Confession to make

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I am certainly not brave, or skilled enough, to try really standing in the saddle when riding. I need to get stronger and ramp up my bike skills before I try that - however I would like to start properly because I see how much more secure and strong those first few strokes appear to be for those who do... I want that :p

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Don't worry...you sound like you're doing a lot better than I am and this is my 4th year riding with nearly 10K miles under my belt!

Starting...I used to start like you with your butt on the saddle. Then I learned to clip in with my right foot and push myself along with my left foot until I get enough speed to get my butt in the saddle and my left foot on the pedal. I cannot clip in at 10:00 or 12:00 and then push off with a big pedal stroke...it feels wobbly and it freaks me out. Unfortunately my method of starting means I absolutely cannot start on an uphill, which is limiting. I know exactly what you mean about seeing how other cyclists look strong when they start. I want that too!!!

Standing up...I cannot stand up and pedal. I have tried it but it feels so unbalanced and scary...I have a total complex about it now. But I ride very hilly terrain and I can get up steep hills ok without standing. So if you don't feel comfortable trying it, use your granny gear and keep your butt on the seat like me!

Stopping...Sounds like you've got the hang of this, which is great! I think this is probably the most important from a safety standpoint. You have to be able to stop safely. Unfortunately for me, I am a moron when it comes to stopping and I avoid it whenever possible (even at stop signs!!!). I unclip both feet and wait for the bike to tip until my foot hits the ground. Can't do the one-foot-clipped-stand-on-the-pedal thing. Tried it, tipped over twice. Now I have a complex about that too.

There is good advice from other posts here and I bet you will do fine. Even if it takes you a while, just remember you're doing better than I am!!!!

Lots of good food for thought - thanks! I must say, however, that I am not clipping in at this time. I tried it a month or so ago, for those who may remember my "clipless Olympics" that, among other things, necessitated a new helmet :eek:

I will try again, after starting/stopping/shifting properly all become part of my muscle memory :o

So right now I ride in regular athletic shoes/BMX pedals - though am saving for a pair of Keen Commuters - even without cleats I see the need for stiffer shoes.

Rain this weekend :( but will devote a riding session soon to practicing in my favorite park with my LHT - I need to practice shifting with that bike anyway.

I have a pair of Keen commuter sandals in size 8.5 that I'll sell for $50, including shipping. I wore them just to the beach, which is 2.5 miles from my house (so, they have less than 100 miles on them). They have SPD cleats installed, and I can either include those or not. I did very little walking in them, and always took them off as soon as I hit the sand.

I have too many cycling shoes to justify keeping these specifically for the beach. Let me know if you're interested.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I have a pair of Keen commuter sandals in size 8.5 that I'll sell for $50, including shipping. I wore them just to the beach, which is 2.5 miles from my house (so, they have less than 100 miles on them). They have SPD cleats installed, and I can either include those or not. I did very little walking in them, and always took them off as soon as I hit the sand.

I have too many cycling shoes to justify keeping these specifically for the beach. Let me know if you're interested.

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Oh my, this would be delightful! I am not sure if they would fit however - I wear a 42 in my Bontrager MTB shoes, and either an 8.5 or 9 in regular shoes depending on the manufacturer (or a 40-41).

I have a pair of regular Keens at home, I won't get in until after spinning tonight but will check out what size those are. I know the Keen Commuters are made differently - but one assumes I would take the same size in both. Thanks for the offer and will get back with you soon.

I bet they'll fit. I'm also a size 8.5-9 in street shoes. If you want to give them a try, I'll send them to you, and you can send them back if they don't fit. I'm sure someone else will want them if they don't fit you.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I bet they'll fit. I'm also a size 8.5-9 in street shoes. If you want to give them a try, I'll send them to you, and you can send them back if they don't fit. I'm sure someone else will want them if they don't fit you.

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I sent you a PM

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I bet they'll fit. I'm also a size 8.5-9 in street shoes. If you want to give them a try, I'll send them to you, and you can send them back if they don't fit. I'm sure someone else will want them if they don't fit you.

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Cool, will send you a PM :)

Okay, I'm sending them to Catrin. If they don't fit her, I'll let you know when I get them back.

heheh. yeah, they're my size too! put me on your list..
:D

They won't fit me, but my Keen bike sandals are by far my favorite bike shoes!

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Originally Posted by withm

They won't fit me, but my Keen bike sandals are by far my favorite bike shoes!

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This sounds good, I hope they fit! Wearing my athletic shoes with the BMX pedals leaves the bottom of my feet sore after a ride longer than 11-12 miles or so. As my MTB shoes have plastic soles, I am afraid to wear them unless I am clipped in...

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Lots of good food for thought - thanks! I must say, however, that I am not clipping in at this time. I tried it a month or so ago, for those who may remember my "clipless Olympics" that, among other things, necessitated a new helmet :eek:

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You don't have to be using clipless pedals for the stuff I wrote. The important part is that you are more stable seated than standing when you're just starting to pedal.

Good luck!

>>Standing up...I cannot stand up and pedal. I have tried it but it feels so unbalanced and scary...I have a total complex about it now. But I ride very hilly terrain and I can get up steep hills ok without standing. So if you don't feel comfortable trying it, use your granny gear and keep your butt on the seat like me!<<

Wow, I'm so glad to read this, and know that I'm not the only one! I also CANNOT stand up and pedal on my bike. Even up a hill. I'm just SO unstable that way. I keep my butt in that saddle no matter what!

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Originally Posted by Juliegoddess

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Wow, I'm so glad to read this, and know that I'm not the only one! I also CANNOT stand up and pedal on my bike. Even up a hill. I'm just SO unstable that way. I keep my butt in that saddle no matter what!

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This is good to hear - for this is what I intend to do for the time being. I am pretty sure that I would fall over at this stage if I were to even consider standing - it isn't like the spinning bike that won't fall over :o

The Keens fit fine - thanks to Redrhodie!