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Cycling Street Smarts, left-hand drive version |
ONE. OFF TO A GOOD STARTLet's look first at how you get onto your bicycle. If you climb onto it
the right way, you get quicker, safer starts and a more efficient riding position. We'll
also take a look at how to get off smoothly so you're positioned to start again quickly. |
STARTING AND STOPPING
As you slow to a stop, shift down to a low, starting gear. On a derailleur-equipped bicycle, the gears shift only while youre still turning the pedals, so planning ahead pays off. When you’re coming to a stop, stand on one pedal, and slide forward off the saddle. Lean the bicycle a little to the side and place your free foot on the ground. When stopped, raise the other foot and its pedal into the 2 o’clock starting position, the same way as when you got onto the bicycle. No matter what type of pedals you use (see below), keep only one foot on the ground when you stop. The other foot waits on its pedal in the 2 oclock position, ready for a quick start.
AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKESDo not try to sit down on the saddle with both feet on the ground before you start. If you can do this, your saddle is too low. Make sure your saddle height is adjusted properly (a good bike shop can help you). A saddle that's too low (or too high) can cause knee injuries and makes it harder to pedal. Pushing the bike along with a foot, like a scooter, or leaping onto a bike from the side, like a horse, are not as steady or safe as the pedal-step method described earlier in this chapter. SUMMARYPractise the pedal-step method until youre comfortable with it. Raise the saddle if it is too low. Also, practise shifting your gears as you stop, so youll have good acceleration when you start again. Youll be rewarded with smoother, safer and quicker starts. |