Hot Bicycle How-Tos

How To: Change a bike tire

You’re on the side of the road with a bike tire flat. What is there to do but to impress your friends with the ability to change a tire with no tools? Learn how to change your bicycle tire.

How To: Ride a bike safely on the road

Over a half-million cyclists end up in emergency rooms each year. Lower that number by following some rules on how to stay safe while biking on the road. Learn how to ride a bike safely on the road. You will need a bike with working brakes, a helmet, a pair of bike gloves, sunglasses, and knowledge of traffic laws.

How To: Steer and handle a bicycle

This how-to video offers some tips for improving bike riding skills. You'll want to work on balance, steering, speed, and how use your weight. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to steer and handle a bicycle.

How To: Brake on a bicycle

This how-to video demonstrates the proper procedure for coming to a stop on a bicycle. The rear and front brakes have different degrees of effectiveness, with the front being more powerful. Be sure to keep your weight back to keep yourself from going over. Be careful of skidding. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to brake on a bicycle.

How To: Change gears on a bicycle

This how-to video demonstrates the process of switching gears on a bicycle. Depending on the number of chains and hubs, your bike will have a varying number of gears. You should be aware of the terrain and make sure you are in the appropriate gear. Don't change gears under power. Know how and when to change gears to make the bike ride smoother and more enjoyable. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to shift gears on a bicycle.

How To: Go through corners on a bicycle

This how-to video demonstrates the safe way to go through corners or make turns on a bicycle. Start braking before making the turn, so as not to lose control of the bicycle, and speed up when going through. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to ride through corners safely on a bike.

How To: Ride a bike in a straight line while looking behind

This how-to video offers some tips for maintaining a straight line when you have to look away briefly. Most riders will veer around wildly when they're not looking where they're going, but work up the skills to keep moving forward safely. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to ride a bicycle in a straight line even when looking behind.

How To: Reach for a water bottle while cycling

This how-to video offers some tips for building the skills needed to drink and bike at the same time. Don't feel comfortable taking a hand of the handlebar just yet? Work your way there, by trying to bike one handed every now and then. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to reach for a water bottle while bike riding.

How To: Stock a bike repair kit

Ever wonder what basic tools you should have for all your bicycling needs? This how-to video covers some basic gear that will help you with frequent bike repairs. Tire levers will help change any flats. A multi-tool will keep you from needing to buy several different Allen keys. A bike pump will keep the tires inflated. A spare tube and a puncture repair kits can fix emergency flats. Oil will keep the chain running smoothly. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to stock a bike repa...

How To: Change a bicycle tire

Bike got a flat? Fear not, this how-to video can save the day! If you're tire is always low on air no matter how often you pump in air, or if the tread is worn down, it might be time for a tire change. Watch this video bike repair tutorial and learn how to change a bicycle tire.

How To: Oil a bicycle chain

This how-to video demonstrates the process of oiling a bike chain. A well-oiled chain will keep the bicycle running smoothly and prevent any possible breakage. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to oil a bike chain.

How To: Maintain good cadence while pedaling a bicycle

There's more to pedaling than meets the eye. This how-to video offers some advice for keeping up a good cadence, or rotations per minute. Many unexperienced cyclists will pedal slowly at a high gear, but this will just wear the rider out quickly. Too quick pedaling will cause bouncing and wobbling. Choose the right gear for optimum RPM. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to maintain good cadence on a bicycle.

How To: Unpack a bike and put it together

Got a shiny new bicycle and trying to figure out how to build it? This how-to video offers some general tips for unpacking a bike and putting it back together piece by piece. Be careful not to hurt yourself, because lots of bike parts are very sharp. Watch this video bike repair tutorial and learn how to build your bicycle.

How To: Bleed a hydraulic brake on a bicycle

Hydraulic brakes require occasional bleeding in order to get rid of all the air bubbles and keep the brakes working smoothly. This how-to video demonstrates the process of pumping out old oil and replacing it with new, while taking out as much air as possible. You will need a driver, an 8mm spanner, brake fluid, a 4mm allen key, a small flat (chisel tip) screwdriver, a bleed pipe, tissue, and old pads or wood block for pad spacer. Watch this video bike repair tutorial and learn how to bleed h...

How To: Shorten a brake hose on a bicycle

This how-to video demonstrates the process of shortening a bike's brake hose or cable. You will need a driver, an 8mm spanner, brake fluid, a 4mm allen key, a small flat (chisel tip) screwdriver, long nose pliers, hose cutters, bleed pipe, tissue, and old pads or wood block to be used as a pad spacer. Shortening the hoses on a new brake is real simple, and don't worry, the pistons won't pop out. Watch this video bike repair tutorial and learn how to shorten the brake hose on a bicycle. Shorte...

How To: Centralize pistons on a bicycle

This how-to video demonstrates the process of centering the piston on a bike. One piston might be touching the disk more than the other. Try to evenly space the pads. This will keep the wheels running freely. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to centralize the pistons on a bicycle. Centralize pistons on a bicycle.

How To: Fit a bicycle helmet

Fitting a helmet correctly is an important part of cycling. A helmet used properly, like in this how-to video, will drastically reduce the chance and severity of injury. Watch this video bike riding tutorial and learn how to wear a bicycle helmet.

How To: Mount a bicycle

This how-to video details the steps for getting on your bike. Before getting on, you should perform a safety check to prevent any accidents or injuries. The step over and straddle the bike. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to mount a bicyle.

How To: Pick a bicycle seat

If you do a lot cycling, or are about to go on a long bike trip, you might want to check out a new bicycle seat. This how-to video shows different options for saddles. There are different materials and styles to help keep you comfortable while sitting. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to pick out a good bike seat.

How To: Signal on a bicycle

To prevent accidents, it's important to indicate to other riders what you're doing. This how-to video covers good cycling communication. These skills are especially important while riding in groups, when visibility is low. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to signal on a bike.

How To: Give other cyclists a safety cushion

Bicycle riders in groups often don't leave each other enough room. This how-to video demonstrates good safety cushion technique for bikes. Space is important to allow for maneuvering around pot holes or traffic. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to maintain a safety cushion between bike riders.

How To: Ride in a group of bicycles

The riding style demonstrated in this how-to video is very common to take, is legal, and encouraged. If the road is too narrow or there is too much traffic, it might be safer to ride single file to make room for other vehicles. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to ride in a group of bicycles.

How To: Start and stop on a bicycle

This how-to video offers some steps for coming to a safe stop and a quick start on a bicycle. Coming into the stop, lift the foot off the bike pedal early so you have a chance to get the foot on the ground before stopping. Use the brakes while in the stop position. Reset the pedal to the midway position while fully stopped. Keep the head up to get ready for take off, and try to get momentum going before getting the other foot back in. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to start a...

How To: Pedal a bicycle like a pro

Katya Meyers, professional Ironman triathlete offers some cycling tips in this how-to video. Learn how to find a proper seat height, reach, and pedal stroke. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to pedal like a pro.

How To: Load a bicycle onto a bus rack

Sometime we can't ride our bike everywhere and we need need to take public transportation. This instructional how-to video shows you how load your bicycle onto a bus rack. Follow along and learn the proper way to ride the public transportation with your bike.

How To: Go faster on a bicycle

Check out this instructional cycling video that explains aerodynamic concepts in bicycle fit and wheels to go faster. The bike fitters at Fit Werx talk about all the components of a triathlon bike fit and how it relates to aerodynamics and the individual. This cycling tutorial video covers the following topics to help you pedal faster on a bike:

How To: Learn the basics of a triathlon bike

What makes a triathlon bike a triathlon bike? Check out this instructional cycling video that teaches you about angles, seating, position, aerobars, and the importance of a proper bike fit. In summary from the video, a triathlon bike has a steeper angle for the seat-tube which makes it more vertical thus allowing to get your hips and body more forward in the aero-position compared to road bikes. Triathlon bikes are made for 'aerobars' instead of the curved bars that one sees on road bikes. Wa...

How To: Remove the rear wheel from your bike

Don't know how to take that rear wheel off of your bike? Is the chain making things difficult? Check out this instructional cycling video that demonstrates how to remove your rear wheel if you have to change your bike tire or fix a flat. This is a VERY BASIC and non-technical tutorial for the absolute beginner who has never taken their rear-wheel off before. It will just make life easier. Sure, you can muddle through it your first time and curse the chain as to why it's being belligerent into...

How To: Check basic gearing and bike fit

Active Expert Gale Bernhardt explains basic gearing and bike fit in this instructional cycling video. Learn the proper pedaling forms and correct bike fit to maximize your bike power output. This video also provides tips on looking for a bike that fits you and your needs. As a beginner, the bike you have now is just fine for your first race. As you get more into the sport of triathlon, then you might consider investing in some new equipment. So watch this cycling tutorial video that demonstra...

How To: Set the correct seat height

Active Expert Gale Bernhardt explains the importance of seat height with this instructional cycling video. It's critical for you as a cyclist to have your bike fit to you. Setting the seat height just right has minimal motion, or quiet hips. A seat height that is correct for you minimizes injury and maximizes power output on the bike. So learn how to set the correct seat height on your bike with this cycling tutorial video.

How To: Avoid cross-chaining

Active Expert Gale Bernhardt explains the problems with cross-chaining in this instructional cycling video. This is a common error for new cyclists and puts the chain in a lot of tension across the bike. Learn a few techniques to avoid cross chaining in this cycling tutorial video.

How To: Turn the corner for cyclists

Active Expert Gale Bernhardt provides helpful tips on cornering techniques for cyclists in this instructional cycling video. Depending on the particular situation you're faced with when turning the corner, you may have to turn a corner with a tight radius or a wide radius. See how fast you can go in each situation and learn how to turn the corner the fastest way around a corner in various circumstances with this cycling tutorial video.

How To: Learn tips for cadence and gearing while cycling

Active Expert Gale Bernhardt provides helpful tips for cadence and gearing while climbing in this instructional climbing video. When riding uphill, it's very common for riders to want to use a big gear and mash on those gears. That style of riding is hard on your knees and metabolic system. What you want to do is have more of a spinning cadence when you go up the hill. Don't be afraid to shift.

How To: Change a flat tire when cycling

Flat tires are inevitable, so it's important to be prepared. Learn some tricks that will simplify the process and save you time. Check out this instructional cycling video that demonstrates how to change a flat tire when cycling. Just follow these simple tips: shift into smallest gears, check for sharp object in tire, use sandpaper to roughen rubber, let glue dry 2-3 minutes before applying patch, make sure tire doesn't pinch tube.

How To: Sit and stand on hills when cycling

Are you as efficient going uphill as you are going downhill? Learn what to look out for the next time you're riding uphill with this instructional cycling video. There really isn't a right or wrong as far as being seated or standing when approaching a hill. Follow a few simple checks and techniques with this cycling tutorial video.

How To: Wrap your bicycle handlebars

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to wrap your bicycle handlebars. The direction you take in rolling the tape is extremely important. You'll want to start on the bottom of the drop, work your way up around the brake shift lever, and all the way to the top. By going through bottom to top, you'll get a smooth transition as your hand slides down the bars. If you roll it in the opposite direction, your hand sliding down the bar will unravel the tape and wear it out prematurely.

How To: True your bicycle wheels

Whenever you're out cycling, you may hit a pothole or some obstruction and bend your rim or take your wheel out of true. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to true your bike wheels. By adjusting the spokes, you'll be able to bring your wheels back to true and cycle ready. A truing stand is especially handy for this process as it'll help determine how out of aligned your wheel is. True your bicycle wheels.