The Best Cycling Advice We've Ever Heard

By Michael Nystrom

For a sport successfully performed by 4-year-olds and 104-year-olds alike, it's safe to say everyone is going to have their own advice and opinions when it comes to pedaling on two wheels. But for such a simple motion, there's more to riding a bike than one might expect.

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.

Never stop a bike with your face.

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Submitted by Robin Wayne

The Best Cycling Advice We've Ever Heard

Never stop a bike with your face.

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Ride as often as possible.

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Just pedal, fast or slow it doesn't matter. Just pedal.

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$500 bike or $5,000 bike, either way you still have to pedal!

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Smooth is fast, and don't crunch your knees.

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Be honest with the shop. "Just riding along" doesn't break stuff.

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Keep a Swiss Army bike in your stable. There's always room for a fun multitasker.

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Life is like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

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One must learn to go slow in order to go fast.

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N+1 baby!

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It never gets easier, you just get faster.

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You don't buy upgrades, you ride upgrades.

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Don't fall off.

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Buy good padded shorts.

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Enjoy the ride, and don't care about what everyone else is doing. Go at a pace you are comfortable with.

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Get a bike fit.

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Always wear gloves.

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Quantity in the winter; quality in the summer.

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Color coordination helps you go faster. It is completely scientific.

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Buy a saddle that is comfortable all day long.

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Don't dress for the first 10 minutes.

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You don't need to eat or drink for the first two hours.

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Do hills—lots of them. The bigger the better.

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It's only a hill; get over it.

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Ride when you feel like, and ride when you don't.

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When you get a flat, check the whole tire inside and out for the possible cause.

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Purchase a good quality pair of bibs, and use chamois cream.

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Start slow, finish fast.

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Wind is the greatest training partner you will ever have.

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Fuel before, during and after a long ride.

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A bike is only as good as the rider.

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Don't ride to win races or to get to places, ride to feel free.

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Cars always win.

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Winter miles = summer smiles.

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Eat before you are hungry. Drink before you are thirsty.

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