Hitting the road for the first time...

[MyRubyE]

Thanks Owlie for the tip on the handle bars. Will give it a shot tomorrow. My balance today was not so good on the hoods when I tried to signal, but will try slipping my hand down, per your suggestion.

Yes, I was thinking about getting up real early too, so I wouldn't have to deal with the traffic. Oh the things we will do

Keep riding

[aicabsolut]

Try putting your hand on the top of the bars near the stem when signaling with the other hand. This should give you more balance and keep you from accidentally turning the bars.

[MyRubyE]

Thanks... I will give that a try. I didn't get a chance to ride yesterday, but was able to get in 10 miles today. I did lose control of my steering a couple of times when trying to signal. I almost feel like I don't have enoug strength in my arms. I'll have to work those biceps

[Trek420]

Welcome to TE. If you feel like you lose control or balance when you signal it might be a couple of things. First relax, NOW, d@mn it

"Play piano" with your fingers on the bars. Make sure you don't have a death grip. It's counter intuitive I'm sure but in most situations the tighter your grip the less control of the bike. You steer with your core somewhat and not the bars. So loosen up and have fun.

Sing, it'll drown out the screams in your head " eeek, I'm in traffic!"

Look where you want to go always but especially turning.

As for the arms, sure we all could use stronger arms but if you feel a lack of strength in the arms it could be your core strength. Core strength on the bike seems more important keeping us upright, also will help the steering/balance thing.

[KnottedYet]

Off the top of my head I can think of 3 things that would make it difficult to let go with one hand (besides just needing practice)

1. Weak core making you put too much weight on the bars, so you just CAN'T let go. You shouldn't be leaning on the bars. Like Trek said, if you can't ride with just your fingertips touching the bar ("playing piano"), something is wrong.

2. Saddle doesn't fit, so your body has automatically shifted weight onto your hands to protect your hoo-hah. (again, can't "play piano" when you ride, and can't let go with one hand)

3. Bike doesn't fit, cockpit too long so you are lunging out toward the bar and your center of mass is far forward of the cranks, leaving you weightbearing on the arms (can't play piano, etc.)

[MyRubyE]

Wow ladies, thanks for the great tips!!!

1) Yes, I definitely need to relax and the death grip is a problem and I'm conscious of it. Will try the piano trick & and will - sing... it's definitely in my head.

2) Core strength - both of you are right; I did find when I lost control - if I took a deep breath and squeezed the seat with my thighs and sat upright a little more that I had better control, so definitely will work on my core/waist strength.

3) Bike and Saddle fit - I had my LBS fit me to the bike. I'm 5ft 2in and the bike is 48cm frame. They tested me with a 44cm frame and a 48cm but nothing in-between. My in-seam is roughly 28in. I think the fit is ok, and I've been playing with the saddle sliding it up and back. The saddle feels comfy. Yes, I definitely have a problem riding with one hand and have a fear of letting go. But, it's definitely something that I probably need to test out more to see if the reach is causing the problem; when I bend at my waist slightly forward I have more of a bend to my elbows. Will have to think about this more and play around with it some more. Will let you know.

Thanks again!!

[tulip]

You might want to investigate a cycling skills class. The League of American Bicyclists has classes in many cities (I'm assuming you are in the US; if not, perhaps there is a similar organization in your country).