Cycling drills for beginners?

RoddyMcLean said:

A bit shaky going round sharp corners.

'Outside' leg straight and wedged against the saddle, 'inside' leg tucked in
close to the top tube.

Quoted message said:

Bringing the bike to a stop seems a bit rough.

Tried braking? 'Feather' the front brake and stop slowly -- don't try to
stop on the spot.

Quoted message said:

Also what is the best way to start cycling in a "standing" posture?

Try not to -- you'll be better off perfecting cycling while sitting as it's
much more efficient. If you must stand up, change up a gear or two to create
more resistance in the cranks and lift yourself up at the start of the
downstroke on your strongest leg -- and keep going!

RoddyMcLean said:

I am new to cycling and although I am able to get around, my technique
is a bit rough. Are there any recognised drills for improving cycling
technique/balance?

Problems that I am having: -

A bit shaky going round sharp corners.

Turn the handlebar in the opposite direction - honestly, try it. Its
difficult to explain, Cyclecraft does a reasonable job of it though. Put
your weight on the right hand bar to initiate a right hand turn then turn
the bars left. Its to do with weigh shifting around. When going round the
corner have the outside leg straight and push down hard. Move your shoulders
into the corner to cause the bike to 'fall' into the corner.

Be careful though.

Quoted message said:

Bringing the bike to a stop seems a bit rough.

Also what is the best way to start cycling in a "standing" posture?

Best Regards to All

Simonb [email hidden] opined the
following...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Also what is the best way to start cycling in a "standing" posture?

Try not to -- you'll be better off perfecting cycling while sitting as it's
much more efficient. If you must stand up, change up a gear or two to create
more resistance in the cranks and lift yourself up at the start of the
downstroke on your strongest leg -- and keep going!

Hmmm. Depending on rider size & bike size / geometry, it's possible that
the OP may not be able to safely balance the bike while seated on the
saddle. In these cases I believe the recognised approach is to have the
leading pedal (Your strongest / normal starting side) forward a little
above horizontal. When you wish to start, stand up on the pedal. The
pedal will go down, moving you forward but you will also go up allowing
you to sit on the saddle and continue.

Jon (Who frequently starts from standing by merit of a 72" geared fixer
and some not inconsequential hills!)

Jon Senior said:

Hmmm. Depending on rider size & bike size / geometry, it's possible
that the OP may not be able to safely balance the bike while seated
on the saddle. In these cases I believe the recognised approach is to
have the leading pedal (Your strongest / normal starting side)
forward a little above horizontal. When you wish to start, stand up
on the pedal. The pedal will go down, moving you forward but you will
also go up allowing you to sit on the saddle and continue.

I think I misunderstood the OP -- I read "start cycling in a standing
posture" not as "set off in a standing posture", but as "cycle standing up",
or 'honk'.

On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 05:05:38 +1000, RoddyMcLean
<[email hidden]> wrote in message
<[email hidden]>:

Quoted message said:

I am new to cycling and although I am able to get around, my technique
is a bit rough. Are there any recognised drills for improving cycling
technique/balance?

Apart from all the other sage advice offered, get you a copy of
Cyclecraft by John Franklin. Excellent use of a tenner.

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at Washington University

"Just zis Guy, you know?" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 05:05:38 +1000, RoddyMcLean
<[email hidden]> wrote in message
<[email hidden]>:

Quoted message said:

I am new to cycling and although I am able to get around, my technique
is a bit rough. Are there any recognised drills for improving cycling
technique/balance?

Apart from all the other sage advice offered, get you a copy of
Cyclecraft by John Franklin. Excellent use of a tenner.

Guy
--
May contain traces of irony. Contents liable to settle after posting.
http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk

88% of helmet statistics are made up, 65% of them at Washington University

I can second that, I've cycled for over 27 years and still find the book
useful for reference.

John