5 Subtle Ways Suburban Riding Makes You a Better Cyclist
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- The bike I ride, channel sponsor, pretty cool people:
wabicycles.com/
Mildly ironic Reasonably Dangerous cycling shirts:
www.zachgallardo.com/merch
Get a shoutout at the end of each video by supporting the channel on Patreon: / zachgallardo
Whether it's sick bike edits or Instagram, we like to romanticize riding in big cities or idyllic mountain passes, but most people don't ride in these places very often. A lot of our daily riding probably looks more like rows upon rows of neatly built cookie cutter houses. This is the type of riding that I've done all my life and after spending some time riding in dense cities and picturesque countrysides, I realized there's a few ways that suburban riding makes me a better cyclist that people rarely talk about.
Nobody talks about the suburbs - 0:00
Sponsor: Wabi Cycles - 1:02
5. You become a better mechanic - 1:13
4. WARNING: Drivers are less competent than they appear 4:35
3. You grow a thick skin - 7:03
2. Riding is relaxing - 10:09
1. Riding huge distances is normal - 11:22
Sponsor: Wabi Cycles - 13:18
Patreon Fixie Famous Shoutouts - 14:28
Fixie Famous Shoutout:
StanStrong108
Ryan Witt
Julian Corona
Eric Avalo
Gio Dezera
kruucks
Singlespeed Shoutout:
nicodache
Gregory Tomlinson
Scott Palangi
Todd Brannan
epilektric
Chris
Connect with me:
/ zachygallardo
#fixedgear #fixedgearvlog #cyclingvlog
my one rule for riding ANYWHERE: always assume the other person is an idiot. fellow biker, car driver, pedestrian, you name it.
but never be condescending either
@@adityasahu2103 I get what you're saying, but the driver that hits you, 95% of the time won't care if you're condescending or not. Not trying to pick a fight, I've just had too many Imbeciles in cars speed through Stop signs, oblivious to what's in front of them. Riding defensively is our only survival attitude.
Always assume drivers will not pay attention to passing bikers and open their car door.
@@Maven01 yeah, I Nearly got "Doored" the other day! damned driver was was her phone!
100% facts.
My biggest pet peeve is drivers being “polite” but in doing so, they’re breaking the law, messing up the flow of traffic etc etc, when they can just give me an extra 10cm of room or not letting me in when they shouldn’t and so many other situations. I’ll work with you (the driver) and around you. I know what IM Doing, I have no fucking clue what you’re (the car driver) is doing, even if they indicate etc etc. They’re always doing dumb shit.
Don’t get me wrong, some cyclists are complete idiots, but damn, drivers are next level with the shit
Thanks for the mention!
You're a legend man!
@@kimkrimson I still have to take out the trash and mow the lawn. LOL
RJ your the reason I worked on my own bikes and enjoyed the mistakes and corrections. Your videos are priceless and legendary for the cycling community!!
RJ!!!
one thing I've noticed is suburban drivers have no concept of how fast a bike goes. They mostly just assume you go 2 mph and can cut in front of you anytime they like.
Most people just don't realise that they're doing something wrong. I've had a friend who came right next to me right before of a corner and just stayed there during the turn. I said something about it and they just don't realise it
Part of the reason I love mountain biking is that if you get injured or die, it’s probably your own fault. You don’t have to worry about other idiots. The idiots and bad drivers are dangerous enough even if you’re in a car as well
I have logged over 150K miles urban bicycle commuting over the last 20+ years. I do not share the road with human beings driving cars, I ride under the threat of "moterists."
Be safe.
Lol ...I feel you bro, TRUTH
After riding fixed for two years I can confirm that there are people who are crazy enough to Ram you over. Besides riding safely, staying to the right and be cautious. It would be worth the investment to invest in a dashcam for your bike. When a motor vehicle strikes you with the intent of hurting you or possibly killing you. Get their license plate, file a police report and file a claim with their insurance company.
did my first bike commute to work today. I've been riding for about 6 months and I've been too afraid of cars until now. like zach said, I got to the point where I said screw it I just want to ride my bike. great video zach 👍🏻
Awesome!!!
use the whole road. Don't stay on the side. Car drivers don't always have an idea how wide the car is.
Yep keep away from the curb at least an arms length it prevents cars trying to overtake aggresivly. Im just thinking if there is a device that prevents cars from knocking cyclists from behind?
nice! It takes a while to build up the confidence to ride in traffic
Yea it's easy, takes a few months to get comfy like most thangs
Thick skin is so accurate mate, living in the northern part of downtown Toronto I am always either in car traffic or suburbs and for me I got back into cycling after I got my drivers license and I ride my bike like I would drive a car, just usually at a slower pace (Slow lane for life). Even with laws in place I have cars come within a meter to inches from me and I have to rely on myself (instincts and wisdom), and my bike (side mirror helps), most of my friends would ride on the sidewalks while I would go on the road because I knew I should be there and I was comfortable with all the mayhem, over time they eventually made their way by my side on the roads.
Always remember,
"Its not how good of a driver/rider you are, it ALWAYS depends on whos driving around you" keep that in mind and you will survive.
Go leafs.
I always try to advocate for bike infrastructures in the suburban cities I live in. My city put out a survey recently regarding that and I answered as best as possible to advocate for more bicycle infrastructure
All so true.The video was hard for me to watch because a couple of years ago I was hit on a round about. The nice older lady told the police that she thought she had passed me at which time he pointed out that I had smashed in the passenger door to the point it wouldn't open.I was very lucky and got out of the deal with only a deeply bruised hip. It took some time to build up the courage to start riding again but it's so worth it.
Man i just got a brain injury its gone take a while for me to get back on the skreets
Alexis Guzman feel better soon. I’d recommend limiting screen time. Helped immeasurably for myself.
When i clicked on a video about the benefits of riding in the suburbs, I definitely didn't expect on of the pluses to be coming to terms with your own mortality. Good video though.
Anyone watch a channel and go back and watch old videos/playlists, but suddenly forgot your still not subscribed?!
I've been watching Zach's channel for years, but just subscribed today... happy to see how much it's grown! Thanks for the consistent content.
I did 20 miles here in hilly, pot-holed Seattle yesterday.
It was like doing 30 on those flat roads of yours : )
-Not bragging, it nearly killed me
Here in New Orleans the streets are of a 3rd world thank god we have no hills😂
As a viewer from NYC, working on my bike uncomfortably on my living room floor, I can attest to this.
Lmfao I literally just installed a lockring with a pipe wrench. I felt that.
Not ideal but it probably worked ok. A pin punch and hammer also works well. It works well for removal if the Park tool keeps slipping off. Whatever you do, make sure that ring and cog are really, really tight!
I just got my aventon cordoba delivered yesterday, such a hard bike to find in 52cm. I rode it today to work instead of taking my car and my god is that bike so nice to ride. Was going to buy a state bike black label, but I’m so happy I looked for that cordoba cuz it was way cheaper!
Your videos have really increased in quality over the past 4 months − been really enjoying it man thank you
The Collision Assist software on all these new cars comes in handy for me, the cyclist. Avoided so many collisions from drivers who aren't paying that much attention this way.
Zach- I've been watching a lot of your older content lately, much of it for the 2x- really enjoying it. This one is so spot on, esp. RJ and a pipe wrench! 😂😁
We dont have bike lanes in my city, you’re lucky if there is a side walk. You made me more confident in “acting like a car” which has helped me the most with traffic, you need to do it to be seen, your safety is much more important then making someone’s commute 30 seconds longer. Keep riding reasonably dangerous!
A very good video! Thank you!
I've had a fantastic year until today. Two near misses in less than 5 minute and it gave me the cold sweats.
Phoenix has a handful of bike shops. Commuting means skinny sidewalks on 45mph (55mph realistically) main streets, inexplicable absences of said sidewalks, random chickens, and more red-light-runners than I thought was possible.
You have learned so much about working on bicycle and you can excellently keep them. I will learn some stuff from you I have to fix over one of my bike, the All-City model. I'm going to do it myself from watching you.
Zach, your videos are great. You remind me of myself back in the day taking on big climbs fixed. I'm riding a gravel geared bike at the moment. I want to build another fixed gear and remind myself of the one gear and state of mind to ride fixed. I have never enjoyed the lycra road scene that much.
Subscribed I ride a gravel bike for commutes the Fix gears seem fun and I may add one but I do enjoy your content thanks and glad to support any creators of the bike community.
Very well said👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
My local bike shop is like 200 metres away.
When you’re in there often enough, you start getting mates rates on work done, not so much parts. But I’m fine with that,
Was constantly trying out difference size cogs and chain rings, and he’d just charge me like $5 I just had to wait like 15 minutes while he finishes a job or serves a customer. But developed a good relationship with the shop, and now I get work done, go and ride it for an hour or two, go back in, tell him how it is, if any adjustments need to be made etc.
Plus it’s supporting local business, and it’s a small local shop so I can get behind it. And me going in and telling him my “findings” after all these changes along with his own experiences, he’s able to recommend better suited setups for more people.
I fw the content thank you for the advice g✨❤️
Can't wait for this episode gonna be dropped on my birthday! Thanks Zach
Happy birthday 🥳
Its your birthday too? Hbd fam
@@its_jowen thanks
@@Orney Thank you too
Happy Birthday!
My experience is sort of the opposite of many here. I have not wrecked yet, but one of the wrecks I am most afraid of is a car passing me, giving me too much room, and hitting a car coming the other way.
I LOVE THE TITLE OF THIS VIDEO👍
That's what i'm facing everyday on the streets of Jakarta, although there's a bike lane on some of the major streets but scooters & cars just don't care
same thing here in Manila... sucker to live in car-centric cities
ayy shoutout RJ the bike GOD
"if you're riding a bike, a part of you has to reconcile with death"
This is too real, bro. A shame it has to be this way.
really great video
Looking forward to the video
Growing up in Las Vegas where ppl are drunk or on drugs 24/7 and riding a bike as your transportation ya gotta learn how to listen watch and react super fast proud to say I have only been in one accident that was a hit and run they left me laying in the street but I’m 31 now and still alive so it’s all gravy
That shoutout to RJ The Bike Guy tho. Hahaha. He really did helped me and my friends whenever something is wrong with our bikes.
Hell yeah! Shout out to RJ and that Pipe Wrench!! Amirite?!
Sometimes I like to use cars as a kind of armor to protect me from other cars. When I see a reckless driver I try to run along next to, or tuck in behind someone else. Obviously this isn't going to help much against a psycho trying to ram you, but they generally give you warning signs.
I can relate to that.
In the worst case scenario (driving along a drunken driver), I just hop in sidewalk and dismount behind a parked car... Better be safe than sorry
@@pedrobarros4837 interestingly I found that I'm more afraid of losing my nerve than of getting hit. I took a crash recently and discovered that thinking about being to scared to ride again freaked me out more than thinking about how much worse the crash could have been.
The pipe wrench was my first bike tool. Removed many a lock ring 😄😄😄
I love playing in traffic in San Francisco it’s some of the funnest I’ve ever had fixed gear and I rarely feel uncomfortable or at risk. It’s not until I watch some Terry B or macaframa that I realize how reckless and dangerous it is. Great times
I carry a steel seat post just in case I get lip from any car, great vid zach!!!
quick tip: try athletic grey undershirt if you're looking to get rid of the sleeve line in your button ups.
i really have to get a fixed gear bike agian, i feel really motivated watching your videos
I also live in Sac. I rarely take the designated bike routes. Too dangerous trying to share the road with distracted drivers. I find a front and rear flashing light gives drivers a early heads up. Never assume they see you and yielding will save your butt for another day. Oh by the way, I stop at all signals and signs. Drivers who pull up next to me always seem more repectful.
-7:04 Haha this portion is actually the everyday struggle of cyclists here in the Philippines
I whent my whole teenage years using my dads tool kit to keep my BMX going no bike tools at all and I always ride very defensive and when people I ride with say "well I have the right of way " I always say say ya but that have a car ..be safe out there
Today is my birthday. Wanted a fixed gear but already own a bmx and an mtb. I really dig the video though.
Hey Zach, you should ride to Lake Tahoe!
Watching Zach swerve to cross the Train tracks reactivates my bike crash Ptsd.
we don't have this sort of suburban planning in europe, so i don't have a choice lol. even in more residential areas it's a rarity to have a garden at all. you need to live in small towns/villages outside of cities for that. at least in germany/continental europe
speaking of drivers in the suburbs, i nearly got killed by a car barreling about 50 mph down the main street in my town the other day. i would've been done for if i didn't brake in time
wholesome content
30 km commute it takes all out of me but I'm always smiling
Do all fixed gear bikes make the chain sounds that I hear I'm some of zachs footage?
Dude!.....I got some stories man!
I need a GoPro, I've been hit by cars and I've hit 3 ppl myself lol.
Love the show big Z, thx
Amen.
I live in the suburbs in new jersey... I am lucky where I can ride to get to some local stores within 20 miles but to live in this type of place you do need a car. To commute to work I do a park and ride.
Go to Denmark there are bike lanes all over the place even some raods dedicated to bikes
I use a 51×14 on a busy road and the hardest part is not riding with cars but motorcycles
I can see why is that. Most of them fly by in between car lanes. And they yell and honk at you for riding "in their space".
@@pedrobarros4837 Most of the time Im in the bike lane or on the side and some motorycle still honk at me even though there's a huge space on the left.
3:11 Yeah, those good times
Here in the philipines, those bike lines are just for parking cars. It even a lot worse here.
Suburban riding is big city riding for me lol. I have to drive with my bike on my car so that I can ride around on lunch.
Have you been to the Netherlands yet Zach?
I worry about new cyclists who haven't developed the necessary paranoia about cars.
Otoh, the bike infrastructure is immensely better than it used to be. Separated bike lanes? What luxury!
9:24 that made me a little sad as its so true
Here in Tucson we have good infrastructure for recreational riding and ok bike routes for commuters but to shop for example you must interact with drivers who are just horrible...either braindead hot rod types in giant trucks or ancient Buick drivers who are deaf and blind. I ride everywhere and got over the fear of heavy city traffic by getting out into it.71 yrs old no car it's always better to be on a bike!
I see you're wearing a bike cap.. worth trying one you think? I was looking at some at the store the other day
I found it made summer riding way better for me due to sweat control.
I live in Houston and we technically have bike lanes, but only on like 3 streets lol
What are some good under 100$ compact drop bars?
Been cycling in the city for decades. Truth is that we have to look out for road queens that feel the need to hit that right turn going 50 MPH. Mind you all that lots of them tend to take the "bicycle lane". Learned to bunny hop on a fixed gear and a los learned how to take a fall. Ride safe, folks.
What cycling cap are you wearing?
"Rj the bike guy and a pipe wrench" zach spittin facts
0:45 nice
Where did u get your bars
Zach, love the content n ur growth filming, but can u talk about stray dogs! I'm sure u have had some contact with them. What's ur tips on handling them. I've had been chased and attacked in rural , suburb and city riding. Thanks for the content keep it up,,,🤓
Hi Zach,are you owner the Wabi cycles?
I've worked in a bike shop and I always told people that the places I have the most sketchy situations are in slow speed situation e.g. neighborhoods, parking lots, gas stations... places where people in motor vehicles aren't looking where their going/think they belong there more than me.
I've had people stop half way through a stop sign before realizing I was in the intersection, honk at me from behind as I was turning left, and a car come within inches of me on a straight road.
I usually deal with those situations with either a bird or an angry 'FUCK YOU!' because death.
Last Thursday I was forced off the road by traffic and suffered a punctured lung and three broken ribs. A week before that some body purposely mirror checked me with their mustang...😣
psychotic. i hope you're feeling better this week.
@BeboSaab Why are you assume he/she was going slow? Nowhere in sentence mentioned that.
Hey if you make that reasonably dangerous seat tube sticker in a dark purple I would buy a few
Did 86 miles on Cordoba today. As you say, live life reasonably dangerously. More courteous drivers than hostile in Southern New Jersey. That said, you never know when your number will be up. Just hope it doesn't hurt for long.
I have almost been hit from cars going the opossite direction even though there were no road blocks on the other side of the road.
In suburban Philadelphia, about a few months ago, a high schooler was killed while riding in a bike lane because the driver didn't want the cyclist on the road.
As a bus driver, i'm already well primed for absolute vehicular idiocy. Unfortunately, many things only change after death. People, generally, pay attention to death.
I ride in Albuquerque. Drivers here are fantastic.
The problematic part of living in Vallejo,
People are the worst and hate cyclists. Especially myself since I’m like you and just wear plain clothes not anything else but my helmet. I get honked at and screamed at a lot around town and people get so close to me way too often it gets sketchy and scary. (I was hit in 2011 by a lady who was backing out of her driveway. So luckily she wasn’t going any further. I still have aches and pains from it still).
BeboSaab I’m not a slow rider ,I ride faster than some cars. I just live in the hood and pretty much everyone here gets annoyed by cyclists who ride in the road. Just because it’s one more thing to avoid. It’s just people being morons because they think they rule the road.
I got hit by a reversing vehicle twice. One suv and one car. It was in the city. Also got doored. Unexpected when it happens because by the time I notice the reversing light on the vehicle I'm a second too late. Luckily my bikes are fine and I'm fine. Looks like the tire took most of the damage or should I say absorb because it's fine when the suv reversed. The rear derailleur guard on my bike saved my derailleur from getting smashed by the reversing car. Just needed to tighten the rear skewer. Reminds me that the city does keep me sharp I can't relax for a second while on the road.
For me, this video is more of an advertisement for living in the city. Riding my non-athletic bike here in the suburbs just to get around can and will test your resolve. Thankfully I haven't caved and bought a car again, but some days are much worse than others.
Shout-outs to the big red pipe wrench
Hi what is your toolbox?
My LBS bike shop charges $25 for a flat tire replacement and no way I'm paying that much haha, so I do all the repairs by myself with trial and error.
Riding around my college town, which is in a big suburb, was easy cause the amount of foot & bike traffic. Riding in my way smaller hometown can be a death wish. Lots of drivers who ride in or too close to the bike lanes. We've had an increase in accidents from Summer to now cause lots of people were buying & riding bikes. Don't know if it was pissing off the motorists that they had more than 2 people in the bike lane next to them or what.
1:48 "and probably next week I'll chew my wheels..." UM ok lmao
"true"
It did kinda sounds like "chew" though. LOL
Getting kinda jellous of all those flat roads after cycling in city built over hills for so long
stand strong 108 been around forever
I live in Jersey CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE is NONEXISTENT in most of the state. Drivers are absolutely horrible here for the majority. They drive real close to you and cut you off all the time. The law state that riding on the sidewalk is illegal yet drivers,( the ones that got their licenses from a Cracker Jack box) insist on telling me to ride on the sidewalk and get off the road. Where a helmet have blinking lights all you want. The first words to to the police are always the same "I swear I didn't see him/her riding the bicycle ....." I'm not svelte by any means and wear reflective vest and still the driver that wrecked my last bike had the gall to say exactly those words. Good Luck to the cyclists out there WE need it.
Bro I got nailed by a car a month ago and it darn near killed me. Luckily insurance quickly realized it was the driver’s fault but dang.
Nice
Sending you a big ass bottle of SQuirt. Drivetrain is screaming !!!
Hey! I’ve been following for over a year and just found out you moved back to Sac! I used to live in the suburbs (Folsom), now live in the midtown area. Any suggestions on bike shops and if I were to purchase a fixed gear, any recommendations on shops to assemble it?
Hey guys, this is a really weird question, but I haven’t had a bike in years and well my ass hurts because of the seat. Is it because I’m not used to it or can I do something to help with it?
Wrong saddle. Zach also has some vids on this topic
Eberhard Hürlimann bro link it