71. When you’re running new cables on your bike, be sure to prestretch them. The easy way is to tighten them down and then pull on them along the length of the downtube.

72. On the night before your big race, be sure to get inspired by watching some good YouTube video of your favorite pro racer in action.

73. If you lose your chain upfront while riding, you don’t have to dismount and manually reinstall it. Try shifting the front derailleur back and forth a few times while slowly pedaling forward. Chances are that the derailleur will pick up the chain and re-mount itself.

74. Work on your cadence—ride a fixie.

Tip #75 - Group ride etiquette
(Photo: Yuzuru Sunada)

75. If you’re joining a group ride for the first time, remember to temper your enthusiasm and start mid-pack. Remember, too, that there is often a pecking order, and newbies are not always appreciated or welcomed upfront.

76. It’s an old maxim that holds true today: Nothing makes you faster than riding with faster riders.

77. Equally so, nothing makes you a better racer than racing.

78. Especially when descending, don’t let faster riders draw you into corners at their speed. Try to do most of your braking before you commit to the turn, and then keep your fingers loosely on the levers.

Tip #79 - You don't have to be a ProTour team driver to help out in a bike race or charity ride.
(Photo: Yuzuru Sunada)

79. Do your part for the community once a year: pass up a chance to ride in order to drive a sag wagon or work as a corner volunteer.

80. Don’t apply sunscreen on your forehead; nothing burns the eyes more than chemical-laden sweat!

81. Be a role model for your kids and always wear a helmet when you ride with them. Even on a quick testride from the garage, they are always watching.

82. Nearly every bike shop puts on weekly organized rides. If yours doesn’t, find a new bike shop that does.

83. Spending more time in the big ring will improve chain life. It increases the number of teeth in contact with the chain, thereby distributing tension.

84. To seal cable ends, use liquid rubber from the hardware store that’s made for coating tools. It comes in red, yellow or blue.

85. Carry surgical gloves for roadside repairs. After using them, they peel off with the grease and dirt on the inside, and ride away with clean hands.

86. Putting reflective tape on your rims between the spokes and on the crankarms can save a life.

87. Log on to RoadBikeAction.com to stay in touch with everything you need to know about the sport.