Confession to make

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

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 So I am going to work with this, though I do not know when I will next get to ride...

[PamNY]

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.

[tharley]

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

[Catrin]

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

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

[RolliePollie]

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

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!!!!

[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

I will try again, after starting/stopping/shifting properly all become part of my muscle memory

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.

[Juliegoddess]

>>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!