By Lisa Myklak

I may be a professional downhiller now, but when I was getting into cycling I made as many rookie mistakes as the next person. For example, during my first summer of cycling, there I was pounding out the miles on a training ride with one of our college coaches. Halfway through he looks over with this wry face and says, "You know Lisa, you really shouldn't wear underwear with cycling shorts." 'Hmmm... really?' I thought. 'That's kind of gross.'

Yet, then I thought, 'he is a coach who's been riding for most of his life; what the heck I'll give it a go.' And the next day, much to my surprise, I found a new level of comfort riding undies-free, not to mention my racey new panty-line-free profile. Who would've thought?

There are lots of little blunders like this, and most of the time you'd never know unless someone told you. So I thought I'd save you some grief from your coach or just your riding buddies (they can be the worst) by going over a few of the more common newbie mistakes. And, yes, I did make just about all of the following mistakes. Now, you won't have to.

1. Riding With Your Seat Too Low

You think: A low seat gives me the ability to put both my feet on the ground, which makes me safer.

Truth-of-the-matter: A seat this low is too low. It stresses your knees, can cause injury, inhibits proper balance and reduces your power.

The right way: Raise your seat until when the balls of your feet are over the center of the pedals and the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke, you have a slight bent in your knee (illustration). You should be able to just touch the ground with your tip-toes. If you have any questions, just drop by your shop and they'll help you with this all-important adjustment.


2. Being Afraid To Use Your Front Brake

You think: If I use my front brake, I'll go sailing over the handlebars.

Truth-of-the-matter: Because it's the more powerful brake, it IS possible to "endo" (illustration) if you apply it too hard or at the wrong time, however, not using your front brake drastically reduces your stopping power. So, you should use it a lot.

The right way: It's best to always use both brakes. Yet, there are times, such as on steep downhills, when your front brake accounts for up to 90% of your stopping power and determines how much control you have. So it's important to practice and get good using it. An important tip is to shift your body rearward as you brake harder in front.

3. Riding In A T-Shirt  

You think: Those bright jerseys are so trendy. Who needs 'em?! My cotton shirt is perfect — and it's cheap, too!

Truth-of-the-matter: Cotton's a great material to lounge around in. Once you start really riding, however, cotton holds onto every drop of perspiration leaving you soaked. Plus if the weather changes from warm and sunny to chilly, that wet tee will feel awful and could even cause chills and hypothermia.

The right way: There's a reason cyclists wear what they do. Unlike tee shirts, jerseys feature wicking fabrics that actually keep you dry, warm and stink-free. Plus, they catch less air so it's easier to ride, and they often have built-in pockets for your identification, cash and energy food. You can also stuff a jacket in a pocket for use should the weather changes. If you try a jersey it's unlikely you'll ride in cotton again.







4. Stretching The Truth

You think: Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have run head on into that curb. But this is a mountain bike. It's supposed to hold up to anything. I'll tell the shop guy I was just riding along and WHAM! The wheel basically collapsed and broke.

Truth-of-the-matter: No bicycle is indestructible and warranties are designed to protect you against defects in materials and workmanship — not crashing or abuse (even if unintentional). Plus, mechanics have seen it all and they'll recognize that what caused the damage is a different thing than your story.

The right way: Shops feel as bad as you do when something breaks on your bike, and they want to help. Telling them a story puts them on the spot because they know it's not true. Instead, just tell them what happened and they'll do their best to make it right as soon as possible and at the best price possible because they want you out enjoying your bike again.


5. Over-lubing Your Drivetrain

You think: The more lube I put on my chain, the better my bike will run.

Truth-of-the-matter: Excess lube quickly collects dust and dirt accelerating drivetrain wear. Plus, that grimy chain leaves hard-to-remove chain tattoos on your arms, legs and car. Yuk!

The right way: Lube your chain anytime the links begin to appear shiny and dry (squeaking is a sure sign that you've waited too long for lube). Let the lube sit for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess with a rag.




6. Ignoring Mechanical Issues

You think: Yeah, my bike seems a little loose up front (or plug in your particular problem), but I want to ride, not take my bike in to get it checked! I'll just keep riding.

Truth-of-the-matter: Bicycles are relatively simple machines, however, they can travel as fast as cars and you can get in trouble quick if something serious is wrong with your bike and you neglect it.

The right way: Ride by the shop and have them take a look. They won't charge to do this and it could save you the costs of a more serious repair, or more importantly, prevent a dangerous crash. For example, in the case of that loose front end, it could save you a ruined frame and a loss of control on a downhill leading to a bad fall.

When she's not traveling the world racing, Lisa Myklak resides in Boulder, Colorado. A graduate of the University of Colorado, she raced on the CU Mountain-Biking Team and won the U.S. Collegiate Downhill National Champion Title in 2002. In 2004 she won the Mountain States Cup and she currently places in the top ten at NORBA races across the country. Lisa also enjoys teaching mountain-biking clinics. Her sponsors include Morewood Bikes and Velocity Racing.