| |
Main
Date: 28 Mar 2007 03:39:33
From: The Historian
Subject: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
Thanks,
Neil
http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
|
|
| |
Date: 02 Apr 2007 07:52:01
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 11:33 pm, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
> :: On Apr 1, 6:33 pm, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:
> ::: "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> :::
> :::news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...> On
> ::: Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:::::: "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>
> :::
> ::: 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.
> :::
> ::: 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.
> ::
> :: I've had it more than 30 hours so far, and counting.
>
> Personally, I'd not continue riding until I got this worked out.
I agree. I'm impatient to ride again, however. From what I can tell
from reading this group and the Internet, it appears I might be out of
action for a couple of days to perhaps a week or more. (I'll ignore
the claims of permanent impotency from a single bike ride.) While
there has been some improvement since Saturday, it's nearly two whole
days now.
|
| | |
Date: 02 Apr 2007 16:21:40
From: nash
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
"The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1175525521.656395.70240@y66g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 1, 11:33 pm, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> The Historian wrote:
>>
>> :: On Apr 1, 6:33 pm, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:
>> ::: "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> :::
>> :::news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...> On
>> ::: Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:::::: "rdclark"
>> <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>
>> :::
>> ::: 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.
>> :::
>> ::: 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.
>> ::
>> :: I've had it more than 30 hours so far, and counting.
>>
>> Personally, I'd not continue riding until I got this worked out.
>
> I agree. I'm impatient to ride again, however. From what I can tell
> from reading this group and the Internet, it appears I might be out of
> action for a couple of days to perhaps a week or more. (I'll ignore
> the claims of permanent impotency from a single bike ride.) While
> there has been some improvement since Saturday, it's nearly two whole
> days now.
Your lucky you got to rest. In a group of 4 with 3 bikes and me not driving
I had to bike everyday for a week. I am still alive.
|
| | |
Date: 02 Apr 2007 11:07:39
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 11:33 pm, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::: On Apr 1, 6:33 pm, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:
:::::: "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com > wrote in message
::::::
:::::: news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com... > On
:::::: Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:::::: "rdclark"
:::::: <rdcla...@comcast.net > wrote in message
:::
::::::
:::::: 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.
::::::
:::::: 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.
:::::
::::: I've had it more than 30 hours so far, and counting.
:::
::: Personally, I'd not continue riding until I got this worked out.
::
:: I agree. I'm impatient to ride again, however. From what I can tell
:: from reading this group and the Internet, it appears I might be out
:: of action for a couple of days to perhaps a week or more. (I'll
:: ignore the claims of permanent impotency from a single bike ride.)
:: While there has been some improvement since Saturday, it's nearly
:: two whole days now.
Could there be a problem with your shorts? Are the too tight perhaps,
thereby resulting in some unneeded pressure in the wrong places? As I've
tried to indiciate before, this has never been an issue for me as I don't
even sit on those parts. Some pictures of you on that bike would really
help. Have you discussed this with the folks at your LBS? At least they
can see your position as you ride to offer some help.
I really hate to see you having this problem as riding is good for you and
me (since we both have similar issues with weight & weight loss, etc.).
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 21:12:03
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 6:33 pm, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:
> "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...> On Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:
> >> "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
I've had it more than 30 hours so far, and counting.
|
| | |
Date: 02 Apr 2007 00:33:16
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 6:33 pm, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:
::: "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com > wrote in message
:::
::: news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com... > On
::: Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:
::::: "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net > wrote in message
:::
::: 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.
:::
::: 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.
::
:: I've had it more than 30 hours so far, and counting.
Personally, I'd not continue riding until I got this worked out.
When I ride my bike, I have no pressure whatsoever in the groin area.
Hence, never any numbness.
How can you ride everyday when it take longer than 24 hours to recover?
No, this is NOT correct.
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 15:26:27
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net > wrote:
> "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>
> news:1175440894.313044.314410@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>
> > On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com>
> > 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.
>
> > 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.
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 18:33:16
From: di
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
"The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:
>> "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>
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.
>
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.
|
| | | |
Date: 02 Apr 2007 03:47:37
From: nash
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
"di" <di9999@cox.net > wrote in message
news:ZiXPh.5710$EJ6.1903@newsfe24.lga...
>
> "The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1175466386.886535.258740@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>> On Apr 1, 10:59 am, "di" <di9...@cox.net> wrote:
>>> "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>>
> 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.
>>
>
> 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.
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 10:49:43
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 11:22 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
> 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.
> 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
> fit (or need to be refitted) can change over time, however, as you become
> more flexible, etc.
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 09:31:51
From: rdclark
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 10:47 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
wrote:
> 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
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 08:47:09
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 10:21 am, "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net > wrote:
> On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com>
> 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.
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 12:22:22
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 10:21 am, "rdclark" <rdcla...@comcast.net > wrote:
::: On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
::: 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.
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 08:21:34
From: rdclark
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
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.
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
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 10:59:50
From: di
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
"rdclark" <rdclark2@comcast.net > wrote in message
news:1175440894.313044.314410@n76g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> On Apr 1, 8:35 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com>
> 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.
>
> 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.
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 06:35:28
From: The Historian
Subject: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
On Apr 1, 7:40 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
> :: On 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>:: 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
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 11:12:30
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Numbness after riding - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On Apr 1, 7:40 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::: On 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson"
::::: <david.john...@lehigh.edu >:: 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!
|
| |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 05:31:12
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu >
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.
Neil
http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 18:37:48
From: Dennis P. Harris
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 1 Apr 2007 05:31:12 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc, "The
Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote:
> 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.
|
| | |
Date: 01 Apr 2007 08:40:31
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On 28, 7:48 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu >
:: 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/
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 14:36:34
From: Jeremy Parker
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
"The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1175078373.077615.198210@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of
> it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in
> this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a
> second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy
> solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
[snip]
There is no miraculous instant solution, I think. Just keep
practicing, and the time that you can keep your hand off the
handlebars will gradually get longer. You have come to cycling
late, and everything feels more difficult as an adult. Adults think
too much.
When you begin to get the hang of signalling (but not until then),
start trying to learn another skill, looking back over your shoulder.
You will get the hang of signalling eventually, but probably not very
well at all by the end of your Street Skills course. Looking is
probably even more important than signalling. Just as with a car,
signalling without looking gives you no automatic right to change
lanes, make a turn, or whatever. Just as with a car, signalling and
acting, without looking, can have bad consequences.
Jeremy Parker
|
| |
Date: 30 Mar 2007 04:24:35
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 29, 10:28 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
> :: On 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mik...@ix.netcom.com> 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
> :: * ch 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
> :: * ch 1, 2007 - 252
> :: * ch 8 - 254
> :: * ch 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 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.
> 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.
|
| | |
Date: 30 Mar 2007 07:37:24
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On 29, 10:28 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
::: The Historian wrote:
:::
::::: On 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mik...@ix.netcom.com >
::::: 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
::::: * ch 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
::::: * ch 1, 2007 - 252
::::: * ch 8 - 254
::::: * ch 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.
|
| |
Date: 29 Mar 2007 02:51:08
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mik...@ix.netcom.com > 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
* ch 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
* ch 1, 2007 - 252
* ch 8 - 254
* ch 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.
|
| | |
Date: 29 Mar 2007 11:28:18
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: On 28, 10:51 pm, "Mike Jacoubowsky" <mik...@ix.netcom.com > 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
:: * ch 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
:: * ch 1, 2007 - 252
:: * ch 8 - 254
:: * ch 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.
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.
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.
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 19:31:01
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 4:22 pm, Bill <b...@comcast.net > wrote:
> joseph.santanie...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On 28, 12:39 pm, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> >> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> >> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> >> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> >> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> >> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> >> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> >> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> >> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> >> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> >> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Neilhttp://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
>
> > Hi Neil,
>
> > Glad to see you are still at it.
>
> > I think this is mostly a fear barrier. Perhaps you can practice by
> > lifting one hand a few inches above the bar ready to grab it again
> > without compounding the exercise with hand signals, getting ready for
> > turns, etc. After a while you'll get it. Just relax. And remember a
> > bike stays up due to semi-controlled wobbling, and sometimes this
> > wobble is more pronounced that others. Just go with the flow and don't
> > try to fight it. If you have very wide bars, this seems to encorage
> > one-handed wobblieness. I think this is because the relatively large
> > hand movements needed to control the bike are difficult to do
> > precisely. With narrower bars (or your hands holding wide ones closer
> > to the middle) less hand movement is required, and this allows for
> > more precision. I know that I can ride a straigter line one handed
> > with one hand holding right in the center next to the stem, rather
> > than out at the end of the bars. I don't have to do this, as I am
> > comfortable with the wobble from holding out at the end, but the
> > wobble is more pronounced.
>
> > As you are overweight, perhaps you have while riding with both hands
> > lots of weight resting on the bars? If you do, this could set things
> > out of wack when you lift one arm. If this is the case, do something
> > to your riding position (seat position, bar position) to eliminate
> > having so much weight resting on your hands.
>
> > Joseph
>
> 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.
If you
> are worried about staying with the pack then you are using the 'already
> lost weight' approach and it won't work for a newbie. Most (not all)
> bikes are pretty stable on their own, as my grandkids have demonstrated
> during their 'kill the bike' phase. They would get up to about 12 MPH
> and just stand up running and let the bike go. 9 times out of 10 the
> bike would stay upright on it's own until it got slow enough to just
> fall over. Sitting full upright means you won't get racer type speeds
> but you still get the exercise, which is the whole point.
> 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
|
| | |
Date: 29 Mar 2007 03:51:24
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
>> 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!
Whatever you're doing, stay with the program. 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-
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
|
| | |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 20:07:19
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
> On 28, 4:22 pm, Bill <b...@comcast.net> 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.
>
I have one, um, fat friend, about 5'10" tall and 300 pounds. He manages
OK but does admit to having some weight related problems. I am trying to
get him on his Cannondale to get into better shape. He is not a couch
potato but rather a computer addict. He is good on motorcycles but not a
motivated exerciser. He is my project.
May you both do well.
Bill Baka
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 18:26:10
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
In article <1175078373.077615.198210@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com >,
"The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > writes:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
Are you trying to look at where your turning into, while
stiffly holding your head steady for looking straight
ahead, and just turning your eyes?
If so -- don't.
Feel free to turn your head to look around and get
a good, informative look instead of taking furtive
glances, but know the bike will tend to go where
you're looking. That effect can be overridden by
practicing, and that's the trick.
Find a nice, safe, no-traffic, wide area like an
empty parking lot, and practice shoulder-checking
without swerving. Once you've mastered that, the
rest just falls into place. Mike's advice about
the water bottle is good, too. Y'know what else
helps? Being able to ride no-hands. The best way
to practice that is to find a gentle upgrade that
requires you to keep pedalling, but not forcibly.
Take your hands off the handlebar and just hover
them over the grips. You might lose confidence
after a pedal stroke or two and start to veer, and
have to get back onto the handlebar. That's okay,
the handlebar is right there. Eventually you'll
develop a body-knowledge of steering the bike by
leaning it. Except, some bikes just aren't
predilected to being ridden no-hands.
I figure shoulder-checking is a more important
skill than signalling anyway. In fact it should
always precurse any signalling.
Just between you, me, and the lamppost, the
right arm right-turn signal is not only easier
to perform than the left arm signal, but I think
it's more informative to other road users than
pointing up at the sky with your left hand.
The left arm right-turn signal is for car drivers,
who can't stick their right arms out the passenger
side window. Unfortunately for cyclists, the right
arm right-turn signal isn't universally recognized,
so it's a good idea to check to see if it is or not
in your jurisdiction.
And if there's nobody else around, I don't even
bother to signal, because ... what's the point?
There may be a proviso in your local regulations
that says you don't have to take a hand off the
handlebar if you deem it unsafe to do so. Like
if you're going down a steep hill, and really
need access to that brake lever as you approach
the intersection.
cheers,
Tom
--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 18:10:05
From: Veloise
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
Neil wrote:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
You go, fella!
Has your instructor mentioned that lane position is important? I've
often noticed newbie riders trying to execute a turn WHILE maintaining
that arm signal...even from the middle of the left-turn-only lane.
(WHy signal? Ray Charles could see that you're gonna turn left!)
HTH
--Karen D.
ECI #36
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 13:49:51
From: joseph.santaniello@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 12:39 pm, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
wrote:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> Thanks,
> Neilhttp://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
Hi Neil,
Glad to see you are still at it.
I think this is mostly a fear barrier. Perhaps you can practice by
lifting one hand a few inches above the bar ready to grab it again
without compounding the exercise with hand signals, getting ready for
turns, etc. After a while you'll get it. Just relax. And remember a
bike stays up due to semi-controlled wobbling, and sometimes this
wobble is more pronounced that others. Just go with the flow and don't
try to fight it. If you have very wide bars, this seems to encorage
one-handed wobblieness. I think this is because the relatively large
hand movements needed to control the bike are difficult to do
precisely. With narrower bars (or your hands holding wide ones closer
to the middle) less hand movement is required, and this allows for
more precision. I know that I can ride a straigter line one handed
with one hand holding right in the center next to the stem, rather
than out at the end of the bars. I don't have to do this, as I am
comfortable with the wobble from holding out at the end, but the
wobble is more pronounced.
As you are overweight, perhaps you have while riding with both hands
lots of weight resting on the bars? If you do, this could set things
out of wack when you lift one arm. If this is the case, do something
to your riding position (seat position, bar position) to eliminate
having so much weight resting on your hands.
Joseph
|
| | |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 21:22:28
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
joseph.santaniello@gmail.com wrote:
> On 28, 12:39 pm, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
>> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
>> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
>> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
>> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
>> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
>> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>>
>> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
>> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
>> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Neilhttp://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
>
> Hi Neil,
>
> Glad to see you are still at it.
>
> I think this is mostly a fear barrier. Perhaps you can practice by
> lifting one hand a few inches above the bar ready to grab it again
> without compounding the exercise with hand signals, getting ready for
> turns, etc. After a while you'll get it. Just relax. And remember a
> bike stays up due to semi-controlled wobbling, and sometimes this
> wobble is more pronounced that others. Just go with the flow and don't
> try to fight it. If you have very wide bars, this seems to encorage
> one-handed wobblieness. I think this is because the relatively large
> hand movements needed to control the bike are difficult to do
> precisely. With narrower bars (or your hands holding wide ones closer
> to the middle) less hand movement is required, and this allows for
> more precision. I know that I can ride a straigter line one handed
> with one hand holding right in the center next to the stem, rather
> than out at the end of the bars. I don't have to do this, as I am
> comfortable with the wobble from holding out at the end, but the
> wobble is more pronounced.
>
> As you are overweight, perhaps you have while riding with both hands
> lots of weight resting on the bars? If you do, this could set things
> out of wack when you lift one arm. If this is the case, do something
> to your riding position (seat position, bar position) to eliminate
> having so much weight resting on your hands.
>
> Joseph
>
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? If you
are worried about staying with the pack then you are using the 'already
lost weight' approach and it won't work for a newbie. Most (not all)
bikes are pretty stable on their own, as my grandkids have demonstrated
during their 'kill the bike' phase. They would get up to about 12 MPH
and just stand up running and let the bike go. 9 times out of 10 the
bike would stay upright on it's own until it got slow enough to just
fall over. Sitting full upright means you won't get racer type speeds
but you still get the exercise, which is the whole point.
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
|
| | | |
Date: 29 Mar 2007 11:21:42
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
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!
|
| | | | |
Date: 30 Mar 2007 02:54:59
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
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
|
| | | | | |
Date: 30 Mar 2007 07:29:11
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
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! :)
|
| | | | | | |
Date: 30 Mar 2007 22:47:17
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
Roger Zoul wrote:
> 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
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 09:51:07
From: Mike Jacoubowsky
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
Could be that you're going very slowly at the intersection out of fear, but
so slowly that you're losing stability. A little bit faster might do the
trick, despite internal logic that is telling you otherwise.
Also, do you have a water bottle on your bike? If not, I'd suggest getting
one. Why? Because the practice (away from traffic and other riders
initially) of getting at your water bottle while riding, and putting it
back, is going to improve your confidence for riding one-handed (while
signaling).
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 09:38:56
From: rdclark
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 5:39 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
wrote:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
You're probably clutching the handlebar much too tightly. Practice
riding in a straight line while consciously releasing your grip until
your hands are resting but lightly on the grips. After a while you
should find that the bike really will continue forward without you
having to wrestle it into submission.
Once you've trained yourself to believe that you can control the bike
with a light touch, it will become easier for that touch to come from
only one hand at a time.
R
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 08:50:10
From: The Historian
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 6:40 am, "Roger Zoul" <rogerzo...@hotmail.com > wrote:
> The Historian wrote:
>
> :: I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> :: is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> :: It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> :: group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> :: attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> :: or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> :: or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> What's a comfort bike? What does "fat" have to do with it?
Trek Navigator 3.0. I'm an overweight novice rider in a class filled
with lean, experienced cyclists. I don't mind being the last to finish
the ride. but I want to be able to finish it without causing an
accident.
> How much riding have you done?
39 miles this week on bike paths. My first ride was December 24, 2006.
I've probably got in about 150 or so miles total.
Do you have any balance issues that you know
> of?
Underdeveloped core muscles from being 385 pounds. Mild scoliosis. A
left leg that doesn't extend fully.
It seems to be just a matter of skill, otherwise. Or confidence.
> Perhaps your bike wobbles because you are afraid of falling? Could that be
> it? Can you sit in a more upright position before removing your left hand?
> It really should not take much to keep the bike going fairly straight. And a
> little bit of wobble is not really anything to worry about as long as you
> don't go careering out of control and hit something or worst.
>
> ::
> :: I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> :: learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> :: enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> So, you've just recently started riding? I've seen your handle somewhere
> before, I assumed it was in here. Maybe not.
It was here.
> Anyway, practice makes perfect. Keep riding, you'll figure it out.
>
> ::
> :: Thanks,
> :: Neil
> ::http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
|
| | |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 20:48:35
From: David L. Johnson
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
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!
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 06:05:32
From: DanKMTB@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
On 28, 6:39 am, "The Historian" <neil.thehistor...@gmail.com >
wrote:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> Thanks,
> Neilhttp://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
Are you white-knuckling the bars with the hand that stays on them? I
recently rode with someone who was having a similar problem on a road
bike, and it was a comfort thing. Once she relaxed, she was able to
relax her grip and sit up a bit more, making it a lot more stable.
You'll find even with both hands, a more relaxed grip on the
handlebars results in a smoother and more stable ride. This is
accented when riding with one hand.
Good luck, keep pedaling, you'll get it.
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 08:47:46
From: Luke
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
In article <1175078373.077615.198210@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com >, The
Historian <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote:
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> Thanks,
> Neil
That day will come -- and your wobbly signalling will disappear -- that
much sooner with more riding. Don't unduly concern yourself; go and out
and ride and you'll soon discover these difficulties will solve
themselves.
Luke
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 12:30:09
From: JP
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
"The Historian" <neil.thehistorian@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1175078373.077615.198210@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
Only guessing, but I'm thinking that you're so stiff and tense
when you try and signal that it starts you wobbling.
My wife has a similar problem with her downtube shifters
because she gets so tense. Happens to older folks who are afraid of falling,
i.e. sensible individuals.
The more miles you ride, the more relaxed you will get.
And sometimes "comfort" bikes are not so comfrotable.
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 07:00:09
From: catzz66
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
> I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
> is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
> It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
> group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
> attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
> or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
> or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
>
> I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
> learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
> enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
>
> Thanks,
> Neil
> http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
>
On a comfort bike and depending on your normal posture, your weight may
be naturally more on the back wheel which could make it a little more
squirrely feeling, but you ought to be able to do this. I would not
rush it if you are uncomfortable, though. 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. The road was slick and I went down when the front wheel
jacknifed on me. Handling is all different (more stable) for me on my
road bike and I can pretty much do whatever I want.
You'll probably get more comfortable with it over time. You have only
been riding for several months. Right? Is this the first time you have
tried riding without "both hands on the wheel?"
|
| | |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 20:52:03
From: David L. Johnson
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
catzz66 wrote:
> On a comfort bike and depending on your normal posture, your weight may
> be naturally more on the back wheel which could make it a little more
> squirrely feeling, but you ought to be able to do this. I would not
> rush it if you are uncomfortable, though.
Agreed.
> 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.
Use both hands to brake. PA law (or at least their cycling booklet)
says that you don't have to signal if you need your hands to brake.
--
David L. Johnson
Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig...
You soon find out the pig likes it!
|
| | | |
Date: 29 Mar 2007 15:32:29
From: catzz66
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
David L. Johnson wrote:
> catzz66 wrote:
>
>> 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.
|
| |
Date: 28 Mar 2007 07:40:39
From: Roger Zoul
Subject: Re: Wobbly While Signaling - HELP!
|
The Historian wrote:
:: I'm taking a "Street Skills for Cyclists" course. The final day of it
:: is this weekend, and calls for me to complete a 15 mile group ride.
:: It's bad enough that I'm the only fat rider on a comfort bike in this
:: group, but an even worse problem is that my bike wobbles when I
:: attempt to signal. I can't remove my left hand for more than a second
:: or two without beginning to lose control. Is there an easy solution,
:: or is it something obvious I am not doing? HELP!
What's a comfort bike? What does "fat" have to do with it?
How much riding have you done? Do you have any balance issues that you know
of? It seems to be just a matter of skill, otherwise. Or confidence.
Perhaps your bike wobbles because you are afraid of falling? Could that be
it? Can you sit in a more upright position before removing your left hand?
It really should not take much to keep the bike going fairly straight. And a
little bit of wobble is not really anything to worry about as long as you
don't go careering out of control and hit something or worst.
::
:: I'm enjoying riding despite all the problems associated with the bike
:: learning curve. But I am looking forward to the day I don't have to
:: enjoy it despite beginner's difficulties.
So, you've just recently started riding? I've seen your handle somewhere
before, I assumed it was in here. Maybe not.
Anyway, practice makes perfect. Keep riding, you'll figure it out.
::
:: Thanks,
:: Neil
:: http://historian2wheels.blogspot.com/
|
|
