Is that latest tip you saw on Instagram really a cycling hack? Or is it just a gimmick?
A gimmick doesn’t usually help you all that much. It’s more of a trick to get likes and shares on social media, or a way to get you to spend your hard-earned cash on a product you don’t really need.
But in this article, we’re going to look at 15 cycling tips and hacks that actually work – from indoor and outdoor advice, to bike-maintenance tips you can incorporate for an easier, better ride experience.
Experienced riders rely on these tricks because they really do work! I’m not here to sell you anything, but I’m happy to share the tricks that work for me and my friends.
Indoor cycling hacks
If you love indoor cycling, you’ll want to consider these tips.
Hack no. 1: To feel the breeze, use a blower
One of the hardest parts of indoor riding is the lack of natural air movement. It’s amazing how much the heat and humidity of a room can rise just by riding your trainer for an hour! A gusty fan might be your best friend on a trainer ride.
When I train indoors, I prefer to use a blower rather than a fan because it creates more targeted air movement. The best placement I’ve found is to place the blower in front of the bike on the floor, aimed up towards my torso and chest. This air movement feels more natural, as if I’m actually outside, and provides the most coverage without getting a face full of air that dries out my eyes.
Hack no. 2: Choose the right indoor cycling app
Another trick is to simulate the resistance you feel riding outdoors on your indoor trainer. To do this, you’ll need a smart bike or trainer and the ROUVY app.
Once you’ve paired your trainer with ROUVY, when you take a solo ride, join a group ride, or compete in a virtual race, the app knows the gradient of the route you’re on and seamlessly adjusts the resistance of your bike to match.
Hack no. 3: Indoors, bigger is better!
For an even more immersive feel, keep the screen clearly in view – and go bigger when you can. Ideally, set up your screen slightly in front of you at just-lower-than-eye level.
Hack no. 4: Do your workouts in ERG mode
If you’re doing one of the workouts on ROUVY, make sure you have ERG mode selected. ROUVY will adjust the resistance of the trainer to fit the interval or block you’re working on for a targeted indoor cycling hack.
Pre-ride preparation hacks
Hack no. 5: No gauge? No problem
No pressure gauge? You can still get a feel for the air pressure in your tyres. For mountain, CX or gravel bikes, lay a finger across the top of your wheel. With your other hand, lean on the finger on the tyre with all your weight. If you can feel the rim of your wheel, you’ll need to add air.
Hack no. 6: Tote a minimalist repair kit
When I started riding, I packed a huge saddle bag full of every possible item. But I’ve come to realize I didn’t need most of that stuff, and now I just have a more minimalist saddle bag. Here are a few essentials I carry:
Spare tube (even if you’re tubeless)
Repair kit (patch or Dynaplug)
Mini pump or CO2 kit
Multi-tool with tyre levers and chain tool
Tyre boot
That’s your bare necessities! A few extra items like duct tape and zip ties are also handy. These are simple but effective bike-maintenance hacks that can save your ride.
On-the-bike comfort hacks
Hack no. 7: How to keep your hands dry
Hard or hot rides mean sweaty hands, which can be dangerous. Gloves, talcum powder or even a touch of anti-perspirant are smart hacks for better grip.
Hack no. 8: Gear for your rear
A saddle sore can quickly ruin your riding. If you’re out of chamois cream, grab your toddler’s nappy cream with zinc for a great barrier.
Hack no. 9: Saddle tilt is key
Adjusting your saddle tilt can also help alleviate pain – just change it by one degree at a time.
Nutrition and hydration hacks for cyclists
Hack no. 10: A DIY energy drink
Understanding hydration is critical to performance. Coconut water naturally contains potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium. Add pink salt and maple syrup to create a homemade energy drink.
Hack no. 11: Cool drinks, and snacks on the go
Freeze bottles the night before for drinks that stay cool longer. A small top-tube bag is also a clever way to store snacks within reach – one of the best tips for long rides on ROUVY or outdoors.
Cycling-gear optimization hacks
Hack no. 12: Easy gear storage
Use a tall shoe rack for shoes and helmets, or store bottles on a kitchen cart.
Hack no. 13: Storing your spare tubes
Roll spare tubes neatly, label them and store them with painter’s masking tape.
Hack no. 14: Zip ties are your friend
Zip ties can rescue you from mechanical issues, making them one of the most versatile bike maintenance tips.
Space-saving storage ideas at home
Hack no. 15: Hang ‘em high
Bikes can double as wall art with hanging systems. Hanging vertically saves the most space. This is a smart storage hack for families with multiple bikes.
Final thoughts & next steps
Don’t be afraid to test out a hack and see if it works for you. You can adapt the best ones to fit your circumstances and make adjustments as needed.
Choose the tips you like best to integrate into your routine. Use the others as inspiration to come up with your own hacks and tricks.
