How does an adult learn to ride a bike by herself, and without training wheels? What kind of a bike needed?
Posted by admin on March 23, 2008
I moved to Netherlands 4 months ago and I really feel like a loser because everyone is cycling! My boyfriend advised me to do so. Now, I have a second hand bike. I try to learn to cycle myself but I can’t continue paddling after two times. When I try a third step I can’t stop the bike from falling.
Also, it is hard for me because I think the bike is too tall for me. Yet, everyone told me this bike would work well for me. I mean, when I sit on it, my feet don’t touch the ground, not even a little bit. I have to start cycling (or let’s say paddling desperately but not achieving) near a pavement to get support. It seems impossible for me to start cycling on a flat surface with nowhere to take support. Am I making just a big deal out of this or do I need to buy (at least try and find) a smaller bike.
I don’t want to wait for people to get back from work and help me. And I don’t want to use training wheels as I think that would stop me from learning to keep my balance myself.
By: elmyrasriddle
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Posted under Adult Learning
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You should not be able to touch the ground with both feet while seated. Put out one leg and let the bike lean slightly. You will be stable, supported by the 2 wheels and your leg. To get going, move the pedal for your dominant leg is just past the top of it’s stroke. You can then push down on that pedal and get enough momentum to keep upright and get your other foot onto its pedal. Look forward and try to maintain a smooth circular motion with your feet. You will get used to this pretty quickly.
I think you are right to avoid training wheels.
HTH
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first learn balance-o and a regular bike!
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I would honestly try to find a grass field so if you do fall, it’ll hurt less. This same technique helped when I was learning how to ride with clipless pedals but let’s start with basics.
First, I’m not sure what kind of bike you have but try to buy the widest tires you can fit on your bike. Those will help give you some stability. A bike shop can help you with this.
When you are standing over the bike (NOT sitting on the seat) does the top tube hit into your crotch? If so, it’s probably too big. Otherwise, you are probably okay. If it makes you feel better, sure, lower the seat so your feet are flat on the ground but once you get your balance, only your tiptoes should reach the ground.
To start getting a feel for the balance, you could try doing “track stands”. Just stand on the pedals and use the brakes to keep the bike from moving. Even if you do it for a few seconds at a time you’ll get a feel for what it feels like to stay balanced.
Is it possible to find a wall or solid fence to ride along next to so if you feel tempted to fall to the side you don’t totally fall over?
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I would take the bike to a local bike shop and ask them if it fits you. If they say it’s ok, then perhaps it makes sense for you to lower the seat a bit while you are learning. The most important thing for a bicyclist is momentum. Once you get moving, it’s easier to keep moving. Here is what I would do were I you: Go to a local shop and RENT a tandem bike with your boyfriend. You can sit on the back and get used to the motion of riding and pedaling and also become more comfortable with leaning through turns, etc… These are the things that make new bike riders anxious. That’s how I taught my daughter to ride.
Plus – it will be fun and romantic. I will bet you after a days ride on a tandem you will more easily transition to riding by yourself. It’s worth a try anyways!
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All decent advice so far. The one thing I would add is you have to put your fear aside. Once you start pedaling, the key is to keep moving. If you can get both feet on and keep the bike moving, centripetal force will keep it up.
Like a previous poster said, put one pedal a little forward of the heighest position let’s assume this is your right foot. Your left foot is on the ground and you are off the saddle.
You stand up hard on the top pedal with your right foot and that should get you started rolling forward. If the ground slopes, try pointing the bike slightly downhill (nothing steep yet). Your right foot is now down and all your weight is on your right foot and hands, your left foot is off the ground. Now sit on the seat, put your left foot on the pedal and push down. That is the tricky part. Now just keep pedalling!
If you have to stop, apply the brakes until you are just about stopped, stand up on your right foot with the right pedal down, take your weight off the seat and come forward and then place your left foot down.
It takes a little practice and trying on grass is not such a bad idea if the grass is reasonable smooth. Novices prefer their seats lower typically and find wider tires easier to ride on.
Good luck, you’ll be riding in no time.
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So where the heck is this boyfriend of yours? He advises you to learn and won’t bother to help? I think you have more issues than learning to ride.
PS: try lowering the seat…
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