Holding Your Line
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This is group etiquette 101. As you enter a turn, follow the path of the rider in front of you—don't swing wide or cut the corner. By staying aware of the riders around you, you'll help prevent any clipped wheels and close calls.
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Your Next RideClipless Pedals
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Ah, the infamous clipless pedal—it is the bane of the rookie cyclist's existence. Taking cues from skis, a cleat is installed into the bottom of the shoe and is then clipped into a specific type of pedal. Clipless pedals greatly improve efficiency, comfort and pedaling fluidity.
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Your Next RideNo Valve Stem Caps
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This is purely style points, here. You know that black stem cap that comes on all new tubes? Once you install the tube, throw the stem cap away. While you're at it, leave the washer nut off as well. #grams
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Your Next RideGeneral Classification (GC)
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To a non-cyclist, someone watching the Tour de France could be confused why the overall winner didn't win many stages. It's all about cumulative time: The rider with the lowest overall time after all the stages are added up wins the GC. Technically, the winner could not win a single stage but still win the race.
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Your Next RideN+1 Rule
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This is perhaps the most important rule of cycling. In this highly-scientific formula, replace N with the number of bikes you currently have. Sounds like you need another new bike!
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Your Next RideBraze-On Front Derailleur
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There are two ways to mount your front derailleur—braze-on and band clamp. A braze-on derailleur is bolted to a small tab that is welded or riveted to the seat tube. The braze-on system has become the preferred option over the past few years.
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Your Next RideKOM
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KOM, or King of the Mountains, is awarded to the leader of the mountain classification in the Tour de France. That rider dons the polka dot jersey until the final traditional laps of the Champs-Élysées. Strava has recently given the acronym a new meaning, with the fastest time (no matter the grade) awarded the digital KOM title.
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Your Next RideDomestique
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No, this isn't what you call an American-made beer. A domestique is a cyclist who rides in support of his or her teammates. They oftentimes take long pulls at the front, close any gaps and shuttle water and gels to other teammates. All work and no glory, a domestique is an underappreciated but crucial part of a team's success.
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Your Next RideSlam Your Stem
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With lightweight tech and high-end carbon frames, there's no reason to be going around propped up like you're riding a penny-farthing. Ideally, you'll have the stem positioned on the headset, but if your back won't allow, a few centimeter spacers are appropriate. Generally, the lower your riding position, the more efficient you are. Just look at the pros.
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Your Next RideGrand Tour
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While the Tour de France is a household name in the United States, all cyclists know there are really three grand tours: the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España. They are the only races allowed to last more than 14 days, and each includes three weeks of stages with two rest days.
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