Hitting the road for the first time...

[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).

[MyRubyE]

Thanks Tulip. I will look into that and check it out. I guess biking just doesn't come naturally to me and I have to work at it. But I still love it all the same. BTW on my last post I mentioned I was 5ft 2" in height. I'm actually 5 1". Wishful thinking I guess

[MyRubyE]

Hi everyone - just wanted to give everyone one last update on this thread. I did 10 miles tonight, but could have gone longer if I had not started so late - had to get home before it got dark. I made some adjustment to my bike. I moved the seat up more, which improved my reach and gave me a little better control of the bike & steering. Yes, I did sing, which helped me relax and kept my nerves in check. Thanks again for all the great tips - you have boosted my confidence and helped me to relax and enjoy the ride.

Keep on riding