Riding Practice

[redrhodie]

If you feel insecure with the new height to the point that you're scared to ride, you could mark the height the fitter recommended with marker around the seat post, then lower your seat back down a bit and make the change gradually.

[Catrin]

If you feel insecure with the new height to the point that you're scared to ride, you could mark the height the fitter recommended with marker around the seat post, then lower your seat back down a bit and make the change gradually.

That is what I intend to do - the problem is that he tightened the post so much that I can't loosen it Thankfully I will be at my LBS tomorrow to meet with my instructor, so I will just go a little early and have someone there lower it for me AND make certain that it isn't so tight again that I can't budge it. The weather is too damp today anyway for me to go out...

I KNOW this is just a mental/insecurity thing... but I must get over it for the sake of my knees. I can't do the kind of riding that I want to do in that position - and it was clear to me when I watched myself in the mirror yesterday from the side that he was right about where the seat needs to be. The problem is that I was comfortable riding with the seat that low - probably due to just not knowing any better.

Once he adjusted the seat and everything else it DID feel better - and my hands stopped screaming at me

[Catrin]

I met with my instructor yesterday, and the first thing she did was to lower my seat back to where it was before the fitter raised it so high. I will raise it one inch on my next practice session, then 1/4 an inch each session after that until I am back up there.

The session went well - she tells me that I am progressing well - all I need is more time in the saddle. I am not getting enough power in that first pedal stroke - but that is due to how I start So now I really must practice starting properly, and taking one hand off of the bar so I can learn how to signal... Shifting is getting easier too

[tulip]

I second riding in a field, like a soccer field. In fact, I would practice falling on the grass so you can relax instead of fearing falling. You are doing a great job!

[Biciclista]

yeah, from the kind of riding you are doing right now you are not going to blow your knees out.
You sound like you are making excellent progress. Keep having fun.