Quote Originally Posted by featuretile View Post
First, I want to say how amazing your riding has gone from nothing to so many miles, Catrin.

Then I have a question about this standing and starting thing. I also start with my butt on the saddle. But my bike is tilted over to the side and my left toe is barely touching the ground. My legs seem to be in the right amount of extension when I am riding. I don't have any (hamstring) leg problems. It seems to me that if I raised the saddle any more, I would be too extended. I have gradually raised the height to this point. I ride with half toe clips and flat pedals. Is my body so different that I am in the right amount of extension when I can still barely touch the ground? It's also easier for me to get off this way.
I also often start off in the saddle. With the bike leaned over enough, I can get a toe down onto the ground. My saddle is definitely at the right height. It has been adjusted by a pro-fitter and my position is optimized for power output. Sitting in the saddle and having a foot down only works on flat ground, and even then can be a little unstable, but I have gotten used to it.

Catrin, here is something you can try, to help you get used to pushing off before getting in the saddle: Push off while sitting on your top tube instead. This will help give you the feel of using your bike as a "scooter" since you will just push off and glide (you won't be able to pedal in that position). Once you master that, push off and glide while standing. If you feel unstable at any point, you can just sit down on your top tube. Then push off, glide while standing, and slide your butt back over your saddle!