Wobbly starts; how to fix?

[Celeste]

Hi Ladies,

I am new to this forum and new to cycling as well. I have been practicing for two weeks now and my starts are still wobbly and I feel silly. Ok, maybe this question is silly too.

I have SIDI shoes with the clete so I have to clip in once I am going. I thought it would be easier to get used to these things. I have my first training ride on the 17th of Feb. Training for the Shiner BASH ride in Texas. My first endurance event ever!!

I am sure this will get better with practice; but do you have any hints as to something I can do to begin to make my starts better and not so wobbly? Ok, besides the obvious, Practice, practice, practice. Is there a trick to looking smooth at the start?

Thank you for your help!

[DebW]

Are you starting with one foot clipped in? If not, try it because you can pedal much strong from the start that way.

Hi Ladies,

I am new to this forum and new to cycling as well. I have been practicing for two weeks now and my starts are still wobbly and I feel silly. Ok, maybe this question is silly too.

I have SIDI shoes with the clete so I have to clip in once I am going. I thought it would be easier to get used to these things. I have my first training ride on the 17th of Feb. Training for the Shiner BASH ride in Texas. My first endurance event ever!!

I am sure this will get better with practice; but do you have any hints as to something I can do to begin to make my starts better and not so wobbly? Ok, besides the obvious, Practice, practice, practice. Is there a trick to looking smooth at the start?

Thank you for your help!

[Bluetree]

Are you spinning a lot when you start? If so, you may be in too small a gear. Try starting off in a little bigger gear and see if it helps.

[SadieKate]

I assume you are starting on level terrain?

Clip in with one foot while astride the bike.
Do not sit on the saddle.
Raise clipped-in foot to about the 10 o'clock position.
Push down hard with that foot to begin pedaling and lift your posterior into the saddle.
KEEP pedaling with the clipped in foot and just slam down the other foot onto the pedal.
Pedal a few more strokes to get your momentum and speed going.
Clip in other foot when momentum and speed have you moving safely forward enough to coast a second.

If you can learn to pedal one-legged with the clipped in foot, you'll find that you can get your speed up a bit faster and will help you learn uphill starts later on.

Sooner or later, your unclipped foot will learn to find the pedal as you slam it down and clip in all on its own.

I personally think wobbly starts are due to people thinking they have to get both feet clipped in immediately.

[Celeste]

Thanks ladies! What prompt replies!

Deb: I did try to start with one foot clipped in today...and promptly fell! I did have to laugh at myself though. Thank goodness I was wearing tights.

But maybe my fanny was already in the seat, not sure. I do make sure I start on level ground. I will try it again and keep out of the seat and see if that helps any and start it in a bigger gear too.

Gosh! I sure hope this gets easier!

[aicabsolut]

If you're falling right away when clipped in on one side, then you might want to try a lower gear, so that you can keep on pedaling with your clipped in foot (and avoid the slow-mo fall) while you navigate your second one around. Also helps if you're having trouble really starting off with a solid push.