The Best Cycling Advice We've Ever Heard

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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
Ride as often as possible.
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Submitted by Brent Davis
Just pedal, fast or slow it doesn't matter. Just pedal.
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Submitted by Kevin Moriarty
$500 bike or $5,000 bike, either way you still have to pedal!
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Submitted by Johnny Gallegos
Smooth is fast, and don't crunch your knees.
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Submitted by Diane Hayward
Be honest with the shop. "Just riding along" doesn't break stuff.
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Submitted by Kevin Bolton
Keep a Swiss Army bike in your stable. There's always room for a fun multitasker.
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Submitted by Robert Loewe
Life is like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
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Submitted by Kristian Rondeau
One must learn to go slow in order to go fast.
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Submitted by Monica Cross Holmes
N+1 baby!
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Submitted by Timothy Burns
It never gets easier, you just get faster.
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Submitted by Erik Swanson
You don't buy upgrades, you ride upgrades.
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Submitted by Scott Paciorek
Don't fall off.
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Submitted by Stuart Gray
Buy good padded shorts.
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Submitted by Darren Ó Maonaigh
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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Submitted by Dale Evans
Get a bike fit.
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Submitted by Richard Bexon
Always wear gloves.
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Submitted by Geoff Harper
Quantity in the winter; quality in the summer.
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Submitted by Nigel Wyatt-Grainge
Color coordination helps you go faster. It is completely scientific.
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Submitted by Morgan Andriulli
Buy a saddle that is comfortable all day long.
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Submitted by Shaun Drew
Don't dress for the first 10 minutes.
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Submitted by David Aris
You don't need to eat or drink for the first two hours.
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Submitted by Matt Vallins
Do hills—lots of them. The bigger the better.
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Submitted by Peter Philpott
It's only a hill; get over it.
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Submitted by Darren Walsh
Ride when you feel like, and ride when you don't.
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Submitted by Ralph Garth
When you get a flat, check the whole tire inside and out for the possible cause.
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Submitted by Bryan Rowe
Purchase a good quality pair of bibs, and use chamois cream.
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Submitted by Chris Giles
Start slow, finish fast.
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Submitted by Geoff Woodward
Wind is the greatest training partner you will ever have.
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Submitted by Karl Osborne
Fuel before, during and after a long ride.
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Submitted by Pierre Bisson
A bike is only as good as the rider.
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Submitted by Helen Jones
Don't ride to win races or to get to places, ride to feel free.
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Submitted by Martin Smith
Cars always win.
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Submitted by Kelly Ginther
Winter miles = summer smiles.
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Submitted by Phil Merritt
Eat before you are hungry. Drink before you are thirsty.
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Submitted by Morgan Andriulli
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