Stoopid question from Noob

[bikegrrl]

I may be trying to do stop and dismount in one motion. It just seemed easier before, but it may just take practice. I am not a naturally athletic person but its annoying, nevermind embarrasing, get tangled up in your own bike. Starting is actually easier on this bike.

[Crankin]

It is hard to stop and dismount at the same time. You need to slow, lean your bike slightly to one side, and then put your foot down. You should be putting your foot down as you are at the point where you are almost stopped. Then, when one foot is firmly on the ground and you are stopped, you can swing your leg back and over to dismount.
This will become more like one action , but it's not.

[lph]

It's just because this bike handles very differently from the one you're used to. Don't be embarrassed! As long as you can ride it you're doing great. Stopping and starting are the hardest points to learn, and if you've had a step-through it's just a balance movement that's completely new to you, nothing to do with your biking skills as such.

Hey, I know my bike inside and outside, and fell over attached to it on the ice yesterday It's not that easy to stand still on two little patches of rubber, and I have the bruise to prove it.

[Catrin]

I dismount differently on all of my bikes. Generally I have to lean the bike over to swing my leg over it - and that is for all of my bikes. It depends on which bike as to how far I have to lean it over...

You will find the best way that works for you - don't worry about it. Changing bike types absolutely requires a different way to start and stop, and our bodies need time in which to learn the best approach for that bike. Give yourself time and have fun!

[goldfinch]

It is so hard to put these types of things in words so here is a nice video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5SjH...eature=related

Are you using clipless or clip on pedals? That adds another variable.

[OakLeaf]

A bike that's taller in front (handlebars, stem, head tube) is harder for me to dismount than a drop bar bici or sport moto. A lot more of most people's range of motion in the "splits" comes from hip flexion in the standing leg, than from extension in the leg you're swinging over the saddle, so if your bike's front end keeps you from hinging forward very far at the standing hip, it can be hard to get your leg over in the back.

You always want to turn the handlebars away from the foot you plan to put down - because it induces the bike to lean toward that foot - but if that's an issue, maybe if you turned them even more, they would be less in the way of your head?

Just something that occurred to me. Personally, I'm more likely to get tangled in a step-through frame if I actually try to step through it rather than dismounting the "regular" way. But that's probably just a matter of practice. I do like the convenience of being able to "stand up, coast in, step off" on a step-through - I've never been coordinated enough to do that on a diamond frame.

[TsPoet]

It is so hard to put these types of things in words so here is a nice video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5SjH...eature=related

Are you using clipless or clip on pedals? That adds another variable.

Nice little vid.

I just wanted to add, I'm a klutz and not very flexible. To get off after she stops in the video, I do an awkward little side hop so the bike is leaning toward me and thus the top tube is lower to the ground then step over.
I ride a bent now, an I still do this little shuffle to lower the amount of lift I need to get on/off. Looks awkward and geeky, but keeps me from falling over.

[bikegrrl]

I've been meaning to say how helpful that link was -- It took practice but I am dismounting well now. Thanks!

[bikegrrl]

Thank you -- had a practice session tonite with video as reference. I think its a balance issue.

[Catrin]

Thank you -- had a practice session tonite with video as reference. I think its a balance issue.

Practice makes perfect The body has to learn things, just as our minds do. I remember when I first started learning how to ride 2 years ago (I am 52), getting things into my muscle memory was the most frustrating part - especially as I am the kind of woman who wants to go full-steam ahead with whatever I do

[PamNY]

Thank you -- had a practice session tonite with video as reference. I think its a balance issue.

It was definitely a balance issue for me. I can't really explain it, but I have to make sure my foot is firmly grounded before I swing my leg over.

I'm sure practice will make it better.