What Gear Do You Need to Start Cycling?

День тому

What kit do you need as a beginner cyclist? Hank talks you through the essentials to help kick-start your cycling journey. From cycling clothes to puncture repair kits, this checklist will get you on the roads in no time!
00:00 Intro
00:18 What bike should you buy?
00:53 What cycling clothing should you wear?
02:40 What cycling helmet should you buy?
03:36 What footwear should I use when cycling?
04:28 Should I wear cycling gloves?
04:45 Do I need cycling glasses?
05:17 Mini pump for cycling
05:44 Inner tube and puncture repair kit
06:10 Cycling lights are essential
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Let us know in the comments 💬
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КОМЕНТАРІ: 138

@gcn Місяць тому

Do you have any beginner cycling questions? 🚲

@shanold7681 Місяць тому

Is a department store bike something that will scare you away from biking, Or is it a good slope to step on to slip into this expensive hobby with minimal risk?

@TouringTony Місяць тому

@@shanold7681 I got back into riding with a cheap Chinese bike that I rode 10,000km on before having to replace it with another one of similar price because I kept damaging it. Even now I have a bike that was given to me for free. I use it when I am going somewhere, will leave it there for hours and am worried that it might get stolen (e.g. train station)

@gcn Місяць тому

@shanold7681 that is a great question! We've seen numerous times in the past a department store bike setup incorrectly, or not setup at all. There is naturally a fair amount of risk involved if this is the case. Of course, if it is setup by a professional mechanic then it is a wonderful step into cycling 👍

@janatlmb2770 Місяць тому

Perhaps more importantly to Shave😂. No seriously you absolutely do not need cleats. I have been cycling in running shoes whole my life. And I have finished 6 half iron mans some with 36kmh average speed. But you Def need helmet light and Speedos of it rocks your boat. I do not care.

@Choedron Місяць тому

You are starting out by saying, that it does not have to be expensive to get into riding - and THEN you show some of the most expansive parts. You forgot a couple of bottles for drinking. And you forgot the most essential thing to bring on a bike ride: A small first aid kit for your back pocket!!! Besides, you can have the best of both worlds with regards to pedals, if you choose MagPeds. Feels like clickless pedals, but will not constrict your foot on the pedal if you have to get off quickly.

@ArdGeal Місяць тому

A bottle of sunny warm weather unfortunately they don't sell it here in Scotland...!

@gcn Місяць тому

If you find any, please send it out way 🤣

@theeuropeancyclepaths8206 Місяць тому

Blessed here in Cyprus 😝🙏

@nmcelroy3540 Місяць тому

We just started our streak of warmer, sunny weather in Daytona Beach! Good day for a beach ride!

@justinharrison9521 Місяць тому

You also need a helmet with a midge net in "summer".

@davezzzz172 Місяць тому

I agree that cycling gloves provide good protection -- losing the skin off your palms is very painful, I understand. But it's funny that you almost NEVER see GCN presenters wearing gloves (unless it's cold).

@ebmike8 Місяць тому

Padded shorts 100% changed my comfort for the better. Avoid those Amazon specials and go for at least a Mid-Range company/brand. The difference is noticeable.

@gcn Місяць тому

Padded shorts are a game changer, a good quality pair of bib shorts will up your cycling massively

@blueshun Місяць тому

Maybe you're wearing the Amazon's one wrong, the padded side should be outwards to engage the saddle, Ollie had demonstrated this.

@cruachan1191 Місяць тому

Can highly recommend Endura's cargo shorts (Hummvee are the ones I use) for those who don't want to wear lycra. Designed for London bike couriers so hard wearing and comfy, and the liners can be removed and washed separately or used with their trousers etc too.

@ebmike8 Місяць тому

@@blueshun It was def the material and quality of the first Amazon specials that made it terrible. That was way back when I first started wearing them. I eventually found the brand Primal, and now those are the only shorts I purchase.

@songofyesterday Місяць тому

I have some Aliexpress bibs and comfort is fine for any ride under an hour and not below 50F. At 1/3 the price of brand names, I think YKYW is great value. That said, I bought a pair of GCN Castelli bibs last year 😂. It’s on par with 7Mesh in price and tiny less comfortable.

@crazypyro777 Місяць тому

Was half expecting "So you'll get started with $400 assos bibs, $1000 bike computer, $12000 bike and $350 sunnies.... That should be a good entry point."

@BrandonNevermind Місяць тому

Being GCN, I wouldn't even be surprised 🤣

@gangstreG123 Місяць тому

Not assos; only agu, their sponsor

@harleypurcell7766 Місяць тому

Dont forget the aero helmet & super duper shoes

@dannywidjaja3643 Місяць тому

Dont forget refuel essentials 💀

@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Місяць тому

I have some assos bib tights from 25 years ago. Maybe wear them six times a year. But remain warm as they hang in the closet. More than a return on my investment.

@Chris-pt6hh Місяць тому

lights are a MUST, even during the day. cyclists underestimate how invisible they are.

@ArdGeal Місяць тому

I never leave home without my Trace F&R on max day bright flashing mode....

@gcn Місяць тому

Daytime running lights are great 👌

@whymumtrains Місяць тому

Or how blind motorists are.

@shanold7681 Місяць тому

A bike a helmet, Multitool, spare tube, a pump and a Friend on speed dial for when something happens and you have two taco'ed wheels and handle bars that look like a pretzel.

@gcn Місяць тому

We all need a back up buddie 🤣

@super8hell Місяць тому

up to 1-2h at a party pace you can wear whatever. the longer, the faster you go, the more the things like bib shorts and specific shoes matter for comfort at higher physical strain levels.

@gcn Місяць тому

Great point! Nothing wrong with party pace 🙌 Get the flannel out and hit the gravel

@johngannon1 Місяць тому

Good checklist. Using my newbie experience I’d recommend padded shorts, sunglasses and helmet as the top 3 essentials. Once I got going the move to a proper jersey was a revelation. And maybe I was lucky but I thought changing to clipless pedals was pretty intuitive. Mind you I chose Shimano M520 SPD Clipless MTB Pedals and they might be easier to get in and out of. 6:58

@alperari9496 Місяць тому

And strong motivation for consistency

@gcn Місяць тому

Consistency is key 👌

@andymonis5368 Місяць тому

1. Padded shorts (even cheap ones) are vital.

@andymonis5368 Місяць тому

Anything else is a bonus but anything over 10 mins and this transforms a ride

@238949 Місяць тому

Padded shorts/leggings are the best purchase for me, after my "Dave" love bibs now, so comfortable 😍Thanks Hank for a great video

@pastorofmuppets9346 Місяць тому

Nothing lol just hop on a bike. Even when i was cycling a lot back in the day as a courier i had no equipment at all just comfy sports wear and a bag when i had to

@gcn Місяць тому

The bike really is the only bit of kit you need, a bike and the open road - perfect 👌

@assjackbahrain Місяць тому

yeah calling in a bag makes cycling pretty effortless

@trickcarisusa9438 Місяць тому

Good information always!

@johncycling6299 Місяць тому

That really needed some discussion of the pros and cons of road clippy pedals vs SPDs vs flats; not just get some incredibly uncomfortable road shoes and become scared of cycling because you keep falling off. For close to zero benefit. Apart from really looking the part.

@PhilOsGarage Місяць тому

I wonder how many people adjust the tension on their clipless pedals, I’ve never had an issue unclipping but always find I have to back the tension screws off a few clicks on shimano, and all the way on rockbros pedals.

@tomtucjr Місяць тому

I've only been cycling for 6 months as a commuter and want to do weekend rides so this kind of content is really useful to me. Thanks!

@johngammon2471 Місяць тому

The casualness or seriousness of one's bicycle adventures is relevant to the amount of money that can be spent or limited budget...

@gcn Місяць тому

We disagree, you can take your cycling very seriously at any budget. You are the engine at the end of the day 💨

@nebulous962 Місяць тому

5:36 or you could get one that mounts under the bottle cage so you never forget it.

@erikwiseman1702 Місяць тому

Bare minimum? Bike, helmet, pump. Then hex wrenches, lights, tire spoons. Some amazingly good helmets are available for as little as 50 USD and even under 30 USD on sale!

@MissMuffin-qc8fc Місяць тому

A lock to keep that investment. Waterbottle holder, this is a theme that bikes comes with the screws but no holder itself.

@conteudoanimal Місяць тому

cycling shorts is a must to get cycling as a regular sport ... and a small kit to fix mechanics and punctures issues

@filippopogacar Місяць тому

The Hankerman is back 🎉

@randomdrifter Місяць тому

7 - 5:17 Gone with electrical portable pumps now. They can be loud, but they can hit pressures you can only hope to hit using a mini pump. Drawback is that they're good for only 4-6 full tyre pumps for the ultracompact ones (size dependent, maybe 1.5-2 fat bike tyres to unecessarily high pressures for example), so it's best to not puncture more than 4 times

@AndrewBushnell Місяць тому

Floor pump, flat kit, padded shorts.

@michiel86 Місяць тому

I just started cycling (on a road bike). I think cycling shorts and a cycling jersey are very nice to wear on the bike. It gives me more comfort and I can put the things I need in the pockets of the jersey. It’s not a must have, but even on a budget (and I am) you can find good things quite cheap if you look for sales. You don’t need the best (and very expencive) things. The only things you really need are a bike and a helmet. Please make more content for beginners cyclist. I like the other stuff too, and that’s mainly because of the presenters, so just keep being your crazy selfs 😂

@breadandrosie Місяць тому

The biggest surprise to me was the difference flat pedal shoes made over trainers - I'd kind of assumed they were just regular shoes with a mark up for having the word "cycling" in the description but found some on a chunky discount and gave them a go. Clipless aren't really suitable for me because of a disability but my flat shoes immediately made climbing easier.

@_J.F_ Місяць тому

I got into cycling last year and I must say that it is not a cheap sport. Yes, you can get some very affordable bikes and kit, but going too cheap will usually compromise on quality, which you do not want to do when it comes to your safety, and cheap also often means less comfort and longevity/wear. Then there is all the bike maintenance aspects, and of course the 'nice to have' gear that you may not actually need but probably will want all the same. If you want to ride more or less all year, at least in the UK, then the list of kit needed gets even longer so while cycling is a great sport I would say be prepared to end up spending more than you thought you would.

@Mas421 Місяць тому

As a beginner you definitely need Rapha-Clothing, because it s the „one and only“. As a GCN-fanboy you can buy the GCN-kit (it s not so expensive 😅) As a beginner, it s always the best you buy the most expensive. Then everyone can see that you are one of them and are serious.

@aloras405 Місяць тому

I personally like a good padded gel seat instead of the padded shorts. Also if you don’t want to get bike specific pants, don’t wear any loose ankled pants. I found that the hem of my pants kept getting snagged in my chain and gears.

@tconnolly9820 Місяць тому

Just get some hi-vis elasticated velcro arm bands and wear them around your leg bottoms. I got a pack of ten pairs from Amazon for a tenner two years ago and still using the first pair almost every day. Keeps your pants out of the way of the chain or even from just flapping around. And even better, hi-vis and reflective objects moving up and down catch drivers attention faster than any static flashing lights apparently. So wins for practicality and safety all in one.

@aloras405 Місяць тому

@@tconnolly9820 that’s a great tip! I hadn’t thought about that. I have leggings so I don’t have to worry about it anymore but that’s a great tip for others starting out.

@geoffreyhoney122 Місяць тому

Agree with most of these. I find a windbreaker jacket more wide range than a filet. My Sugoi runner's jacket has a arms/ shoulders detachable that just leaves a vest. Disagree about cleats. No real (other than marginal racer perceived) gains. More bother than worth! Just buy mountain bike shoes for walkable but excellent firm sole and don't put spd cleats on. Great video and content and tips!

@AndyWJP Місяць тому

You need to get Strava equipped on your bike before you do any rides.

@HeibesHealth Місяць тому

Yes. It’s well-known that no calories are burned and the ride doesn’t count unless it’s documented on Strava. 👍🏻

@stephenturkLA Місяць тому

3:21 The US helmet standard is set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Snell standards are almost 30 years old, are not required and are no longer widely used.

@cb6866 Місяць тому

Thanks JLW and crew. I'd like Alex to purchase my kit , as I was impressed with how he took care of the good doctor ..might be the funniest episode ever ??

@gcn Місяць тому

Always dangerous with Alex, it's all mood dependant. You either get an amazing aero everything kit or you get him having a joke 🤣

@cb6866 Місяць тому

@@gcn he’s a razor

@mommamooney Місяць тому

Good bib shorts are a must and leg warmers will save you money by not having to invest in bib tights

@andyday3571 Місяць тому

I would say the one with the mudguards the titanium bike going to work or use it for training because you are out in all weathers but if it comes to the weekend or a doing a evening 10 all doing a time trial on a Saturday or a Sunday I would use something like the Ferrari if you are into time travelling all racing

@mickyjross Місяць тому

With the 'tache and mullet, Hank is starting to look like Mitch Docker!

@TwiinStar1224 Місяць тому

How many bib tights & jerseys do you think one should have to get started? Thinking 3 of each should be fine,

@TomWhyard Місяць тому

A bike, a helmet(option but recommend)

@barrysmith9154 Місяць тому

Tour of Bristol Charity ride you Bath Boys and Girls to give it a go less than a week to go. See you soon Bazza

@KevinAxt-om5on Місяць тому

What gear you start cycling in largely depends on how steep the bit it you're trying to get started on ... I'd suggest trying 3rd gear

@zedtony8110 Місяць тому

What needs starting out Better better better

@mlee6050 Місяць тому

I disagree with cycling glasses but as no matter how I wear them the wind goes over or under them straight to my eyes and makes my eyes water way more than without

@ewann3 Місяць тому

Na you want SPD shoes with a full sole so you can walk normally off the bike and slime / well filled tubeless tyres so you don't have to forget or carry extra crap every ride

@daveslaughter8290 Місяць тому

You forgot the GoPro camera and video drone so you can post your cycling adventure on social media.

@andyshaw5378 Місяць тому

I’m surprised considering how popular cycling has become that cycle helmets aren’t compulsory

@LondonLeccyBike Місяць тому

Damn was expecting them items to be about £15 each 😂

@harrymurphey2634 Місяць тому

.... see that "Park Tool" in your picture ... Yes??? .... It does not have a "chain press" ... so it is useless to fix a broken chain ... for a few dollars more get the one w/ a chain press and carry "quick links" ... unless you like walking home w/ a broken chain ... in bike shoes ...

@durace99 Місяць тому

All you need are contact points and off ya go.

@AHURKY Місяць тому

50x34

@gangstreG123 Місяць тому

= 1700 you're welcome

@gcn Місяць тому

@gangstreG123 great banter!

@johnstrac Місяць тому

Beat me too it.

@notl33t Місяць тому

yeah, if you're doing 5-10km per ride, you're fine not following any of this, likely just signing up for a bike share, getting a helmet and using your regular clothes. if you're in the 20km and higher range per ride with speed--all of this advice is golden. you don't have to grab all the upgrades at once, just as you go is fine--get lights once you are willing to ride in the dark, get better stuff when you ride longer distances. sometimes CO2 cartridges come in handy, but a pump is definitely better if you can remember it. :p

@philspencelayh5464 Місяць тому

A bike, a puncture repair kit and optionally a helmet, then off you go.

@gcn Місяць тому

Spare tube is a great shout 👌The knowhow to fix it too 👉ukposts.info/have/v-deo/iWKkf4OoeW-CpJs.html

@zeemon9623 Місяць тому

Make sure that when riding on public roads your bike is actually road legal where you are. To give you an example: Germany requires reflectors on the pedals and there are not many "clipless" (which actually means clip-in) pedals that have those. Do people over here care much about that? No. I see bikes, especially road bikes, that aren't road legal all the time. It's quite the oxymoron. But when, not if, there is an accident involving a bike that doesn't meet the requirements, at least an amount of the blame will be put on its rider, worsening public perception of cycling.

@lisafogens 2 дні тому

Usually there‘s a legal exception for bikes used for athletic purposes, at least where I live in. Of course, it‘s a good idea to install a rear light on your bike and I also have a bell on my XC bike. However, it is impossible to comply with all the regulations on a road or a mountainbike. Even most city bikes I see on the street don‘t comply and nobody cares.

@zeemon9623 2 дні тому

@@lisafogens I agree that almost nobody cares and in a way that's good. More bikes on the roads instead of cars are always welcome. But just because the rules aren't enforced heavily, doesn't mean they aren't there. And as far as I can tell, there is no exception to the regulations, at least in Germany. I used to think the same but upon research I never found anything that would indicate such a thing. I guess official races count as exceptions. Under all other circumstances, a bike on public roads is legally required to have reflectors on the pedals and in the wheels, lights + reflectors front and rear, two independent brakes, and a bell. I don't think that's impossible for road bikes or mountain bikes. People just decide not to comply or never bothered to see whether or not they do.

@TouringTony Місяць тому

Are there cycling shoes that don't have clits. Other videos show that there is only marginal improvements for using clits and I am not at that level. However I have heard that trainers are too flexible and something stiffer is much better

@Z-u-m-a Місяць тому

plenty - just search for flat MTB shoes. Stiffer soles and grippy. Might still need a new insole with more arch support for a better fit/use 👍

@Chris-pt6hh Місяць тому

Mountain bike shoes are meant for that. There are plenty that don't have clips. Check out Five Ten shoes.

@ArdGeal Місяць тому

Yeah, end up with excessive rubbing with the old clits....

@Thezuule1 Місяць тому

The only way you'll ever learn to ride with cleats is to do it. If you can ride a bike for a few seconds without crashing you're ready to learn.

@PhilOsGarage Місяць тому

@@Thezuule1back the tension screws off a bit, too. They always seem to come too tight, making clipping out much harder

@lightningll2991 Місяць тому

Question; What do you need to start cycling? Answer; A BIKE!

@brittle1 Місяць тому

A bike, saved you 7mins of your time

@MiguelBorgesphotography 23 дні тому

A bike

@andrewthornton6192 Місяць тому

A bike normally helps

@gcn Місяць тому

Ah yes! We knew we were missing something 👀

@tongotongo3143 Місяць тому

Or buy just a bike and don’t buy anything else at all. Radical minimalism also gives pleasure and satisfaction. It also saves money and protects our planet. A good bike is just enough fun itself without any extras that weren’t even needed let’s say three decades ago.

@jc2685 Місяць тому

a punture repair kit and a mini pump is essential.

@tongotongo3143 Місяць тому

No, it isn’t essential at all. Even if it happens just call your wife or 24/7 bike service.

@Chris-pt6hh Місяць тому

@@tongotongo3143 better to be self reliant

@tongotongo3143 Місяць тому

Your friends and close relatives are part of you, so using their assistance is exactly your self reliance.

@jc2685 Місяць тому

@@tongotongo3143 the kit and pump will cost you £2.60 max. Temu is your friend. The call out service will waste more money and time

@kevinblankenburg4816 Місяць тому

You forgot mud guards. At least when you live in Central Europe.

@craigkitchen1311 Місяць тому

Loads, you need loads

@gbart981 Місяць тому

Remember Humpty Dumpty? The rest of your body heals just fine, but try putting your head back together. Get a helmet!

@minuteman4199 Місяць тому

You need a bike. That's it.

@tconnolly9820 Місяць тому

Ok, there's the arrogance that everyone who cycles must be a roadie. First thing you need to be a cyclist is a bike. Any fecking bike. Just get on it in whatever clothes you're wearing and just go where you need to go. School, work, shopping, socialising, whatever. Just hold onto the handlebars and push one pedal in front of the other and keep repeating until you get where you wanted to go. Yes, a helmet is ideal but not obligatory. Basic puncture repair tools and tube and chain tools and a pump if you're going to be too far from home. Watch various videos on how to use them if you are not sure. Lights are essential for your visibility and safety. Hi-vis reflectors on your leg bottoms are excellent for getting drivers attention because of the movement. A good lock/s so your bike will still be where you left it when you get back. A rack, permanent or removable, to carry bags, panniers, baskets or anything else. A backpack to carry your tools and lights and anything else you don't want to leave unattended on the bike because y'know, scumbags will steal it. You can get all of this stuff cheap as chips from Amazon or AliExpress if you look plus a whole lot more. Oh, and bungee cords. No matter where you are or what you're doing, bungee cords solve about half of all of life's problems. You can never go wrong having two with you! 😊 If you enjoy it this far, then you can think about getting the 5k+ road bike. I know a lot of people who did it the other way around and the road bike is languishing in the shed or garage years later gathering dust.

@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe Місяць тому

Eddie B 2024.!