from Rookie’s keyboard
Look, I get it.
We all want to be the cool cyclist who casually rides no hands, eating a sandwich with one hand, texting with the other, and maybe even playing the guitar (if you’re really ambitious).
But there’s a reality here, and that reality is that I’m the guy who couldn’t even ride 10 feet without clutching the handlebars like my life depended on it. (BTW I was 29 at the time.)
And let me tell you, if I can finally learn how to keep both hands off the bars—so can you. So grab a helmet, ignore the nagging voice screming “you can’t”, and let’s dive into these brutal, no-nonsense tips.
1. Commit to the Hip Thrust (Yes, Really)
First things first, you can’t half-ass this. No, really. You have to commit. It’s like a bad relationship where you either put your whole heart into it or leave.
Back in the day, a few cyclists from the LBS (local bike shop) talked about doing the “hip thrust” move, and at first, I thought they were talking about some wild dance moves for a biker rave. Turns out, it’s a legit technique.
Here’s the deal: push your hips forward, shoulders back, and—get this—pedal. When your core is engaged, your body is steady, and your bike behaves. This isn’t a slow dance, people, it’s a commitment.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Hip thrust | Stability, baby! |
| Core engagement | Less wobble, less fear |
| Pedaling rhythm | Success in the saddle |
2. Sit Up Straight, or Stay Scared
I thought I could ride hands-free slouched over, looking like some kind of hunchback. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t work. You need to sit up straight like you’ve got something to prove to the world. Leaning back is cool, but don’t go full lounge mode just yet. Your bike will love you more when you align your body with the road.
Cyclists swear by the fact that sitting upright helps reduce wobble. So, try it. It’s either that or look like a terrified mess on your bike, which we all know is the opposite of cool.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Straight posture | Increased balance |
| Core engagement | Bike stability |
| Pedaling rhythm | Confidence |
3. Momentum Is Your Best Friend
You can’t just slow pedal and expect to pull off a no-hands trick. You need some speed. Once you hit a certain pace, your bike gets this thing called “gyroscopic assistance.” Basically, the faster you go, the steadier you are (until you hit “the wobble of death,” but let’s pretend we’re invincible, alright?).
A wise soul once said, “The faster you go, the more stable you are.” Sure, they were talking about avoiding obstacles, but I like to think they were just trying to make me feel less scared.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Speed | Stable bike, fewer shakes |
| Pedaling cadence | Momentum keeps you balanced |
4. Bike Geometry Matters (Not Your Excuse to Get a New Bike)
Before you go blaming your bike, realize this: bike geometry plays a role. My road bike? A twitchy, unstable mess when I tried hands-free. My MTB bike? No sweat. If you’re struggling, check your bike’s design. Some bikes are simply harder to control without hands. I’d love to blame mine, but I know it’s mostly me.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Better bike geometry | Easier ride, fewer crashes |
| Less twitchy design | More balance and control |
5. Keep Your Core Tight—Like a Sore Hangover
There’s a magical part of your body called the “core.” Use it. I mean, use it like you’re trying to keep your pants from falling down. When your core is engaged, your bike doesn’t feel like it’s going to flop over at the slightest bump. Flex those abs like you’re about to give a fitness class. Your future hands-free self will thank you.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Tight core | Stability, less wobble |
| Pedaling rhythm | Smooth no-hand ride |
6. Don’t Be a Hero, Start Slow
For real, if you’re trying to ride no hands in the middle of a busy intersection, you’re asking for trouble. Find a quiet stretch of road, or even better, a bike path that’s smooth and empty. Don’t try this in rush hour traffic—you’ll end up on the pavement faster than a bad decision at 2 AM.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Quiet, smooth path | Less stress, more practice |
| Calm environment | More focus, fewer distractions |
7. Start by Dropping One Hand, Then the Other
It’s tempting to go all in, but trust me—baby steps. Take one hand off first. Get comfortable. Then, take the other off. Don’t pull off a circus act unless you’re fully committed. Start by just resting your hands near the bars, but not holding them. You’ll get the hang of it, eventually.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| One hand off | Less wobble, more control |
| Gradual progress | Confidence boost |
8. Focus on the Road, Not the Wobble
Look ahead. Don’t stare at your handlebars or focus on the wobble. Once you look at a fixed point ahead, your front wheel will follow. This isn’t just basic advice, it’s essential. If you start thinking too much about not crashing, guess what? You’ll crash. Don’t give your brain that power.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Focused vision | Straight path ahead |
| Head up, eyes forward | Less wobble, more control |
9. The Hands-Free Benefits Are Real (Sort Of)
Sure, riding hands-free makes you look cool, but there are real perks, too. You can eat a whole sub sandwich (I’m talking six feet), grab your phone without crashing, and—if you’re lucky—flex your abs without worrying about bike balance. You’re going to feel like an invincible biking god, minus the fact that you’ll probably crash a few times first.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Confidence | A killer sandwich-eating pose |
| Practice | Being able to check your phone safely |
10. Safety First, Show Off Later
You might be tempted to show off for your friends by riding hands-free during a climb. It’s a great trick, but remember: safety is key. Don’t show off so much that you forget you’re on a bike, not a rollercoaster. Get a solid grip when needed, and put your hands back on the bars when you’re near traffic or other riders. No one wants to be the guy who falls off and ruins their riding group’s day.
| What You’ll Need | Result |
|---|---|
| Safety first | Less injuries, more confidence |
| Hands back on bars | Safety, in control of the ride |
There you have it. 10 essential tips, delivered by a guy who couldn’t get past the fear of taking his hands off the handlebars. If I can do it, so can you. Now go out there and let the wind do its thing.
The most important part: just don’t stop training. Dedicated 5-10 minutes every ride and you will get this in 2-3 months. Dedicate 30 minutes a day and you will get in 6 weeks.
Don’t try to learn the skill too fast – it will backfire. Your body needs time to learn. Let it.
Until next time,
Rookie
P.S. Like I said, at 29 I couldn’t ride no-hands. Today, I can ride no hands even with a heavy front rack. Of course, if it’s loaded heavily, I don’t even try.
Moral of the story.
Stay consistent.
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