---
name: cycling-coach
description: |
  Guide to road, mountain, and gravel cycling including bike fit, training plans, nutrition, maintenance, group riding etiquette, race preparation, and commuting.
  Use when the user asks about cycling coach, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain.
  Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of cycling coach or requires a different specialized skill.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "guide hiking budgeting nutrition beginner-friendly advanced testing planning"
  category: "hobbies-crafts"
  subcategory: "outdoor-recreation"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "advanced"
---

# Cycling Coach Guide


## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about cycling coach techniques or best practices
- User needs guidance on cycling coach concepts
- User wants to implement or improve their approach to cycling coach

**Do NOT use when:**
- The request falls outside the scope of cycling coach
- User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
- The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

## Questions to Ask First

Before recommending a cycling approach:

1. What type of cycling interests you? (Road, mountain, gravel, commuting, touring, triathlon)
2. What is your experience level? (New to cycling / Casual rider / Intermediate / Competitive)
3. What is your fitness level? (Sedentary / Moderately active / Very fit / Athletic)
4. Do you own a bike? What type and age?
5. What are your goals? (Fitness, weight loss, commuting, century ride, racing, adventure)
6. How many hours per week can you ride? (2-3 / 4-6 / 7-10 / 10+)
7. What is your budget for a bike? ($300-500 / $500-1,500 / $1,500-4,000 / $4,000+)
8. What terrain is around you? (Flat, hilly, mountainous)
9. Do you have any injuries or physical limitations?
10. Will you ride solo, with a group, or both?

## Bike Types and Selection

### Road Bikes
- **Purpose**: Paved roads, speed, distance, fitness, racing
- **Features**: Drop handlebars, narrow tires (25-32mm), lightweight frame
- **Endurance geometry**: More upright, comfortable for long rides (Canyon Endurace, Trek Domane)
- **Race geometry**: Aggressive, aerodynamic position (Specialized Tarmac, Cervelo R5)
- **Budget**: Entry-level $800-1,500, enthusiast $1,500-4,000, high-end $4,000+
- **Material**: Aluminum (great value), carbon fiber (lighter, absorbs vibration), steel (durable, comfortable), titanium (premium, lifetime)

### Mountain Bikes
- **Purpose**: Off-road trails, dirt, rocks, roots, drops
- **Hardtail** (front suspension only): Lighter, cheaper, better for cross-country and beginners
- **Full suspension** (front and rear): Better for rough terrain, downhill, more comfortable, heavier, expensive
- **Travel**: Cross-country (100-120mm), trail (120-150mm), enduro (150-170mm), downhill (170-200mm)
- **Budget**: Entry $500-1,000, enthusiast $1,500-3,500, high-end $3,500+
- **Wheel sizes**: 29" (faster, more stable), 27.5" (more nimble, playful)

### Gravel Bikes
- **Purpose**: Mixed surface riding (pavement, gravel roads, light trails)
- **Features**: Drop bars, wider tires (35-50mm), relaxed geometry, disc brakes
- **Best for**: Versatility, bikepacking, exploring, those who want one bike for everything
- **Budget**: Entry $1,000-2,000, enthusiast $2,000-4,500
- **Popular models**: Canyon Grail, Specialized Diverge, Trek Checkpoint

### Commuter/City Bikes
- **Purpose**: Transportation, errands, daily commuting
- **Features**: Fenders, lights, rack, upright position, low maintenance
- **Types**: Flat-bar road bike, hybrid, single-speed, e-bike
- **Budget**: $400-1,500

### E-Bikes
- **Electric motor assist** (pedal-assist, not motorcycle)
- **Classes**: Class 1 (pedal assist to 20mph), Class 2 (throttle to 20mph), Class 3 (pedal assist to 28mph)
- **Best for**: Commuting, hills, longer distances, riders returning after injury, keeping up with faster friends
- **Budget**: $1,500-5,000+

## Bike Fit

### Why Fit Matters
A properly fit bike prevents injury, increases power, improves comfort, and makes riding more enjoyable. A poor fit causes: Knee pain, back pain, neck pain, hand numbness, saddle discomfort, and inefficiency.

### Basic Fit Points

**Saddle Height**
- Stand next to bike: Saddle should be approximately hip height
- Sitting on saddle with heel on pedal at bottom: Leg should be straight
- Clipped in at bottom of pedal stroke: Slight bend in knee (25-35 degrees)
- Too high: Rocking hips, hamstring pain, knee pain at back of knee
- Too low: Knee pain at front of knee, quad fatigue

**Saddle Position (Fore/Aft)**
- Sit on saddle, pedal at 3 o'clock position (forward)
- Kneecap should be directly over pedal axle (KOPS method)
- Adjust by sliding saddle forward/backward on rails

**Handlebar Height and Reach**
- Beginners: Bars level with or slightly above saddle (upright, comfortable)
- Experienced: Bars 2-4cm below saddle (more aero, aggressive)
- Reach: With hands on hoods, elbows should have slight bend, shoulders relaxed

**Professional Bike Fit**
- Worth the investment ($150-300) for anyone riding regularly
- Retul or motion-capture systems measure body angles precisely
- Address persistent pain or discomfort
- Recommended: After buying a new bike, or if you have chronic pain

### Saddle Selection
- Width: Match to sit bone width (bike shops have measuring tools)
- Shape: Flat (flexible riders), curved (less flexible), cutout (relieves pressure)
- Padding: More is not always better (too much padding can cause more pressure, not less)
- Finding the right saddle may take trying 2-3 options (many shops offer demo programs)

## Training Plans

### Base Building (Weeks 1-4)
- **Goal**: Build aerobic fitness, develop pedaling efficiency
- **3-4 rides per week**, 30-60 minutes each
- **Intensity**: Conversational pace (Zone 2, can talk comfortably)
- **Focus**: Smooth pedaling, consistent cadence (80-95 RPM)
- **Rest days**: At least 2 per week

### Building Fitness (Weeks 5-12)
- **4-5 rides per week**
- **Long ride**: One ride per week at 1.5-3 hours (builds endurance)
- **Interval ride**: One ride with structured hard efforts (see below)
- **Recovery rides**: 2-3 easy rides (30-45 minutes, very easy effort)
- **Introduce hills**: Hill repeats build strength and cardiovascular fitness

### Sample Week (Intermediate)
| Day | Workout | Duration |
|-----|---------|----------|
| Monday | Rest | - |
| Tuesday | Tempo ride (moderate sustained effort) | 60 min |
| Wednesday | Easy spin / Recovery | 30-45 min |
| Thursday | Intervals: 4x5 min hard, 3 min recovery | 60 min |
| Friday | Rest or yoga/stretching | - |
| Saturday | Long ride (endurance pace) | 2-3 hours |
| Sunday | Easy ride or active recovery | 45-60 min |

### Training Zones
| Zone | Name | Effort | Description |
|------|------|--------|-------------|
| 1 | Recovery | Very easy | Barely pedaling, spinning legs |
| 2 | Endurance | Easy-moderate | Conversational, sustainable all day |
| 3 | Tempo | Moderate | Can speak in sentences, work being done |
| 4 | Threshold | Hard | Short sentences only, sustainable 20-60 min |
| 5 | VO2 Max | Very hard | Few words, sustainable 3-8 min |
| 6 | Anaerobic | Maximum | Cannot speak, 30 sec - 2 min efforts |

### Measuring Intensity
- **Heart rate monitor** ($30-50 chest strap): Reliable, affordable
- **Power meter** ($300-1,500): Gold standard, measures actual work output in watts
- **Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)**: 1-10 scale, free, surprisingly useful
- FTP (Functional Threshold Power): Your maximum sustainable power for 1 hour

## Nutrition on Rides

### Under 60 Minutes
- Water is usually sufficient
- Eat a balanced meal 1-2 hours before

### 60-90 Minutes
- Water: 16-24 oz per hour
- Optional: One gel or bar if high intensity

### 90+ Minutes
- **Water**: 16-32 oz per hour (more in heat)
- **Electrolytes**: Add to water or take tablets (sodium, potassium, magnesium)
- **Calories**: 200-300 calories per hour after the first hour
- **Carbohydrate sources**: Energy gels (Gu, Clif), bars, fig newtons, rice cakes, bananas, dates
- **Rule**: Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty

### Fueling Strategy for Long Rides
- **Pre-ride (2-3 hours before)**: Complex carbohydrates, moderate protein (oatmeal, toast, eggs)
- **During ride**: Primarily simple carbohydrates (easily digestible sugars)
- **Post-ride (within 30 minutes)**: Protein + carbohydrates for recovery (chocolate milk, recovery shake, balanced meal)

### Hydration
- Dehydration of just 2% body weight reduces performance significantly
- Light-colored urine = adequately hydrated
- In heat: Consider electrolyte-heavy drinks, pre-load sodium
- Carry enough water for the route (plan refill stops on long rides)

## Bike Maintenance

### Before Every Ride (ABC Quick Check)
- **A**ir: Tires properly inflated (check with gauge, not squeeze test)
  - Road: 80-100 PSI (check sidewall for range)
  - Mountain: 25-35 PSI (lower for grip)
  - Gravel: 35-50 PSI
- **B**rakes: Squeeze levers, check pad wear, ensure wheels stop
- **C**hain: Clean, lubricated, not stretched/rusted
- **Quick releases/thru-axles**: Tight and secure

### Essential At-Home Maintenance

**Flat Tire Repair** (Every cyclist must know this)
1. Remove wheel (quick release or thru-axle)
2. Deflate tube completely, unseat tire bead with tire levers
3. Remove tube, find puncture (inflate and listen/feel)
4. Patch or replace tube
5. Check inside tire for thorn, glass, or wire (the cause)
6. Reinstall tube (slightly inflated for shape), seat tire bead
7. Inflate to proper pressure
8. Practice at home before your first ride!

**Chain Cleaning and Lubrication** (Every 100-200 miles)
1. Apply degreaser to chain, scrub with chain cleaning tool or brush
2. Wipe clean with rag
3. Apply appropriate chain lube (wet lube for rain, dry lube for dry conditions)
4. Wipe off excess (lube the rollers, not the outside of the chain)
5. Shift through all gears

**Brake Adjustment**
- Rim brakes: Pads should contact rim squarely, 1-2mm clearance
- Disc brakes: Pads should not rub rotor (listen for scraping sound)
- Replace pads when wear indicator is reached

**Derailleur Adjustment**
- Basic barrel adjuster turns can fix minor shifting issues
- If shifting is consistently off: Cable tension, limit screws, or hanger alignment may need professional adjustment

### Professional Service Schedule
- **Annual tune-up**: Full inspection, cable/housing replacement, bearing check ($75-150)
- **Major service**: Every 2,000-3,000 miles or annually (everything above plus bottom bracket, headset, wheel true)
- **When to go to the shop**: Unusual noises, consistent shifting problems, wheel wobble, loose headset

### Essential Carry-Along Toolkit
- Spare inner tube (2 for long rides)
- Tire levers (2-3)
- Mini pump or CO2 inflator
- Multi-tool (hex keys, screwdriver, chain tool)
- Patch kit
- Phone with charge
- ID and cash/card

## Group Riding Etiquette

### Paceline Basics
- **Single paceline**: Riders in a line, front rider pulls (breaks wind), rotates off after effort
- **Double paceline**: Two lines of riders side by side, rotating
- **Front rider controls pace** (do not accelerate when you move to front)
- **Hold your line**: Ride predictably, no sudden swerving
- **Gap**: Half wheel-length to one wheel-length behind rider in front (overlap is dangerous)

### Communication Signals
- **"Car back!"**: Vehicle approaching from behind
- **"Car up!"**: Vehicle ahead
- **Pointing at road hazard**: Glass, pothole, debris (point and call it out)
- **"Slowing!"**: Announce before braking
- **"Stopping!"**: Announce before stopping
- **Left arm behind back**: Mechanical issue, pulling off
- **Hand wave down**: Slow down
- **"Clear!" / "Not clear!"**: At intersections

### Group Ride Norms
- Introduce yourself if new to the group
- Ride at the advertised pace (do not attack, do not lag)
- No earbuds on group rides (you need to hear)
- Help riders with mechanicals (share tubes, tools, support)
- Do not half-wheel (riding half a bike length ahead of the person next to you, forcing them to speed up)
- Regroup at intersections and after hills

## Race Preparation

### Types of Cycling Events
- **Gran Fondo / Century**: Long-distance mass-participation rides (50-100+ miles)
- **Criterium**: Short course, many laps, fast and tactical
- **Road race**: Point-to-point or circuit, tactics and teamwork
- **Time trial**: Individual effort against the clock
- **Gravel races**: Mixed surface, endurance, self-supported
- **Mountain bike races**: Cross-country, enduro, downhill
- **Cyclocross**: Short off-road circuits, dismounting/running required, fall/winter season

### Preparing for Your First Event
1. **Choose appropriate event**: Beginners start with a charity ride or gran fondo
2. **Train for the distance**: Build to event distance in training rides (several weeks before)
3. **Nutrition practice**: Test your race-day food during training (never try new nutrition on race day)
4. **Equipment check**: Tune bike, check tires, charge computer, test accessories
5. **Pre-ride logistics**: Registration, parking, start time, course map
6. **Race week**: Reduce training volume (taper), eat well, sleep well
7. **Race day**: Arrive early, warm up 15-20 minutes, start conservative (do not go out too fast)

## Commuting by Bike

### Setting Up for Commuting
- **Route planning**: Use cycling-specific maps (Google Maps bike layer, Strava heat map for popular routes)
- **Fenders**: Keep spray off you and your clothes
- **Lights**: Front (minimum 300 lumens) and rear (minimum 50 lumens) - even during daytime
- **Lock**: U-lock (Kryptonite, Abus) is most secure, cable lock for secondary
- **Rack and panniers**: Carry clothes, laptop, lunch (do not use a backpack if possible - back sweat)
- **Clothing**: Change at work, or bike-specific commuter clothing that looks professional
- **Shower access**: If workplace has showers, game changer; if not, baby wipes and fresh shirt

### Commuting Safety
- Be visible: Bright colors, reflective elements, lights always on
- Be predictable: Signal turns, hold your line, obey traffic laws
- Assume drivers do not see you
- Watch for car doors (the "door zone" is the #1 urban cycling hazard)
- Eye contact with drivers at intersections
- Take the lane when the road is too narrow to share safely
- Avoid riding in car blind spots

### E-Bike Commuting
- Eliminates the "arriving sweaty" problem
- Flattens hills and headwinds
- Extends practical commute distance to 10-20 miles each way
- May qualify for employer incentives or tax credits in some jurisdictions

## Safety Considerations

- **Helmet**: Always, for every ride, no exceptions. Replace after any crash.
- **Visibility**: Lights front and rear (even daytime), bright clothing, reflective elements
- **Road awareness**: Ride with traffic (never against), use bike lanes when available, signal turns
- **Mechanical safety**: Ensure brakes work before every ride
- **Weather**: Rain reduces visibility and braking; avoid riding in thunderstorms or on icy roads
- **Hydration and nutrition**: Bonking (running out of energy) can cause impaired judgment and crashes
- **ID and ICE**: Carry identification and emergency contact information on every ride
- **First aid**: Know how to treat road rash (clean thoroughly, keep moist, cover)

## Progression Path

1. **Phase 1**: Get a bike that fits, ride 2-3 times per week, 30-60 minutes, learn basic maintenance
2. **Phase 2**: Extend rides to 1-2 hours, join a group ride, develop nutrition strategy
3. **Phase 3**: Structured training, complete a century or other event goal, explore new terrain types
4. **Phase 4**: Racing or advanced riding, power meter training, bike travel
5. **Phase 5**: Multiple disciplines (road + gravel + mountain), bike touring, mentoring others
6. **Phase 6**: Competitive racing, coaching certification, long-distance touring, community advocacy

## Resources

- **Strava** (app): Activity tracking, segment competition, route finding, community
- **TrainerRoad / Zwift**: Indoor training platforms with structured plans
- **GCN (Global Cycling Network)** on YouTube: Technique, maintenance, reviews
- **Books**: "The Cyclist's Training Bible" by Joe Friel
- **Books**: "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance" by Lennard Zinn
- **Apps**: Ride with GPS (route planning), Komoot (adventure cycling)
- **Community**: Local bike clubs, shop group rides, cycling advocacy organizations
- **USA Cycling**: Racing licenses and event calendar


## Process

1. **Gather information.** Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. **Analyze context.** Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to cycling coach
3. **Develop recommendations.** Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. **Present structured output.** Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. **Address follow-ups.** Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback


## Output Format

```template
## Cycling Coach Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
```


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
- **Conflicting requirements:** Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
- **Beginner vs advanced:** Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with cycling coach for my current situation"

**Output:**

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to cycling coach:

1. **Assessment:** Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. **Strategy:** Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. **Implementation:** Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. **Review:** Monitor progress and adjust as needed
