Cycling is gloriously simple – that’s why five years olds can learn to ride a bike. But cycling is also fabulously complicated. There are hundreds of minor details, from the right clothing and body position to the proper tire pressure and seat height, that can make your ride smoother, safer, more comfortable, less painful and, best of all, more fun. The trouble is that most just beyond basic knowledge is either passed down in whispered advice from experienced cyclists, or is left to be learned in the school of hard knocks. Here are solutions to six all too common blunders. Pass them on to your favorite newbie rider, or consider them your secret handshake – and a welcome to the club

1. OOPS: You have a panty line AHA! Bike shorts should come with a flashing tag that says, ” Do not wear underpants.” The extra layer of fabric can cause chafing and irritation, and also trap enough moisture to fuel a bacterial wildfire. Do yourself a favor and go commando. Bike shorts are designed to be in direct contact with your skin, and the wicking fabrics pull away excess moisture to keep things cozy. Similar no-nos: cotton T-shirts (no wicking, no pockets, no zippers, no good) and white athletics socks (no wicking, can cause blisters)

2. OOPS: Your seat looks awfully low AHA! On most bikes, you can’t stay in the saddle and have your feet flat on the ground. (There are some notable exceptions – Electra cruisers, recumbents, etc. – but only because their long, slack geometries allow proper leg extensions from a low slung saddle.) Sure, it’s possible to lower your seat so your perch feels less precarious, but it’s a slippery slope. With a lower position, you don’t get enough leg extension, which can lead to knee injuries and quad cramps. Correct saddle height allows for proper leg extension with a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

3. OOPS: Your helmet straps are dangling AHA! Next time you strap on your helmet, do this test: Grab your lid with both hands, and try to move it back and forth on your noggin. Don’t be gentle. If the helmet moves more than an inch in any direction, tighten the straps. Why? A helmet protects your head only if it stays put during a crash. A loose fitting helmet can lead to injury if it’s pushed over your face when you hit the ground or if it bounces down and covers your eyes on a technical descent.

4. OOPS: You haven’t moved your upper body since the ride began AHA! Obvious tension is the hallmark of a beginner. Every cyclist fears scary terrain now and again, but experienced bikers know that riding with locked elbows and a white knuckle grip on the bar transforms your body into a block of wood, and blocks of wood cannot use body English the subtle shifts, leans and hitches that keep you in control when things get hairy. Stay loose and avoid a stiff back by varying hand position, wiggling your fingers, taking deep breaths and relaxing your shoulders.

5. OOPS: You continue to lock up your rear wheel when braking AHA! The problem here isn’t with the back wheel. The front brake is the issue. Or, rather, a fear of it. The majority of your stopping power comes from the front brake – just shift your weight back when you give the front lever a squeeze. Remember: You scrub speed with your rear brake, but you stop with your front.

6. OOPS: You’re getting frustrated, and it’s holding you back AHA! Trying something new takes guts. Bad days happen to everybody. You won’t always stay with the group on the climbs, or clear every obstacle on the trail. And that’s okay – as long as you don’t complain and give up. Instead, congratulate your riding buddy on a climb well done, or for the spectacular move the new fallen tree. Ask for advice, then vow to try again next time. Maybe you’ll make it, and maybe you won’t. The fun is in the attempt.