Confession to make

I have a confession to make...ahem, ummmm...errrrrrr

I start my bike with my butt in the saddle. Full in the saddle, with just the tippy-toes of one foot on the ground. This actually works, but it makes me unbalanced and it slows down my starting stroke.

The problem is that my body just does not seem to want to start properly. I understand the concept well enough - stand over the bars, bring one pedal up to about 10:00 or so, stand on that pedal with a foot to get things rolling while raising myself into the saddle and finding the other pedal. I see people doing this all of the time....but I just can't seem to trust myself to that pedal stroke.

Is this just weird, or have others had this problem? If you have, how did you solve it? Now I am getting out and playing in traffic I really need to have a more controlled start-up and this is certainly a large part of that.

One word: practice. Off, on, start, stop, back off, back on, start again, etc. I did this in a park because traffic isn't the place to learn a new skill.

Took me a while to feel really confident, and until that time I did whatever I needed to do to feel safe and comfortable (in my case, this included having the saddle lower than it was supposed to be).

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Originally Posted by PamNY

One word: practice. Off, on, start, stop, back off, back on, start again, etc. I did this in a park because traffic isn't the place to learn a new skill.

Took me a while to feel really confident, and until that time I did whatever I needed to do to feel safe and comfortable (in my case, this included having the saddle lower than it was supposed to be).

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For some reason I thought that as I raised my seat post that this would take care of itself....nope :) Starting the way I do is easy, but it does take a few strokes to get any real power in my strokes and sometimes a little wobbly - though not often.

How do you stop the bike? In the saddle? Maybe if you practice standing briefly as you pedal, the starting and stopping out of the saddle will feel more natural. Remember, the bike will be more stable the more weight you put on the pedals rather than on the saddle. Try putting one foot on the pedal as you straddle the bike and pushing on the ground with the other foot like you're riding a scooter. That's the starting motion.

Catrin - I start the same way and know exactly how you feel, I cant seem to feel comfortable any other way. I do it this way, because starting off the seat actually feels less stable than on my tip toes. I also unclip the same way.

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Originally Posted by DebW

How do you stop the bike? In the saddle? Maybe if you practice standing briefly as you pedal, the starting and stopping out of the saddle will feel more natural. Remember, the bike will be more stable the more weight you put on the pedals rather than on the saddle. Try putting one foot on the pedal as you straddle the bike and pushing on the ground with the other foot like you're riding a scooter. That's the starting motion.

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I stop properly, more or less. I start braking, and as the bike slows down to a stop I stand for the briefest of seconds before my feet hits the ground. This happens fast, but I think that this is more or less correct - my trainer would have told me the other day as he isn't shy :p

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Originally Posted by XMcShiftersonX

Catrin - I start the same way and know exactly how you feel, I cant seem to feel comfortable any other way. I do it this way, because starting off the seat actually feels less stable than on my tip toes. I also unclip the same way.

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Thank you! It is good to know that I am not the only one. The problem I found on the road Sunday was that there were several intersections where it took me too long to get started, and there were a couple of 'false starts' due to being a little unstable because of my starting position. With my knees I am afraid to leave the saddle too low for much longer since I am getting more mileage....

Right now my saddle is at the right height, but I still manage to touch my tip toes when clipping/unclipping. We just adjusted my seat up to the correct position a couple days ago though, and I definitely notice the increase in difficulty of clipping and unclipping in this manner. But, I think I'll get used to it. I'm almost positive that if I don't do it the way I do, and I stand up, I'll put too much weight to the wrong side and fall, or be unable to unclip in time. We'll see, I'll work on doing it "correctly."

I second Deb's suggestion, scooting on the bike with one foot on a pedal, leg vertical, should be a good way to safely get a feel for the balance you need. Since you have weight only on one foot and not on the saddle, you'll probably feel a bit wobbly to begin with until you get used to steering with a little weight on your hands.

Next could be starting with one pedal horisontal, clipping in and starting with a downward push before just rolling a bit and stopping. The bike will feel more stable when you start with a push and a bent knee rather than just scooting.

I usually start with the right pedal just past the top, click in and push down as I kick off from the ground with my left foot. That gives me enough momentum to sit on the saddle and roll until I can clip in the other foot. Only place I have trouble doing this is up steep hills. I would feel very unstable trying to balance on the saddle before starting!

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Originally Posted by DebW

Try putting one foot on the pedal as you straddle the bike and pushing on the ground with the other foot like you're riding a scooter. That's the starting motion.

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For some reason lately, i'm reverting back to needing a few "pushes" before I get going. I can't figure out why I'm doing this now - I think I'm not getting into a gear that gives me enough power to push off with my initial standing stroke. :o

Could it also be that you're in too high of a gear when starting off from a stop? I tend to do this all the time....grrrrrrrrr! As I approach a stop, I forget to shift into a lower gear to make starting up again easier. BTW, I also start from a stop with my butt on the seat and tippy-toe (right foot only, left foot clipped in) on the ground. But as long as I'm in a lower (easier) gear, I can generally get moving pretty quickly. Just a thought...since I didn't see anyone else mention it. ;)

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Originally Posted by nscrbug

Could it also be that you're in too high of a gear when starting off from a stop? I tend to do this all the time....grrrrrrrrr! As I approach a stop, I forget to shift into a lower gear to make starting up again easier. BTW, I also start from a stop with my butt on the seat and tippy-toe (right foot only, left foot clipped in) on the ground. But as long as I'm in a lower (easier) gear, I can generally get moving pretty quickly. Just a thought...since I didn't see anyone else mention it. ;)

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I don't think this is it, I have even had problems making myself TRY it...somewhere in my head I think there is an image that as soon as I start trying to pedal standing up that I am going to fall over. Of course, I've done THAT a lot and I am still here :p So I am going to work with this, though I do not know when I will next get to ride...

Learning to pedal standing up helped me feel more confident about starting to pedal from a stop. I don't know why I found it standing up so hard, but I did. It's second nature now, though. Practicing it is certainly worth a try. Make sure you are in a high enough gear.

I sit too, but my bike only goes up to 7 gears, so I don't really have enough power to stand. :rolleyes: I never even really thought about it before this post though.

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Originally Posted by tharley

I sit too, but my bike only goes up to 7 gears, so I don't really have enough power to stand. :rolleyes: I never even really thought about it before this post though.

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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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Originally Posted by Catrin

I understand the concept well enough - stand over the bars, bring one pedal up to about 10:00 or so, stand on that pedal with a foot to get things rolling while raising myself into the saddle and finding the other pedal. I see people doing this all of the time....but I just can't seem to trust myself to that pedal stroke.

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Actually, I do not recommend this. Do not start while standing over the bars.

I start with my butt leaning back on the nose of the saddle and my left foot on the pedal (actually, clipped in) at 2:00. As I push the left pedal forward and down, I slide back so I'm sitting on the saddle. That way I'm more stable and able to balance while I get my right foot on the pedal (and clipped in). And if I have any trouble getting clipped in with my right foot, I'm able to keep pedaling with my left foot in order to maintain forward motion and therefore, my balance.

I've linked to this in a bunch of threads on clipless pedals -- this article helped me a lot:

http://outside.away.com/outside/body...-20070330.html

However I don't get fully on the saddle before I start to pedal, which is what Chris Carmichael is recommending. But I get close to it and I get fully seated ASAP.

Try it.

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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!

While my starting technique is still unique, probably, I found myself doing something different on my ride today. In the past I have only been able to start with my butt entirely on the saddle and my tippy-toes on the ground with my calf on the edge of cramping....but my seat post must come higher which means I can't start that way anymore.

So today I experimented with something else. A portion of my butt is still on the saddle - the bike is still leaning over pretty far and most of my foot is still on the ground - and I started just fine :)

The first time I did this it was very quick and easy - the times I practiced after that was slower, due to over-thinking, but it was great progress. Now I just need to keep practicing until it becomes second nature. Stopping properly is fine, but starting has to become instinctive and it isn't quite there yet. That has to change before I can consider urban riding.

One thing just occurred to me: do you stand in the pedals sometimes?

Basically, when you're starting from a stop, you have to stand on the pedals. Maybe it would be easier for you to get used to that if you practiced riding standing up without adding the additional challenge of bringing the bike from leaning to upright.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

One thing just occurred to me: do you stand in the pedals sometimes?

Basically, when you're starting from a stop, you have to stand on the pedals. Maybe it would be easier for you to get used to that if you practiced riding standing up without adding the additional challenge of bringing the bike from leaning to upright.

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I do stand when I am stopping, so that helps. I think that I actually did it once today the "proper" way, but almost fell over. It was much easier to start half-way leaning over...

I won't stand and pedal since I am not clipping in right now, but I can try to stand and coast - or at least partially stand.

As long as there's no slipperiness between your shoes and your pedals, you don't need to be clipped in to stand. I do it in street shoes on my hybrid all the time, to accelerate quickly.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

As long as there's no slipperiness between your shoes and your pedals, you don't need to be clipped in to stand. I do it in street shoes on my hybrid all the time, to accelerate quickly.

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Hmmm, good point. I DO have all of those pins on my BMX pedals.

I'm lost..

Catrin, have you thought of starting by something stationery & practicing that way?? I have to do it when i get stuck going over a logover uphill..I have to hold onto a tree, get my feet into the right position and push off. It's the same for road etc. Balance is the key.

I know this is a bit off topic but in the past few weeks of doing track, starting off has become easier n easier. I used to be frightened of a coach behind holding the bike but have started to trust the bike in some way.

I guess what i'm trying to say is that it does get easier. (well, except starting uphill on pea gravel..)

Catrin you are almost there. I clip in my left foot & put it in the 2 o'clock position, my bike is leaning to the right, I'm just not on the saddle. I then push off with my right foot while raising myself onto the saddle. The raising up forces the left foot forward. I am seated before my left foot even reaches the bottom of the pedal stroke. Right foot on......clipped and away we go.