Getting into cycling is as exciting as it is demanding. The bike opens the door to a complete outdoor sport with multiple physical and mental benefits, but it also poses challenges for those who start riding regularly for the first time. Lack of experience, excess enthusiasm, or simple inexperience can lead to mistakes that affect enjoyment, performance, and, in some cases, safety.
Many of these mistakes are common among new riders and repeat generation after generation. Spotting them early helps you progress more comfortably, avoid unnecessary frustration, and build a solid base to grow from. Here are ten of the most frequent beginner cycling mistakes and the keys to why you should avoid them in tips from the experts at GCN en Español.
1. Choosing a saddle just for how it looks
One of the first things that draws the eye when you start riding is the saddle. Whether you are a novice or a pro rider at the Tour de France, comfort is key on the bike. Not being used to spending time on it, it’s easy to think that the bigger and softer it is, the more comfortable it will be. That assumption often leads to the wrong choice.
Overly wide or soft saddles can cause more discomfort in the medium and long term, leading to chafing, poor posture, and loss of pedaling efficiency. Every rider’s anatomy is different and there are models designed to match that variety. A harder-looking saddle can potentially be far more suitable if it fits your body structure and the way you plan to use the bike.
2. Not eating or drinking enough during the ride
Cycling allows something unusual compared to other sports: you can fuel while you’re doing it. Even so, many beginners underestimate on-ride nutrition, especially on long or demanding routes.
Not taking on food and drink regularly can trigger a sudden energy crash, with weakness, dizziness, or loss of focus. A good rule is to eat something roughly every hour, even before you feel hungry. Fruit, bars, gels, or homemade options all work, always backed up by steady hydration.
3. Riding without basic spares and tools
Another frequent mistake is heading out without the minimum kit to fix simple mechanicals. A puncture, a loose bolt, or a small misalignment can ruin a ride if you don’t have the right tools.
A spare tube, tire levers, a pump or CO₂ cartridges, and a multi-tool take up little space and can save you from walking home or calling for help. Learning basic repairs is part of getting started and gives you autonomy and peace of mind on the road.
4. Ignoring the wind when planning the route
Wind has a decisive impact on effort on the bike, even if it’s not obvious at the start. With a tailwind, the sensation can be deceptive and tempt you into riding harder than you should.
The problem comes when you turn and find a headwind, with your energy already spent. Planning your loop with wind direction in mind helps you manage your effort, tackling the tougher sections early and saving an easier run-in for the finish.
5. Skipping sunscreen
Prolonged sun exposure is a constant in cycling, even on cloudy days or in moderate temperatures. Yet many new riders forget to apply sunscreen before heading out.
The most exposed areas—arms, legs, face, ears, and nape—are especially vulnerable. Some cycling apparel is very thin and doesn’t always block UV rays. Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent burns and other skin issues caused by continuous exposure.
6. Misadjusted saddle position
Beyond the saddle model, its setup is crucial and often overlooked. The wrong height, or a saddle too far forward or back, can cause discomfort, reduce pedalling efficiency, and even lead to injury.
There are simple ways to get close to a good starting height, such as checking leg extension with the crank at the bottom and your heel on the pedal. From there, small tweaks can make a big difference. If in doubt, advice from a specialist or an experienced rider is especially helpful.
7. Not practising with clipless pedals first
Switching to clipless pedals is common in road cycling, but using them requires an adaptation period. The classic mistake is debuting them on the open road or in a group without prior practice.
Although unclipping is simple, at low speed or when stopping it can fail through lack of habit, causing avoidable tumbles. Practise in a safe setting, such as on soft ground or in a quiet area, to automate the movement and build confidence before more demanding situations.
8. Constantly comparing yourself to other riders
Comparison is a common temptation, particularly with access to data such as average speed or other riders’ pace. For newcomers, it can create unnecessary pressure and a distorted sense of progress.
Everyone starts from a different place, with more or less time to train and varying fitness levels. Focusing on your own development and consistency is more productive than trying to match someone else’s numbers from day one.
9. Wearing underwear under your bib shorts
One of the most repeated beginner errors is wearing underwear under bib shorts. It may seem more hygienic or comfortable, but it does the opposite.
Bib shorts are designed to be worn directly against the skin, with a chamois that wicks sweat and reduces friction. Adding a layer increases rubbing and can cause significant irritation and discomfort on the bike.
10. Wearing your helmet incorrectly
The helmet is a key safety item, but it only works if it’s properly fitted. Surprisingly, it’s not unusual to see beginners with the helmet backwards or poorly adjusted.
The retention system should sit correctly at the back of the head and the straps should be snug. A poorly worn helmet doesn’t just look sloppy; it significantly reduces protection in a crash.
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Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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- It doesnt take a genius to understand that Pogi is 1 level above and Pogi is younger that Jonas, so Jonas will not win under ordinary circumstances. Pogi has to crack hard for Jonas to win. It doesn't matter whether you defend Jonas or not , facts remain facts. Jonas himself says his numbers are better than 2022/2023, so Jonas is more or less optimized and we are just see the stochastic variation due to other factors. I think he will retire along with Pedersen in WC denmarkabstractengineer13-11-2026
- They only raced each other during the 2026 Tour, but here's a few metrics to look at. Stage 3 (Granollers to Les Angles): Pogačar won the stage, finishing 2 seconds ahead of Vingegaard (2nd). Del Toro finished 24 seconds behind Stage 6 (Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre / Col du Tourmalet): Pogačar won solo, Vingegaard finished 2nd (losing 2:38), and Del Toro finished 3rd (at +2:57, finishing 19 seconds behind Vingegaard). Here, Jonas Vingegaard outclimbed Isaac del Toro by 19 seconds on the mountain stageawp13-11-2026
- your clinging to the past. Jonas was dropped by del toro many times last year and jonas never managed a climbing numers del toro did in dauphine last year -entire year. Trend is also evident theres no discussion your living in the past, its beent he same with jonas for many years now and only developing, meanwhile del toro is rising and developing greatly. This is all obvious stuff and im not even a del toro fan. No point discussing numbers or this i suspect you dont watch much now but rather think its 2022 still cause this aint hard.miguel13-11-2026
- We can go through metrics if you like, Del Toro, who I do admire and support, is not on the same level as Jonas just yet. You will see that in early 2027 if they have any crossover races. I do hope they both race the Giro. You are correct though, Jonas is getting older and will not be able to hand on much longer. I see 2027 as a good year for him. Obviously behind Tadej though.awp13-11-2026
- What wins? Are you LA operating under a pseudonym?mij13-11-2026
- My point is this - Tadej, Remco, Seixas are all the outliers. Many riders don’t hit their peak until 28. It’s way too early to write him off. And the pogi slo guy that hates him - he’s also immature. Ayuso needs time.mij13-11-2026
- Then you need to use ur eyes or head if you have cause del toro already dropped jonas two times and beat him in tdf stages already this year.. Del toro climbed(dauphine) better numbers than jonas did all year too. So ur feelings and wishful thinking doesnt amtter del toro himself has already surpassed jonas infact just facts. Its also very evident for anyone objective that Jonas is declining alot, its just the truth and super obvious.miguel13-11-2026
- None of those victories stand, so there's that,wrsty13-11-2026
- No surprise there; it is British Sycling, yes, with an S
Rafionain-Glas12-11-2026 - I like Del Toro but he's not on the level of Jonas, by a large margin.awp12-11-2026
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