struggle up it, you need a bit of time/a few miles for your legs to warm up.

    Be careful of white lines on the road, they can be slippy !

    Have fun.
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • stevenmhstevenmh Posts: 180
    edited July 2009
    I recommend using mirrors, left and right. My favourites are the Zefal Spin mirrors which are extremely compact and are not something I ever leave home without as they never come of my bike(s).

    Here they are:

    http://www.zefal.com/zefal/produit.php?key=474001
  • AGNIAGNI Posts: 140
    themightyw wrote:
    Don't worry if you're overweight. Lycra has a natural slimming effect when viewed by passers by....

    Are you sure about that? I asked my wife if my bum looked any smaller in my lyrca shorts. The reply was "I know its lycra but it cant bend light"
    Still suffering with wind
  • pabloweaverpabloweaver Posts: 444
    [quote="

    1. When riding in hot weather, if you don't have a casquette (hat) or sweat band, smear Vaseline above your eyebrows. This will divert the sweat away from your eyes. :wink:

    Over to you...[/quote]


    whats hot weather???

    zipvit sample bags are great for putting phone in and keeping dry from the INSESSANT rain :cry:
    http://www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/

    Great club in and around the Warrington area.
  • jswbajswba Posts: 491
    Take your helmet into the shower (after removing of course) and let the soapy water rinse out sweat from the straps etc.
  • pabloweaverpabloweaver Posts: 444
    you dont really needs 6kg of tools per bike ,every ride you do...

    2 allen keys ( dependant on stem/seat etc etc ) , 1 tyre lever, leaches, 1 tube , mini pump ..............skinny phone

    thats for local 40 /50 ish rides ( in that area....I can get my mavic vehicle* to come and get me for serious mechanicals......)


    * Im sure she will understand thats an endearing term !
    http://www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/

    Great club in and around the Warrington area.
  • Smokin JoeSmokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    No matter how horny you feel, never rest your penis on the chain while you are rotating the cranks.
  • Robmanic1Robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    No matter how horny you feel, never rest your penis on the chain while you are rotating the cranks.

    That's a great trick if you can do it whilst seated :shock:
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3336802663/
  • Gav888Gav888 Posts: 946
    Never snot out into a headwind!
    Cycling never gets any easier, you just go faster - Greg LeMond
  • MattC59MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Robmanic1 wrote:
    ALWAYS grease your post

    Always good advice :wink:
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • penugentpenugent Posts: 913
    Robmanic1 wrote:
    ALWAYS grease your post

    Not sure that is applicable to carbon.
  • penugentpenugent Posts: 913
    Use the drops when cycling into a headwind.
  • Slow DowncpSlow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    penugent wrote:
    Robmanic1 wrote:
    ALWAYS grease your post

    Not sure that is applicable to carbon.

    Use carbon grease/compound. If you don't your post may stick solid.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • Robmanic1Robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    penugent wrote:
    Robmanic1 wrote:
    ALWAYS grease your post

    Not sure that is applicable to carbon.

    No, carbon should be treated with graphite anti-seize.

    Otherwise you should always keep your length well lubricated.
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3336802663/
  • dennisndennisn Posts: 10,601
    softlad wrote:
    put your bike into it's highest gear at the back (ie 11, 12, 13, or whatever you have) before dropping out your rear wheel. Makes the process of removal and re-fitting so much easier and quicker....

    Oh yeah. Much easier. Good one.
  • bicebice Posts: 772
    Leave cables at their loosest when not using a bike: ie highest rear gear, lowest front
  • dennisndennisn Posts: 10,601
    Robmanic1 wrote:

    ALWAYS grease your post

    My wife wouldn't have it any other way.

    Oppps, wrong forum. That would be Penthouse.
  • Robmanic1Robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    dennisn wrote:
    Robmanic1 wrote:

    ALWAYS grease your post

    My wife wouldn't have it any other way.

    Oppps, wrong forum. That would be Penthouse.

    I knew if I dangled that hook, it wouldn't take long..... :wink:
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/3336802663/
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