Cycling Tips Part 2

13th September 2016

As promised but a little later than I planned is part 2 of the cycling tips, hopefully you will find some useful tips that will help you become a better cyclist.

Over the last couple of months, I have been posting cycling tips on both my Twitter feed and Facebook page. I thought that I would now share these cycling tips on my blog and this will be done in 5 parts.

No.21

When you stop at a light, move to the centre of your lane. This prevents drivers from edging forward, trapping you between them and the curb. When the light changes, accelerate to your cruising speed before moving right to allow them to pass.

No.22

When you see cars stopped at cross streets, watch the front wheels for the first hint of forward movement. If you see any, get ready to brake, and yell to get the driver's attention.

No.23

On a road with no shoulder, ride in the right wheel track of motor vehicles to ensure you don't blend into the scenery along the edge of the road. This also gives you 3 to 4 feet of space from the edge of the pavement to let you dodge potholes or deal with wind gusts.

No.24

Scan the rear windows of parked cars for someone who might suddenly pull out into your lane or throw open a door. You can also spot pedestrians about to step out from between cars.

No.25

When you're in a bike lane and a car is making a right turn in front of your path, do not swerve out to the left and around. Slow down, stay in the lane, wait for the car to turn, then proceed.

No.26

Hold a straight line past cars that are intermittently parallel parked—don't weave in and out of empty spaces. Drivers might not be ready for you to suddenly re-emerge into the traffic lane.

No.27

If you hear a metallic click during every crank revolution, grease the pedal threads (and tighten firmly when reinstalling).

No.28

A squeak is from a pedal rather than the chain if it occurs at the same place on each stroke. For conventional pedals, spray lubrication where the cage and body connect. For clipless pedals, clean all cleat contact points, then apply a silicone spray to these points and wipe off the excess. Also make sure the cleats are tight.

No.29

A chirp is almost always from the chain—it is crying out for lubrication.

No.30

If a chain clicks, it has a tight link. Turn the crank backward by hand and watch the chain as it winds through the rear derailleur pulleys. The inflexible link will jump. Grasp the chain on either side of the stiff link, bend it laterally to loosen it, then apply lube.

No.31

If the handlebar or stem creaks during sprints or climbs, tighten the binder bolts (in front). If the noise persists, loosen the binder bolts and spray a light lubricant between the bar and stem, wipe it away to leave a thin film, then retighten firmly.

No.32

Buzzing occurs when a cage, frame pump, or some other add-on vibrates, or when a cable housing quivers against the frame. To find the culprit, touch these areas while riding, then tighten, shorten, reroute, or tape as necessary.

No.33

Rattles and jingles often come from a seat bag. Secure items with rubber bands or rags.

No.34

Thumping is usually felt as much as heard. Common causes: dented rims and bulging or improperly seated tires.

No.35

Clicks during out-of-saddle climbing and sprinting sometimes come from two spokes rubbing. Put a drop of oil on each spoke intersection.

No.36

Never trust your ear. Frames transmit noises. You might swear a sound is coming from your cranks, but it could be your saddle rails. Check all possible points.

No.37 When you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed by a hard pace, try this breathing technique: Instead of actively drawing air into the lungs then passively letting it out (our normal pattern), push the air out and let it naturally flow back in. Bonus: Because of how you activate your lungs to do this, it also helps you get into a low riding position and maintain a flatter back.

No.38 On descents, your bike is much more stable when you're pedalling than when you're coasting.

No.39 Whenever you make the transition from standing to sitting, gain a few free inches by pushing the bike forward as you drop to the saddle.

No.40 Put your left foot down when stopping to prevent greasy chain ring "tattoos" on your right calf.

With only 3 days to go until our riding challenge from North to South Wales I have set up a Virgin money giving page and if you would like to support me the page can be accessed via the following link:

I am raising funds for Mind and my Virgin Money Giving page can be accessed via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeShevyn

All donations are appreciated and you will be helping a very worthy causes.

Keep reading the blog for more cycling adventures .....................................

#Tips