From gear tips to personal mantras, the right advice can make a world of difference—no matter if you're commuting to work on two wheels or hammering out a century ride. We asked both novice and veteran cyclists for the best advice they've ever heard, and some of their answers may surprise you.
Our personal favorite?
Don't ride to win races or to get to places, ride to feel free.
Just pedal, fast or slow it doesn't matter. Just pedal.
3 of 36Submitted by Kevin Moriarty
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Your Next Ride$500 bike or $5,000 bike, either way you still have to pedal!
4 of 36Submitted by Johnny Gallegos
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Your Next RideSmooth is fast, and don't crunch your knees.
5 of 36Submitted by Diane Hayward
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Your Next RideBe honest with the shop. "Just riding along" doesn't break stuff.
6 of 36Submitted by Kevin Bolton
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Your Next RideKeep a Swiss Army bike in your stable. There's always room for a fun multitasker.
7 of 36Submitted by Robert Loewe
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Your Next RideLife is like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
8 of 36Submitted by Kristian Rondeau
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Your Next RideOne must learn to go slow in order to go fast.
9 of 36Submitted by Monica Cross Holmes
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Your Next RideYou don't buy upgrades, you ride upgrades.
12 of 36Submitted by Scott Paciorek
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Your Next RideEnjoy the ride, and don't care about what everyone else is doing. Go at a pace you are comfortable with.
15 of 36Submitted by Dale Evans
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Your Next RideQuantity in the winter; quality in the summer.
18 of 36Submitted by Nigel Wyatt-Grainge
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Your Next RideColor coordination helps you go faster. It is completely scientific.
19 of 36Submitted by Morgan Andriulli
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Your Next RideBuy a saddle that is comfortable all day long.
20 of 36Submitted by Shaun Drew
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Your Next RideYou don't need to eat or drink for the first two hours.
22 of 36Submitted by Matt Vallins
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Your Next RideDo hills—lots of them. The bigger the better.
23 of 36Submitted by Peter Philpott
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Your Next RideRide when you feel like, and ride when you don't.
25 of 36Submitted by Ralph Garth
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Your Next RideWhen you get a flat, check the whole tire inside and out for the possible cause.
26 of 36Submitted by Bryan Rowe
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Your Next RidePurchase a good quality pair of bibs, and use chamois cream.
27 of 36Submitted by Chris Giles
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Your Next RideWind is the greatest training partner you will ever have.
29 of 36Submitted by Karl Osborne
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Your Next RideDon't ride to win races or to get to places, ride to feel free.
32 of 36Submitted by Martin Smith
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Your Next RideEat before you are hungry. Drink before you are thirsty.
35 of 36Submitted by Morgan Andriulli
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