Wheel Flop?

[Velocivixen]

@Bike Writer, it's not a video of a person or a bike, but it gave me the idea. Here's the link to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf47CX4S5Do

Watch the whole video.

[Bike Writer]

VV, thank you. That was one of the videos that came up when I googled it and it does help to visualize what is happening but the thing that threw me off was that in wikipedia it specifically mentioned this happens in two in-line wheeled vehicles and left out trikes or motorcycles with side cars.

I still wonder what is different about bicycle construction now because I just don't remember this being a problem when I was a kid. The only time I struggled as a kid was if I tried to ride a bike that was too big for me and if I did I got that same sense of lack of control when starting and stopping. For quite a while I assumed that the first bike I got last year was too big for me and that is why I had problems.

My new bike is better sized for me but I still had this happen once, that feeling like it was just getting away from me while dismounting.

[OakLeaf]

Keep ahold of both brakes. Don't let go until both feet are on the same side of the bike. Then the wheel won't go anyplace you don't let it.

As you slow to a stop, remember to turn your bars AWAY from the foot you intend to put down. (If you unclip left, e.g., turn your bars to the right.)

Choose which foot you prefer to put down first, and make a habit of that so you don't have to think about which foot it's going to be each time. It's good to be able to unclip either side, in case of poor footing or emergency stops, but that's something you can practice after you're confident unclipping with one foot.

Practice standing on the pedals when you aren't stopping. Get used to how your balance feels standing. Stopping and starting is just standing on the pedals for a moment.

[Velocivixen]

@Oakleaf, that's a brilliant suggestion about keeping the brakes on until both feet are on the same side of the bike! The way you describe how to turn the handlebars in the opposite side of the foot you put down is exactly how I do it without thinking. Interesting to actually hear someone describe it. Thanks.

[Bike Writer]

@oakleaf, I paid more attention to myself when slowing/stopping and realized that I do hold onto the brakes until I have feet firmly planted on the ground. I don't think I always did this but I do now. I also noted that I turned my handlebars slightly away from the side I was going to dismount from. I don't know when I started doing this but my body must have figured out a way to deal with this through trial and error.

I don't use clipped or clipless pedals, yikes that would add another whole dimension to this experience that I am not ready for!