Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!

David L. Johnson said:

catzz66 said:

Also, if you brake with the front brake and don't have both hands on
the handlebars, sometimes it can cause some unexpected handling
reactions. I don't have a flat bar bike anymore, but the only time I
wrecked out seriously, I accidentally braked with the front wheel on
my mountain bike when I had one hand on the bar.

I never thought of this, but certainly it is true. When you brake, you
naturally put more pressure on the bars. If you have only one hand on
the bar, you have to resist that push-forward or you will abruptly turn
and fall.

I didn't think of it either. =] I was scratching my nose with my right
hand and I applied the left brake (front brake) briefly without
thinking. With one hand, I wasn't able to keep the front wheel from
jacknifing to the left and I went down like a rock. This was a mountain
bike and I'd pulled it out that day because it had been raining. I was
in the process of switching to road bikes and had not ridden it in a
while. My road bikes handle completely differently and I wasn't
expecting it. You live and learn.

Roger Zoul said:

Bill wrote:
:: Case study....me. A Century at 12 MPH is still a Century even if it
:: is not a 25 MPH blast. Miles count either way and if you aren't
:: trying to become a racer the miles do add up to lost weight and
:: better conditioning. Just keep at it.
:: Bill Baka

Good advice, Bill!

I take my own advice here and just ride in some direction and see where
I am. I put on a whopping 27 miles today because people were out with
their dogs and I would take some time to know the dog's name. My average
speed 27/5 hours == not much. Those Centuries need some working up to.
I also have to quit stopping and B.S.'ing with all the folks I meet.
Bill (miles, not speed) Baka

Roger Zoul said:

The Historian wrote:

:: On Mar 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]> wrote:
::::: You mentioned something about being, what?....380 pounds(?) so it
::::: is unlikely you are trying to ride the drops and do aero so how
::::: about doing your first 80 pounds or so just sitting up as much as
::::: practical?
:::
:::: I don't think I explained that well. Fat people, even recovering
:::: fat people, often have underdeveloped core muscles. Ever see a
:::: really fat person try to stand up? I'm currently about 250, and
:::: aiming for 200.
:::
::: You used to weigh 385, you're down to 250 and targeting 200?
:::
::: You ROCK!
::
:: Thank you. Here's the timeline from my blog:
::
:: * January 3, 2006 - 385
:: * February 1, 2006- 360
:: * March 1, 2006 - 350
:: * April 1, 2006 - 340
:: * May 1, 2006 - 330
:: * June 1, 2006 - 320
:: * July 1, 2006- 310
:: * August 1, 2006 - 300
:: * September 1, 2006 - 297
:: * October 1, 2006- 290
:: * November 1, 2006 - 285
:: * December 1, 2006 - 280
:: * January 5, 2007 - 275
:: * January 31 - 262
:: * March 1, 2007 - 252
:: * March 8 - 254
:: * March 16 - 253
::
::: Whatever you're doing, stay with the program.
::
:: Eating less and better, and exercising. Now that I'm riding,
:: bicycling will be my main form of exercise. Although I'm not taking
:: up riding because it burns calories, but because it's fun.
::
:: And don't get to thinking that
::: a 250 pound cyclists can't do well. Lots of 250 pound cyclists out
::: pounding the pavement, even doing the nastier climbs.
:::
::: Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures-
::
:: Thank you, Mike, and thank you to the other posters as well.

I started at 367...starting riding at 255. I'm now around 230lbs. I've
never had any problems with core muscles as you mention. I've spent a lot of
time exercising, even as an overweight kid. Being fat doesn't have to mean
you don't get exercise.

No, it doesn't have to mean that, but really, 'fit and fat' is hardly
a common state among the severely obese. I've seen - and been - those
fat people who need to brace themselves to stand up. I'm glad you
never had that problem.

Quoted message said:

I don't think your problems really have much to do with your weight. You
have may some "unique to you" characteristics which makes balancing harder
for you, but you'll work through it.

Thank you for the advice and encouragement.

Quoted message said:

I ride because it's fun and because it burns calories. I like to do long
miles! I hardly like to leave the house if I can't get in around 50 or so.
Of course, life sometimes says "You only have time for 35" so you take what
comes your way.

Bill wrote:
:: Roger Zoul wrote:
::: Bill wrote:
::::: Case study....me. A Century at 12 MPH is still a Century even if
::::: it is not a 25 MPH blast. Miles count either way and if you aren't
::::: trying to become a racer the miles do add up to lost weight and
::::: better conditioning. Just keep at it.
::::: Bill Baka
:::
::: Good advice, Bill!
:::
:::
:: I take my own advice here and just ride in some direction and see
:: where I am. I put on a whopping 27 miles today because people were
:: out with their dogs and I would take some time to know the dog's
:: name. My average speed 27/5 hours == not much. Those Centuries need
:: some working up to. I also have to quit stopping and B.S.'ing with
:: all the folks I meet. Bill (miles, not speed) Baka

Yeah, I'd be a little upset spending 5 hours with only 27 miles. You're a
social butterfly, Bill! 🙂

The Historian wrote:
:: On Mar 29, 10:28 am, "Roger Zoul" <[email hidden]> wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::: On Mar 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[email hidden]>
::::: wrote:
:::::::: You mentioned something about being, what?....380 pounds(?) so
:::::::: it is unlikely you are trying to ride the drops and do aero so
:::::::: how about doing your first 80 pounds or so just sitting up as
:::::::: much as practical?
::::::
::::::: I don't think I explained that well. Fat people, even recovering
::::::: fat people, often have underdeveloped core muscles. Ever see a
::::::: really fat person try to stand up? I'm currently about 250, and
::::::: aiming for 200.
::::::
:::::: You used to weigh 385, you're down to 250 and targeting 200?
::::::
:::::: You ROCK!
:::::
::::: Thank you. Here's the timeline from my blog:
:::::
::::: * January 3, 2006 - 385
::::: * February 1, 2006- 360
::::: * March 1, 2006 - 350
::::: * April 1, 2006 - 340
::::: * May 1, 2006 - 330
::::: * June 1, 2006 - 320
::::: * July 1, 2006- 310
::::: * August 1, 2006 - 300
::::: * September 1, 2006 - 297
::::: * October 1, 2006- 290
::::: * November 1, 2006 - 285
::::: * December 1, 2006 - 280
::::: * January 5, 2007 - 275
::::: * January 31 - 262
::::: * March 1, 2007 - 252
::::: * March 8 - 254
::::: * March 16 - 253
:::::
:::::: Whatever you're doing, stay with the program.
:::::
::::: Eating less and better, and exercising. Now that I'm riding,
::::: bicycling will be my main form of exercise. Although I'm not
::::: taking up riding because it burns calories, but because it's fun.
:::::
::::: And don't get to thinking that
:::::: a 250 pound cyclists can't do well. Lots of 250 pound cyclists
:::::: out pounding the pavement, even doing the nastier climbs.
::::::
:::::: Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures-
:::::
::::: Thank you, Mike, and thank you to the other posters as well.
:::
::: I started at 367...starting riding at 255. I'm now around 230lbs.
::: I've never had any problems with core muscles as you mention. I've
::: spent a lot of time exercising, even as an overweight kid. Being
::: fat doesn't have to mean you don't get exercise.
::
:: No, it doesn't have to mean that, but really, 'fit and fat' is hardly
:: a common state among the severely obese. I've seen - and been - those
:: fat people who need to brace themselves to stand up. I'm glad you
:: never had that problem.

I agree with you. I do think that we need to be careful about the "fit"
part, though. Even a bodybuilder who has 5% or less bodyfat, but weighes
250+ lbs (muscle & bones, etc), is not going to be a 'fit' cyclist, because
said bodybuilder will be too damn heavy and will likely get dropped by all
the 150 lb riders who have higher bodyfat (say 15 to 19%).

No, I never had to brace myself to stand up, but the extra weight did have
an impact on my body and on my life in general. It had to go.

::
::: I don't think your problems really have much to do with your
::: weight. You have may some "unique to you" characteristics which
::: makes balancing harder for you, but you'll work through it.
::
:: Thank you for the advice and encouragement.
::

It's great that you're getting into cycling. You can start training for your
1st century as it starts to get warmer. It's a great goal for have and will
definitely help you stay focused on keeping your weight off!

::: I ride because it's fun and because it burns calories. I like to
::: do long miles! I hardly like to leave the house if I can't get in
::: around 50 or so. Of course, life sometimes says "You only have time
::: for 35" so you take what comes your way.

Roger Zoul said:

Bill wrote:
:: Roger Zoul wrote:
::: Bill wrote:
::::: Case study....me. A Century at 12 MPH is still a Century even if
::::: it is not a 25 MPH blast. Miles count either way and if you aren't
::::: trying to become a racer the miles do add up to lost weight and
::::: better conditioning. Just keep at it.
::::: Bill Baka
:::
::: Good advice, Bill!
:::
:::
:: I take my own advice here and just ride in some direction and see
:: where I am. I put on a whopping 27 miles today because people were
:: out with their dogs and I would take some time to know the dog's
:: name. My average speed 27/5 hours == not much. Those Centuries need
:: some working up to. I also have to quit stopping and B.S.'ing with
:: all the folks I meet. Bill (miles, not speed) Baka

Yeah, I'd be a little upset spending 5 hours with only 27 miles. You're a
social butterfly, Bill! 🙂

It's a lot easier to get to know the owners of the dogs and pet the dog
so I don't get chased the next time I go by. I have set myself up for
some "Here Duke, get your petting.", but it's easier than having to
outrun a big dog every time I ride by. I only have 2 roads to get me to
the country where I can get to a point of hearing no man made noise and
only the songs of the birds and an occasional "Moo".
Bill Baka

On Mar 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

The Historian said:

Underdeveloped core muscles from being 385 pounds. Mild scoliosis. A
left leg that doesn't extend fully.

385? But you've lost a lot of that already.

Keep practicing. For some riders, comfort riding with one, or both,
hands off the bar comes only after much practice, if at all. I have
been surprised at strong riders being unable to shake hands with me when
I meet them on a ride, since they are afraid to remove one hand from the
bar for that long.

But it is not merely a trick to be able to ride no-hands. Yes, not just
one-handed, but no hands. It allows you to take care of things while
you are riding, such as dealing with clothing and equipment.

Experiment with just taking one hand off the bar. You may want to
temporarily shift more of your weight to the saddle when you do this
(just shift back and more upright), but with a little practice you will
be able to manage that. Then worry about doing so as you signal, and as
you are looking around to make sure it is safe to proceed.

As you progress, try to briefly remove both hands from the bars. Again,
you should shift your weight back some and sit upright, to help you do
that. With practice, you can control the bike, even turn, by just
shifting your weight from side to side.

--

David L. Johnson

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
You soon find out the pig likes it!

Thanks again, David, and thanks to the other posters as well. I rode
14 miles in Horsham yesterday, and while my turn signals were of the
'flashing' variety, I made them. Now to work on standing while riding
so I don't have more instances of numbness in the, err, groin. It's
annoying to have it for a couple days after a ride.

Neil
http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/

The Historian wrote:
:: On Mar 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <[email hidden]>
:: wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::: Underdeveloped core muscles from being 385 pounds. Mild scoliosis.
:::: A left leg that doesn't extend fully.
:::
::: 385? But you've lost a lot of that already.
:::
::: Keep practicing. For some riders, comfort riding with one, or both,
::: hands off the bar comes only after much practice, if at all. I have
::: been surprised at strong riders being unable to shake hands with me
::: when I meet them on a ride, since they are afraid to remove one
::: hand from the bar for that long.
:::
::: But it is not merely a trick to be able to ride no-hands. Yes, not
::: just one-handed, but no hands. It allows you to take care of
::: things while you are riding, such as dealing with clothing and
::: equipment.
:::
::: Experiment with just taking one hand off the bar. You may want to
::: temporarily shift more of your weight to the saddle when you do this
::: (just shift back and more upright), but with a little practice you
::: will be able to manage that. Then worry about doing so as you
::: signal, and as you are looking around to make sure it is safe to
::: proceed.
:::
::: As you progress, try to briefly remove both hands from the bars.
::: Again, you should shift your weight back some and sit upright, to
::: help you do that. With practice, you can control the bike, even
::: turn, by just shifting your weight from side to side.
:::
::: --
:::
::: David L. Johnson
:::
::: Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
::: You soon find out the pig likes it!
::
:: Thanks again, David, and thanks to the other posters as well. I rode
:: 14 miles in Horsham yesterday, and while my turn signals were of the
:: 'flashing' variety, I made them. Now to work on standing while riding
:: so I don't have more instances of numbness in the, err, groin. It's
:: annoying to have it for a couple days after a ride.
::

In the groin or just sore butt? I've not experienced any numbness in the
groin area in all of my riding, but I have had some sore butt issues. There
is perhaps a difference and perhaps numbness in the groin might indicate
some kind of "fit" problem.

:: Neil
:: http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/

Roger Zoul said:

The Historian wrote:

:: On Mar 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <[email hidden]>:: wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:

:::: Underdeveloped core muscles from being 385 pounds. Mild scoliosis.
:::: A left leg that doesn't extend fully.
:::
::: 385? But you've lost a lot of that already.
:::
::: Keep practicing. For some riders, comfort riding with one, or both,
::: hands off the bar comes only after much practice, if at all. I have
::: been surprised at strong riders being unable to shake hands with me
::: when I meet them on a ride, since they are afraid to remove one
::: hand from the bar for that long.
:::
::: But it is not merely a trick to be able to ride no-hands. Yes, not
::: just one-handed, but no hands. It allows you to take care of
::: things while you are riding, such as dealing with clothing and
::: equipment.
:::
::: Experiment with just taking one hand off the bar. You may want to
::: temporarily shift more of your weight to the saddle when you do this
::: (just shift back and more upright), but with a little practice you
::: will be able to manage that. Then worry about doing so as you
::: signal, and as you are looking around to make sure it is safe to
::: proceed.
:::
::: As you progress, try to briefly remove both hands from the bars.
::: Again, you should shift your weight back some and sit upright, to
::: help you do that. With practice, you can control the bike, even
::: turn, by just shifting your weight from side to side.
:::
::: --
:::
::: David L. Johnson
:::
::: Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
::: You soon find out the pig likes it!
::
:: Thanks again, David, and thanks to the other posters as well. I rode
:: 14 miles in Horsham yesterday, and while my turn signals were of the
:: 'flashing' variety, I made them. Now to work on standing while riding
:: so I don't have more instances of numbness in the, err, groin. It's
:: annoying to have it for a couple days after a ride.
::

In the groin or just sore butt? I've not experienced any numbness in the
groin area in all of my riding, but I have had some sore butt issues. There
is perhaps a difference and perhaps numbness in the groin might indicate
some kind of "fit" problem.

Groin. One organ in the groin in particular. It's nearly 24 hours
since my ride, and I've still not fully recovered feeling. The problem
first arose, pardon the pun, this week. I can't tell if it's because
the saddle was too high, or simply that I am riding more often and
longer between dismounts. I rode over 75 miles last week.

Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on the
saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Neil
http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/2007/04/de-comforting-comfort-bike.html

The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 7:40 am, "Roger Zoul" <[email hidden]> wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::: On Mar 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson"
::::: <[email hidden]>:: wrote:
:::::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::::: Underdeveloped core muscles from being 385 pounds. Mild
::::::: scoliosis. A left leg that doesn't extend fully.
::::::
:::::: 385? But you've lost a lot of that already.
::::::
:::::: Keep practicing. For some riders, comfort riding with one, or
:::::: both, hands off the bar comes only after much practice, if at
:::::: all. I have been surprised at strong riders being unable to
:::::: shake hands with me when I meet them on a ride, since they are
:::::: afraid to remove one hand from the bar for that long.
::::::
:::::: But it is not merely a trick to be able to ride no-hands. Yes,
:::::: not just one-handed, but no hands. It allows you to take care of
:::::: things while you are riding, such as dealing with clothing and
:::::: equipment.
::::::
:::::: Experiment with just taking one hand off the bar. You may want
:::::: to temporarily shift more of your weight to the saddle when you
:::::: do this (just shift back and more upright), but with a little
:::::: practice you will be able to manage that. Then worry about
:::::: doing so as you signal, and as you are looking around to make
:::::: sure it is safe to proceed.
::::::
:::::: As you progress, try to briefly remove both hands from the bars.
:::::: Again, you should shift your weight back some and sit upright,
:::::: to help you do that. With practice, you can control the bike,
:::::: even turn, by just shifting your weight from side to side.
::::::
:::::: --
::::::
:::::: David L. Johnson
::::::
:::::: Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
:::::: You soon find out the pig likes it!
:::::
::::: Thanks again, David, and thanks to the other posters as well. I
::::: rode 14 miles in Horsham yesterday, and while my turn signals
::::: were of the 'flashing' variety, I made them. Now to work on
::::: standing while riding
::::: so I don't have more instances of numbness in the, err, groin.
::::: It's annoying to have it for a couple days after a ride.
:::::
:::
::: In the groin or just sore butt? I've not experienced any numbness
::: in the groin area in all of my riding, but I have had some sore
::: butt issues. There is perhaps a difference and perhaps numbness in
::: the groin might indicate some kind of "fit" problem.
::
:: Groin. One organ in the groin in particular. It's nearly 24 hours
:: since my ride, and I've still not fully recovered feeling. The
:: problem first arose, pardon the pun, this week. I can't tell if it's
:: because the saddle was too high, or simply that I am riding more
:: often and longer between dismounts. I rode over 75 miles last week.

Is the saddle level?

::
:: Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
:: seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
:: is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
:: saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on
:: the saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
:: movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
:: since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
:: seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Well, I think you definitely need someone here to offer some guidence with
this. It's completely outside of my experience riding.

You might do well with a Brooks B17 saddle.

Good mileage!

On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on the
saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Assuming the saddle height is now correct and the saddle is level, the
question becomes: are you being "pulled" forward onto the nose of the
saddle? You may experience this as "sliding" forward, but more often
than not it's the result of the geometry of your bike and your
position on it.

How much attention has been paid to adjusting your "reach" so that you
don't have a tendency to pull yourself forward in order to relax your
arms? How much attention has been paid to your saddle's fore-and-aft
position, especially in the context of all these height adjustments?

The more you ride, the more these minor adjustments that were once
trivial begin to loom large.

R

rdclark said:

On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on the
saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Assuming the saddle height is now correct and the saddle is level, the
question becomes: are you being "pulled" forward onto the nose of the
saddle? You may experience this as "sliding" forward, but more often
than not it's the result of the geometry of your bike and your
position on it.

I can't tell if I am being "pulled" forward, or the rocking motion of
my hips moved me forward. Before last Saturday the seat was too low.
The "Street Skills" class instructor raised it for me, but I think it
was raised too high to compensate for the compression my weight caused
on the seatpost suspension.

Quoted message said:

How much attention has been paid to adjusting your "reach" so that you
don't have a tendency to pull yourself forward in order to relax your
arms?

I have the handlebars in the highest position and tilted so I ride as
upright as possible. Ah, the joys of scoliosis!

How much attention has been paid to your saddle's fore-and-aft

Quoted message said:

position, especially in the context of all these height adjustments?

I don't know. I didn't have the bike re-fitted yesterday. Perhaps a
refit is in order.

Quoted message said:

The more you ride, the more these minor adjustments that were once
trivial begin to loom large.

One other problem. I don't know how to stand up on the bike. Now that
I'm keeping my balance I don't need to dismount every few minutes. So
I'm spending long stretches of time seated, and as I wrote,
unfortunately seated on the saddle nose.

"rdclark" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on the
saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Assuming the saddle height is now correct and the saddle is level, the
question becomes: are you being "pulled" forward onto the nose of the
saddle? You may experience this as "sliding" forward, but more often
than not it's the result of the geometry of your bike and your
position on it.

How much attention has been paid to adjusting your "reach" so that you
don't have a tendency to pull yourself forward in order to relax your
arms? How much attention has been paid to your saddle's fore-and-aft
position, especially in the context of all these height adjustments?

I had the same problems and this solved my problem, moved the saddle forward
and used a shorter & raised stem, the result was a more upright riding
position. Not the best in the wind, but a big improvement in comfort.

The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 10:21 am, "rdclark" <[email hidden]> wrote:
::: On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>
::: wrote:
:::
:::: Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the
:::: suspension seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle
:::: on. This saddle is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I
:::: probably had my old saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I
:::: found myself riding on the saddle nose far too often and far too
:::: frequently. The constant movement of the suspension seatpost
:::: probably didn't help matters, since it messed up my pedal stroke.
:::: I'll test out the saddle and seatpost in a day or two, once I've
:::: recovered. I hope I recover. :-(
:::
::: Assuming the saddle height is now correct and the saddle is level,
::: the question becomes: are you being "pulled" forward onto the nose
::: of the saddle? You may experience this as "sliding" forward, but
::: more often than not it's the result of the geometry of your bike
::: and your position on it.
::
:: I can't tell if I am being "pulled" forward, or the rocking motion of
:: my hips moved me forward. Before last Saturday the seat was too low.
:: The "Street Skills" class instructor raised it for me, but I think it
:: was raised too high to compensate for the compression my weight
:: caused on the seatpost suspension.
::
::: How much attention has been paid to adjusting your "reach" so that
::: you don't have a tendency to pull yourself forward in order to
::: relax your arms?
::
:: I have the handlebars in the highest position and tilted so I ride as
:: upright as possible. Ah, the joys of scoliosis!
::
:: How much attention has been paid to your saddle's fore-and-aft
::: position, especially in the context of all these height adjustments?
::
:: I don't know. I didn't have the bike re-fitted yesterday. Perhaps a
:: refit is in order.
::
::: The more you ride, the more these minor adjustments that were once
::: trivial begin to loom large.
::
:: One other problem. I don't know how to stand up on the bike. Now that
:: I'm keeping my balance I don't need to dismount every few minutes. So
:: I'm spending long stretches of time seated, and as I wrote,
:: unfortunately seated on the saddle nose.

Can you get someone to take photos of you riding from various angles? I
think you can put them on your blog...

Having the seat raised likely means you weren't fitted correctly at first,
assuming your instructor has someone understanding of fit on a bike. Your
fit (or need to be refitted) can change over time, however, as you become
more flexible, etc.

On Apr 1, 10:47 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

One other problem. I don't know how to stand up on the bike. Now that
I'm keeping my balance I don't need to dismount every few minutes. So
I'm spending long stretches of time seated, and as I wrote,
unfortunately seated on the saddle nose.- Hide quoted text -

This is a worthwhile insight; changing positions every so often, just
standing up for a few seconds, is important on longer rides.

As to "how"... I've never actually taught this. I would suggest
starting by just pushing dowb on the bottom pedal while coasting,
putting more of your weight on the pedal and less on the saddle, to
see what if feels like to compensate. Try it on each side alternately.

I think most people tend to stand with one pedal at the bottom and all
their weight on that side, at least at first. When pedaling while
standing, it's more usual to pause with the pedals level, but I don't
think most people initially stand up with the pedals level.

So just work toward standing on one pedal while coasting, then sitting
back down. The rest will follow, I think.

R

Roger Zoul said:

Can you get someone to take photos of you riding from various angles? I
think you can put them on your blog...

I'd love to get someone to take photos of me. I've been trying for
months.

Quoted message said:

Having the seat raised likely means you weren't fitted correctly at first,
assuming your instructor has someone understanding of fit on a bike.

The fit was correct when I had the handlebars raised. In fact,
Bikesport made sure my hips didn't rock when they fit me. However, the
quick release on the seatpost has to be extremely tight because of my
weight. It wasn't, and so I got out of adjustment. Also, the seatpost
suspension caused the saddle height to vary up to an inch while
riding.

Your

Quoted message said:

fit (or need to be refitted) can change over time, however, as you become
more flexible, etc.

di said:

"rdclark" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <[email hidden]>
wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Yesterday, after the ride, I had my bike shop replace the suspension
seatpost with a straight one, and we put a new saddle on. This saddle
is narrower up front, with a deeper groove. I probably had my old
saddle too high, causing my hips to rock. I found myself riding on the
saddle nose far too often and far too frequently. The constant
movement of the suspension seatpost probably didn't help matters,
since it messed up my pedal stroke. I'll test out the saddle and
seatpost in a day or two, once I've recovered. I hope I recover. :-(

Quoted message said:

Assuming the saddle height is now correct and the saddle is level, the
question becomes: are you being "pulled" forward onto the nose of the
saddle? You may experience this as "sliding" forward, but more often
than not it's the result of the geometry of your bike and your
position on it.

Quoted message said:

How much attention has been paid to adjusting your "reach" so that you
don't have a tendency to pull yourself forward in order to relax your
arms? How much attention has been paid to your saddle's fore-and-aft
position, especially in the context of all these height adjustments?

I had the same problems and this solved my problem, moved the saddle forward
and used a shorter & raised stem, the result was a more upright riding
position. Not the best in the wind, but a big improvement in comfort.

Thanks. You had this happen? How long did it take to recover? How long
until you were able to ride again? I'm scheduled for two training
rides next weekend. I'd prefer to test the new saddle before then.

"The Historian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

di said:

"rdclark" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Not the best in the wind, but a big improvement in comfort.

Quoted message said:

Thanks. You had this happen? How long did it take to recover? How long
until you were able to ride again? I'm scheduled for two training
rides next weekend. I'd prefer to test the new saddle before then.

I only had a problem after a 40-60 mile ride, I think it was because I
slumped in the saddle and would slide forward, the numbness only last
usually until the next morning or after a good hot shower.

On 1 Apr 2007 05:31:12 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc, "The

Historian said:

Now to work on standing while riding
so I don't have more instances of numbness in the, err, groin.

get a saddle that fits, preferably one with a center slot to take
pressure off the sensitive area.

"di" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"The Historian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

di said:

"rdclark" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Not the best in the wind, but a big improvement in comfort.

Quoted message said:

Thanks. You had this happen? How long did it take to recover? How long
until you were able to ride again? I'm scheduled for two training
rides next weekend. I'd prefer to test the new saddle before then.

I only had a problem after a 40-60 mile ride, I think it was because I
slumped in the saddle and would slide forward, the numbness only last
usually until the next morning or after a good hot shower.

Try going 50 -70 miles a day with no pre training for 3 months across Canada
on a bike that does not fit. It took a week for the bruising to subside.