handlebar kids bike seat image
Danielsan
I tried riding a bike as a kid but fell and was traumatized to the point that I never got back on a bike. Now I feel, as an adult ready to take on the challenges, but that little fear keeps encroaching back in. How can I make this a successful feat overcome, and finally learn how to ride a bike?
Answer
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.
Here are some tips:
Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".
Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.
To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.
To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.
When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.
It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.
Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.
I had trouble learning to balance a bike and I know someone who thinks correct reach to the pedal is more important than reach to the ground and put my kids on bikes too big for them and they had nasty accidents that put them off for ages.
Here are some tips:
Get a trustworthy bike-shop or sensible and knowledgeable friend help you to work out a good frame size for you. Although most adult bikes are 26" (which is the height of the wheels) the length needs considering as well. But for now, as long as it doesn't seem too hard or too easy to reach the handlebars, that should do. When you are riding well and regularly for some distance, you'll work out what, if anything, is wrong. A call to a bike shop to tell them your height should be enough for them to tell you if you should be on a 26".
Make sure the front and rear brakes are working well and mainly rely on the rear brake for now. Preferably no back pedal brakes unless you feel that lacking in skill. If so, as soon as you feel ready, get onto a bike without because it will be easier to get fully competent.
To work out a good height for the saddle, sit on the bike and make sure that you can put both feet almost completely on the ground at the same time. Best not to be able to put both fully and completely on the ground because that will make pedaling very cramped and if you are too cramped, it will affect your balance. This is an excellent height for being able to stop yourself falling over in most situations or give you some control of the fall if you do lose your balance. This will help with confidence which is key to learning.
To learn to balance a bike, find a gentle slope with a safe ending, either going uphill or just levels off. Start at the top of the slope and sit on the bike saddle with your legs hanging out to the sides, not on the pedals. Let the bike roll and use your feet to lightly push you back towards centre if you start to go over. (If necessary, take the pedals off for this stage but children upwards of about 7 and adults probably don't need to.) Keep going back to the top of the slope and rolling down again; as you feel more confident about your balance, try putting your feet on the pedals (but don't worry about turning them yet). The slope doesn't need to be very long - the dead-end I learned on only had about 3 houses on each side. When you can balance the bike and get your feet on the pedals, start trying a bit of pedalling. Soon after this, you're ready for a longer slope or a piece of quiet straight road.
When you have mastered your balance and are starting to ride fairly confidently, start raising the seat a bit at a time, never going beyond what you feel safe doing, until your legs are just slightly bent as you sit on the seat and put your feet on the pedals.
It took me most of an afternoon to finally get my balance. My family had spent quite a bit of time helping me but I still hadn't got it. That afternoon of rolling down the slope was pretty much what finally got me going.
Also, stay away from bumps until you feel really confident and then just small ones until you work out what you can handle. And of course, *never* jump your bike up onto a kerb unless you have special wheels - they'll get damaged and go out of "true" and then the brakes won't work properly.
What is the best treadmill or stationary bike?
Amber Ann
I want to buy one or the other. Not sure which one yet. I know I can go outside and run/jog, but this is for during the day when I literally cannot go outside b/c all the kids are sleeping, etc. Which is better...treadmill or bike? Thanks in advance :)
Any certain brands??
Answer
Try looking up "Comsumers Reports" or "Choice" magazine, and see if they have any particular recommendations.
Smooth is a good brand for treadmills - it's what I've got and I love it. I've got the 5.15. I have trouble getting out at times because of the kids, and it's made a big difference.
"Treadmill Doctor recently gave our Smooth 7.1 HR the highest "Best Buy" rating for a treadmill in the $1,000 - $1,500 category. They called it, "A big, stable machine that is a good value." They referred to the Smooth 9.15 HR as, "One of the best values in the Smooth lineup." And if that is not enough they called the Smooth 5.15 P, "One of the best treadmills on the market less than $1000."
With bikes, it really is a matter of personal comfort, and what suits (and fits) you. My girlfriend swears by hers, but the seat and handlebars are too close together for me, so I'm looking for something with a longer frame ......and a cushier seat !!
I personally prefer my treadmill, but I'm still looking for a bike to help balance my workout.
I hope this helps.....
Try looking up "Comsumers Reports" or "Choice" magazine, and see if they have any particular recommendations.
Smooth is a good brand for treadmills - it's what I've got and I love it. I've got the 5.15. I have trouble getting out at times because of the kids, and it's made a big difference.
"Treadmill Doctor recently gave our Smooth 7.1 HR the highest "Best Buy" rating for a treadmill in the $1,000 - $1,500 category. They called it, "A big, stable machine that is a good value." They referred to the Smooth 9.15 HR as, "One of the best values in the Smooth lineup." And if that is not enough they called the Smooth 5.15 P, "One of the best treadmills on the market less than $1000."
With bikes, it really is a matter of personal comfort, and what suits (and fits) you. My girlfriend swears by hers, but the seat and handlebars are too close together for me, so I'm looking for something with a longer frame ......and a cushier seat !!
I personally prefer my treadmill, but I'm still looking for a bike to help balance my workout.
I hope this helps.....
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Title Post: How can I learn to ride a bicycle?
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Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
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Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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