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Basic Skills

Cycling Lingo

A dictionary of Road Bike Cycling.  These definitions and explanations will improve your understanding of road cycling (and help you figure out what that guy in the peloton is chattering about).

The Crucial First Ride

If you’ve been in this sport for long, you’ve probably seen it happen. An enthusiastic person shows up for his (or her) first ride with the local club. He’s a bit intimidated by the lingo he overhears, but that’s nothing compared to his anxiety about what to do and how to do it once the ride gets underway. Before long he’s trailing behind, spooked by the interplay of bike wheels and feeling as wanted as an IRS agent in a Super Bowl pool.

Three Essential Techniques for Roadies

Pro athletes develop simple techniques that become automatic. A three-point shooter’s follow through or a golfer’s silky stroke are techniques they’ve honed until they no longer think about them.  Pro cyclists, too, develop characteristics that separate how they look on a bike from the rest of us. It’s not simply a matter of appearance. Unlike golf, when you’re riding, you can get scuffed up out there. Looking like a pro means safety as well as style.

How to Ride in a Group

Pacelines are organized. They have specific rules. But in big groups like you find in centuries or charity rides, things will be disorganized. This can intimidate even experienced riders.  Sooner or later you’ll find yourself in a big group amid some riders with sketchy skills. It pays to learn how to survive (and also make yourself welcome) in a crowd.  

Companion eBooks & eArticles

By Coach Arnie Baker, M.D.
$12.95

By Coach Fred Matheny
$16.95

By Michael Smith
$4.99

Available to Our Premium Members

What's the Proper Paceline Etiquette

Not all paceline etiquette is the same.  Some paceline dynamics are that the rider at the front pulls for one or two minutes, then signals when he or she is ready for the next person to come through, etc, and other paceline dynamics are that  the lead rider goes as hard as he can until he blows up. When the pace slacks off, someone (not necessarily the second rider in line) comes blasting up to the front. Which paceline approach is correct?

Is It Okay to Coast in a Paceline

When non-racers ride in pacelines, they often stop pedaling when they are getting too close to the rider in front of them. Experienced riders usually admonish them to "soft pedal" instead.  Is the pause useful rather than dangerous?  What is the best approach?

How do I Learn the Etiquette of Cycling?

When you ride with others in a paceline your fates are linked. Each person's actions can mean a smooth ride for everyone -- or a crash and serious injury. Is riding about learning "technique" or "etiquette"?

Should I Stand After Turns?

Some riders stand after a sharp, others stay in the saddle.  What are the main reasons for standing after a turn.

What's the Trick to Riding Really Rough Roads?

When you ride on bad pavement -- old, bumpy and cracked, it's a struggle to keep a steady cadence. How do the pros manage to ride so fast on cobbles? 

Why Does Speed Change Unpredictably on Group Rides

Why are speeds so variable on group rides?  We're cruising along, then suddenly the pace increases drastically or several riders go sprinting up the road. What's going on?