my new bike?

[redrhodie]

Oh, and I wanted to ask, are you starting with your butt already on the saddle?

[Antaresia]

Oh, and I wanted to ask, are you starting with your butt already on the saddle?

No, I kind of have to "lift" myself onto it. Almost dumping the bike a few times has me too spooked to do the "sit on the bike & lean" kind of stop; but I remember when I was new to biking I actually did google "how to stop a bike". The video showed a stop where you totally get off the seat & peddles and just stand over the bike, I probably couldn't find it again but that's what I do. So to get on it again & get started, I push one pedal up, and used it as a step to get back in the saddle. It's impossible for me to get started with my butt in the saddle unless I'm by a sidewalk for the boost. I'm still a little clumsy, but I can tell I'm getting better.

[redrhodie]

I was going to say to (temporarily) lower your seat even more if you need to start from sitting, but what you're doing is great.

I hope you get comfortable with her really soon!

[goldfinch]

No, I kind of have to "lift" myself onto it. Almost dumping the bike a few times has me too spooked to do the "sit on the bike & lean" kind of stop; but I remember when I was new to biking I actually did google "how to stop a bike". The video showed a stop where you totally get off the seat & peddles and just stand over the bike, I probably couldn't find it again but that's what I do. So to get on it again & get started, I push one pedal up, and used it as a step to get back in the saddle. It's impossible for me to get started with my butt in the saddle unless I'm by a sidewalk for the boost. I'm still a little clumsy, but I can tell I'm getting better.

I had mentioned leaning slightly when I get off my bike. I didn't realized you were trying to stay on the seat. I get off the seat and lean the bike over a bit as I stop. It helps me be sure that I clear the top tube. I leave my right foot on the pedal and my left foot goes on the ground and the bike leans to the left just a little. I never am on the seat. I can't be. It is rare that someone can stop and stay on the seat on your style of bike. If they can they either have long feet or the seat is too low. You will get used to starting as you say, by putting your leg over and give a push on one pedal, then get up on the seat as you get moving. It will be second nature soon.

I am glad that they are helping you get adjusted but it was really rude of the guy to make it your fault. Customer service rule number one is that if the fix is easy take all the blame and fix it.

[Antaresia]

It shouldn't even have been about blame! I mean, I know I'm new and not that great. I told him that many times. I don't need to feel bad about being new, I'm trying!

I taught 3 of my guy-friends to embroider (don't ask, lol). Ya, I ended up threading the needle for them a bunch of times (it was faster and they would get frustrated) but I never made it out to be *their fault*. Geez. I'm getting a new LBS once my bike is finished.

[Velocivixen]

Your bike shop should be supportive and appreciate your business. They sound like they are not so helpful.

[WindingRoad]

http://youtu.be/i5SjHvHDuxg

Catrin this is for you too. Hope this helps you both :-)