Help! My rear end is glued to the seat!

[Trek420]

Oh??? I just went back and read this. You're absolutely right! Sara, get that bike fitted right. You are holding yourself back with that and could really damage your knees on those hills you climb. Of course you can't get out of the saddle.

Can a grrl get a thank you?

I don't "dance in the pedals" often, but you should be able to if you want or need to. If a good shop says your bike fits and what others here have suggested doesn't work including just plain go out and fall down and get it over with look to strengthening your core/upper body.

But I'm very visual, arts background, read it and pictured the fit. It's worth checking out.

[SadieKate]

Can a grrl get a thank you?

Um, for what? I was commenting on liza's very specific comment on the saddle being set too low.

[bikerz]

Just a couple of quick thoughts -

When I first started riding it took a while for me to get the strength and balance to try standing up (I'm a pretty heavy cyclist, so standing up is much more demanding), and when I finally did, I found that the bike felt squishy and unstable - it kind of freaked me out and I hated it. I'd sit right back down again!

But then two things changed - I got new wheels, which were much stiffer, and I had a professionally bike fit session, after which I felt more balanced and centered on the bike.

Also, I took a cycling skills clinic last fall and it was fantastic - I re-learned how to ride no-handed, among many other drills - like Torrelin mentions - all of which really helped me feel more comfortable and balanced on the bike. If you can find a take a cycling skills clinic anytime soon, I strongly recommend it.

So, while standing is still very tiring, I do feel more comfortable out of the saddle.

On the other hand, I hate standing on the trainer - I feel like I'm going to pitch over forward - I think I need to move the bike underneath me to be able to stand and pedal hard. I suspect it means I need to improve my form when standing. Luckily there is always something new to learn, so we never get bored!