I REALLY want my feet on the ground

As I posted in another thread, I've just bought a bike after not riding for 25+ years. I'm in NYC, so there's a lot of traffic.

I started with the seat low enough that I could put my feet flat on the ground; now I'm trying to gradually raise it to where it should be and I feel really insecure.

Is there a trick to dealing with this, or is it just a matter of practice?

On other topics, I started a bike repair class which is really fun. I'm doing a group ride this Sunday, too. It's for beginning city riders so I hope to learn a lot.

I've been practicing carrying my bike up and down stairs so I might tackle the subway this weekend. I want to take a trip to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail within the next few weeks. Kind of funny -- I'm not worried about the trail at all; I've done part of it on my Xootr. But getting the bike on and off two trains is a bit daunting. I've done as much "stair practice" as I have bike riding.

Pam

practice practice. Some riding instructors will start you that way. But once you get used to it, you will find it is more comfortable to lift that seat. No rush. take your time
but it's really hard on your knees to pedal like that.

Ah yes, the plea for our feet on the ground. I'll sing the chorus with you.

I can live with just having the front part of one foot on the ground while still seated on the saddle. That's where I'm drawing the line. Otherwise, I'm miserable and unsteady.

As for hefting your bike around, it does get easier....especially when I discovered I'd left a five pound book in the pannier and tried to lift it onto the bus rack for days without knowing. Lifting the 30 pound (loaded down versions) bike several times a day has done wonders for my upper body strength.

Yes, there is a trick. Once you learn to step down onto a pedal to stop, then placing the other foot forward onto the ground, you will be okay with having your saddle higher. This is easier to have demonstrated for you than to explain in words, so see if you can find a friend who knows how to do this and can show you.