Stoopid question from Noob

[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!

[Catrin]

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

Yayyyy! My problem was always the other way - getting started. I STILL don't start "properly"...but I get it done

[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.

[malkin]

I'm pretty sure that if I read this thread carefully and think about getting off my bike, I'll start falling!

[Dogmama]

1. Decide which way you'll lean your bike when you stop. Most people lean to the right. You'll find that after awhile, the way you lean will become second nature.

For the sake of explanation, let's assume you'll lean right.

2. Before you come to a complete stop but are moving very slowly, take your right foot off of the pedal. Your left leg will be extended completely.

3. As you come to a stop lean slightly right. If this feels uncomfortable, turning your front wheel very slightly right will help you lean to the right.

4. As you come to a complete stop, your right foot will contact the ground. Hopefully nothing else will contact the ground.

[Seajay]

3. As you come to a stop lean slightly right. If this feels uncomfortable, turning your front wheel very slightly right will help you lean to the right.

I think that's reversed, Dogmama. Physics of countersteer says if you want to land on your RIGHT foot you should steer LEFT in the last couple inches of rolling.

[bikegrrl]

Unfortunately I've been avoiding the cold by riding indoor most of the time now. But I did lower the seat a tad for those few outside rides (the weather this winter has been weird) and its made a big difference.

[Dogmama]

I think that's reversed, Dogmama. Physics of countersteer says if you want to land on your RIGHT foot you should steer LEFT in the last couple inches of rolling.

Hmm, I've always turned the wheel left to lean the bike left to step out on my left foot. I figured that if you're making a left turn, the bike is going to lean left.

But I can feel (in my mind's eye) how steering right would work, except I'm feeling like I'd have to be already leaning left.

I guess the bottom line is not to land on your bottom!