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View Full Version : Any tips for new rider & form?



femalefemur
04-24-2007, 08:45 PM
New to riding. I notice that when Im trying to spin really fast that I wobble a bit. This also happens when I am going down hill. I've tried repositioning my hands but- just can't seem to find the right form.

Just purchased my new bike, specialzed ruby- which fit me the best out of other stock bikes I tried. I plan to go in for another adjustment- but does anyone know if its possibly my form/positioning? Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks & happy riding =)

BleeckerSt_Girl
04-25-2007, 05:22 AM
Some wobbling is normal for a new rider. If you are going in for a fit, have them check to make sure your stem is not too short- this can cause excess wobble in your steering.
You will also likely find that at first your body might seem too stretched out and far fromthe handlebars....but with riding time your core muscles will strengthen and the reach will seem less extreme and more comfortable. Your stronger core muscles will also help keep you from feeling like you are falling forward onto your hands, because you will begin to distribute your weight and balance more evenly between seat, hands, and feet.

You want your "cockpit" room to be neither too long or too short.
Sometimes new riders feel the need to shorten the reach a lot by doing things like putting shorter stems, pushing saddle all the way forward, tilting handlebars up, raising the handlebars...etc...and then months later with stronger muscles they feel cramped and need to lengthen it again to a more "normal" fit and reach. Keep in mind that our bodies change and adapt with time in addition to the changes we make to our bikes.

KnottedYet
04-25-2007, 05:38 AM
"trying to spin really fast"

Do you need to change gears at that point? If you are in too easy a gear you may be pedalling at a faster cadence than your body can go and still maintain a steady posture on the bike.

Like everything Lisa mentioned, this can change too as your muscles adapt and your body learns new movement patterns.

For now you might feel more steady if you get into a slightly harder gear. But be aware that as things change your gear choices will also change. It's all very cool! (my comfortable cadence is much higher now than it used to be)

HillSlugger
04-25-2007, 07:43 AM
If your seat is too high you could be rocking too much in the saddle to reach the bottom of your pedal stroke.

femalefemur
04-28-2007, 08:52 AM
great thank you for the feedback :)