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The Worst Cycling Tips We've Ever Heard
Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
As cyclists, we're always happy to hear advice about how we can improve our riding. But there are times we've been given advice that was so baffling, it made us scratch our heads in confusion. Don't fall for these 28 tips that people once tried to pass off as advice.
You don't need to air up your tires before every ride.
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Whoever said this is also probably the person who flatted twice on the last shop ride. Always, always give your tires a quick pump to your preferred psi before you set out on your ride. You may not end up needing much, but it's always better safe than sorry.
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Your Next RideThree more miles!
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This is kind of like the dreaded "You're almost there!" that people like to shout during races. While it may seem like encouragement, we're just trying to keep from bonking. And chances are, even three miles will seem like an eternity.
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Your Next RideMountain biking is so much safer than road riding.
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While some aspects of MTB might be safer (no cars, for one), riding downhill at breakneck speeds, over loose gravel and tree roots definitely isn't an activity for the faint of heart, either.
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Your Next RideLearning to clip in is easy.
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We doubt many people are naturals with clipless pedals on their first go. Better advice would probably be to make sure you practice in an area surrounded by lots of soft, fluffy pillows.
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Your Next RideIt's a nice, easy ride.
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That really depends on the person. One person's hill is another person's mountain. Or something like that...
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Your Next RideYou only need one water bottle.
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Yes, using one water bottle, preferably of the 16 oz. variety, is minimalist and looks cool. But you know what's not cool? Cramping or bonking because you chose style over substance. When it comes to riding in any sort of warm weather, err on the side of bringing two water bottles of 21 oz. each.
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Your Next RidePick out a rider and stick to their wheel.
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If that rider doesn't turn out to be of similar fitness level as yourself, this is mainly just a recipe for bonking. Not riding at your own pace will only lead to you tiring out much sooner than expected. Or, if you're more of a literal person, sticking to someone's wheel is a recipe for crashing.
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Your Next RideDon't listen to your body. Get a bike fit with science.
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While scientific methods of getting the perfect bike fit have come leaps and bounds over the years, nothing is better than feeling what's right for you. As long as you're comfortable, it doesn't really matter what the numbers say.
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Your Next RideCheap tools are fine.
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Maybe for the time being, but if you want to make sure your bike is in top shape, invest in some tools you know will last. Or, better yet, see a professional about any ailments your bike might be experiencing.
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Your Next RideIf you think you're going too fast on rollers, just brake.
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This might be good advice if you're bored and feel like flying off out of the saddle and onto the hardwood floors of your pain cave and into a puddle of sweat. But if you don't, then stay off the brakes at all costs.
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Your Next RideDon't waste money on expensive chamois cream.
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Trust us, when it comes to chafing in sensitive areas, you only want the best.
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Your Next RideYou don't have to wear a helmet.
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If you're planning on riding anywhere near cars, you need to protect your head. And even if you're far from the hustle and bustle of the streets, it's still a good idea. Crashing with other cyclists or even just falling off while riding alone can potentially lead to head injuries and concussions. Don't take the risk.
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Your Next RideIt's fine to ride when it's icy.
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If cars have trouble driving on roads slick with ice, bikes with tires less than two inches wide are sure to have issues, too. Instead, stay home and watch your favorite cycling movie while pedaling away on the trainer. That's why God invented Zwift, right?!
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Your Next RideYou don't need any more bikes.
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We're trying not to laugh too hard. Every cyclist knows the N+1 equation for the number of bikes it's OK to own. Now that's some good advice.
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Your Next RideStop looking around so much when you ride. Focus on the road.
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While, yes, it is good to focus on the road you're riding on, it's also important to be aware of your surroundings. From cars to your right to other cyclists coming from behind, there's potential dangers everywhere. And, since we wouldn't be caught dead with a helmet mirror, looking around is just something we have to do.
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Your Next RideCycling isn't that expensive.
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Perhaps if you buy a bike off Craigslist and wear any old workout clothes you have lying around the house... But once you get in the saddle, chances are you'll want to fully immerse yourself into the sport: from new kits to the latest rides and wheelsets. And trust us, it ain't cheap.
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Your Next RideYou ride too much. You should take a break.
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But then we'd have to ride even more to get back to the level we were at before the break!
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Your Next RideYou don't need to shave your legs.
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All we have to say is remember this the next time you crash and have to pick out gravel from your leg hair.
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Your Next RidePump your tires as much as you can.
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There's a reason there is a recommended psi for various types of wheels. They didn't just put those on there for decoration.
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Your Next RideThis bike will make you go faster.
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Even if the bike in question is the most aerodynamic on the market, it's really what you do on the bike that makes the difference, not the machine you're riding. Unless, of course, the bike has a motor...
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Your Next RideYou can corner at full speed if you hit the right line.
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If your version of cornering successfully is skidding around the bend on your behind and your bike flying off in the other direction, then sure—go right ahead
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Your Next RideIt's perfectly fine to ride through red lights if no one is coming.
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Cyclists should always adhere to all rules of the road, even if it appears no cars are around. Last time we checked, "I didn't see it coming!" doesn't fix a broken collarbone and eight weeks out of the saddle.
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Your Next RideRide on the sidewalk to avoid cars.
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While this does keep you away from vehicles on the road, it also puts pedestrians in danger. Plus, in any normal situation, a sidewalk is much too busy for you to get any sort of productive riding done.
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Your Next RidePin your number through the holes.
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Are you just asking to look like a Fred or—gasp—a runner?! Then do not, under any circumstances, safety pin your race number using the holes in the paper. Instead, pin through the paper in all four corners and sides—eight is the only correct number of pins to use—and you'll ensure the number stays flat on your back and doesn't turn into a sail.
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Your Next RideYou don't need to clip in.
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It's literally science—if you're attached to your pedals, you're not just pushing the pedal down with your feet but pulling up, too. This attachment also promotes a steadier cadence, as your foot now has a more known relationship with the pedal, giving your legs a consistent pedal stroke. So trust us—clipping in will make you a happier, more efficient rider guaranteed.
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Your Next RideThe same tire pressure works for any bike and any scenario.
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No, no, no. Wet roads, extreme heat, gravel bikes vs. mountain bikes vs. road bikes, dirt roads vs. gravel roads, we could go on and on. There's a reason the hottest topic of conversation at any event or race is, "What tire pressure are you running?"—everyone has an opinion, and being wrong can make the difference between a smooth, incident-free ride and washing out in a turn. Learn the right tire pressure for every scenario, and then live by it.
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Your Next RideIt gets easier over time.
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This may be true, but what's the fun in doing something that's easy? Riding the same old routes day after day and never pushing yourself to improve and get better sounds like a recipe for boredom to us.
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Your Next RideDon't do it.
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Cars, crashes, beautifully sculpted thighs—wait, that last one isn't a bad thing. Cycling might be dangerous and expensive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. You can find faults in any form of activity or even inactivity. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and ride.