Learning to ride a bike as an adult?

[Setz]

I never got the hang of riding a bike as a kid (except with training wheels of course :razz:), and I haven't rode in maybe 12-13 years. I just moved to the middle of nowhere, and the nearest Tim Hortons is perhaps a 40-50 minute walk. :-0 So I've decided upon myself to buy a bike and learn how to ride.

I've heard from many sources it's much more difficult for an adult to learn than a child, and to be quite frank I'm kind of embarrassed to practice on my own street because the inevitable falls will surely impact my "image" :razz:.

Are there any province wide associations I could call to get lessons, or any general advice I could get?

[TapemanPL]

i've taught a few older people how to ride very successfully...within a few hours they were already zooming up and down the street...
basically first sit on the bike and just push yourself for a while letting your feet hang to try and balance the bike, once you get that down try pedaling, if you can't balance and pedal at the same time try pedaling slowly with someone helping you balance...after that we were done so i don't know what to do if that doesn't work

[sexpuppet6000]

paying to learn how to ride a bike?

[Kasakato]

Start with the correct procedure: http://sheldonbrown.com/starting.html
Then you can move into balance.

[corrupt123]

TapemanPL's advice is actually very good. I was/am in Munich, and over here things are a lot different. I don't think tricycles even exist - instead, the kids all ride around on these wooden bikes that have no pedals. The idea is that the bike/seat is situated low enough for the kids feet to easily reach the ground, and they just push themselves along.

This works really well because their feet are there to support them if they're falling, and they push themselves forward with their feet too. I'd imagine you pickup balance pretty quickly using this method.

I'd say this is probably your best route, and I doubt you'll fall very much. If you've got some tools, you could pop the pedals off of your bike just to make things a little easier - though I'm sure you could still do it with them on.

Good luck!

[Piccolo]

I know how to ride a bike, but I am not comfortable riding on the streets in toronto with the traffic (I stick to the bike paths). I have had a few people tell me to check out "CanBike". http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/canbike/canbike.htm

Maybe Niagara Falls area has something like that?

[UrbanPoet]

i learned how to ride a bike in grade 9.
What i did was sit on the bike... Then roll down a small hill trying to balance.. if i feel like i lose balance, i jam the brakes and put my feet down to bail myself out.

After a while you get a hang of how to balance a bike... now all you gotta do is peddle =)

[almostfreeman]

Just get on it and ride the ******* thing :!: :razz: If you fall off , pick yourself up and try again until you get it right.

That's the way most of us learned I'm sure. Unless you have a very poor sense of balance and find that you fall down while standing or walking there is no reason you can't ride a bike. Fear is the only thing keeping you from doing something that you want to do. Some fear is justified since we heal more slowly from injuries as we get older; so try not to fall too much or too hard. Maybe get some gloves and elbow, knee pads until you are feeling more confident.

IMO it is well worth it to learn to ride a bike. The pleasure (and health benefit) you will receive from riding a bike outweigh the potential risks. Make sure you get a helmet, obey traffic rules and practice "defensive cycling". It's really not that hard to ride a bike once you get your balance the rest will come. Chances are it won't hurt that much if you make a mistake or two while learning.;)

Good Luck!

[alv077]

I think the most important thing to do is not to hesitate and try to go slowly...

It's insanely hard to keep balance if you ride slowly... easy if you go quickly right away...

[UrbanPoet]

yeah... and dont sweat it.
Everyone has first time anxiety when it comes to mobility devices. Im sure when most people learned to drive they had anxiety... they made wide turns, and once and a while had to jam their brakes b/c they didnt notice something..

same with bikes!

[deep]

One natural inclination we have is to go slowly until we "get" something. This will hurt you while learning how to ride, as the stability of a bike increases greatly with increased speed.

I like the idea of using your feet and not the pedals to get going, but it may be difficult to balance at first, as the low speed will hurt you in that respect. I would switch to pedalling as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the additional stability.

[alcaatwork]

search for the word "Adult" at this link:

http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=162562 (http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=162562)

[doggy]

:) i love biking.

OP, just use tapemans' advice. Push yourself along with your feet and lifting your feet off the ground when you get a good speed/balance. Just dont turn too tight, or lean too much when doing this or you may fall, though you shouldnt because you have feet that are less than a foot off the ground.

Once you are able to push yourself along with your feet in the air, try pedaling slowly, then when you pick up speed, learn to maintain that speed and braking appropriately. Do not apply your front brake too hard when goign to fast or else you may throw yourself over the handle bars :lol: . you should also use an open space so that you arent constantly thinking of things you may bump into. Biking really becomes second nature once you learn it and is really worth the embarrassment to be able to bike in the future.

just take it at your speed and stay determined. It truly becomes second nature because all im thinking when on a bike is to pedal, the bike essentially balances itself. just dont be afraid to speed up or to brake

[Setz]

:) i love biking.

OP, just use tapemans' advice. Push yourself along with your feet and lifting your feet off the ground when you get a good speed/balance. Just dont turn too tight, or lean too much when doing this or you may fall, though you shouldnt because you have feet that are less than a foot off the ground.

Once you are able to push yourself along with your feet in the air, try pedaling slowly, then when you pick up speed, learn to maintain that speed and braking appropriately. Do not apply your front brake too hard when goign to fast or else you may throw yourself over the handle bars :lol: . you should also use an open space so that you arent constantly thinking of things you may bump into. Biking really becomes second nature once you learn it and is really worth the embarrassment to be able to bike in the future.

just take it at your speed and stay determined. It truly becomes second nature because all im thinking when on a bike is to pedal, the bike essentially balances itself. just dont be afraid to speed up or to brake

I think the hardest part for me will be turning and braking. In my experience with biking when I was a kid (again, with training wheels :cheesygri ), as soon as you backpedal, it's an immediate stop. Perhaps it was the bike I was using, but I would imagine if I'm going at Mach 2 and decide to break by backpedaling, I'm afraid I won't be posting here anymore. :-0

[sk1nnywallet]

The faster you go the easier it is to keep balance - this is just the physics of rotating wheels. If you go slow it will be harder to keep your balance.

[Oni-kun]

I think the hardest part for me will be turning and braking. In my experience with biking when I was a kid (again, with training wheels :cheesygri ), as soon as you backpedal, it's an immediate stop. Perhaps it was the bike I was using, but I would imagine if I'm going at Mach 2 and decide to break by backpedaling, I'm afraid I won't be posting here anymore. :-0

You probrably had a bike with a coaster brake. Most bikes you buy know will use either caliper, v-brakes, or disc brakes that are hand operated.

Anyway if you're afraid of falling. Lower the saddle so that your feet can touch the ground (this is not good riding position btw) and dont pedal. just push yourself a little with your food. Lift your feet off the ground and just concentrate on balance. Once you get the hang of it you can raise the seat back to a proper height and get the pedaling in too.

The most common problem I see is people riding with their saddles too low. A proper height is where your feet should NOT beable to touch the ground without leaning the the side. Because your legs should be almost fully extended at the bottom of the stroke when you pedal downwards.

[Nikita]

I didn't learn to rollerblade till I was an adult and now I've been doing it for over 10 years, and it only took me a few times out to feel comfortable. It's just like anything else, you just do....practicing any activity is what makes you able to do it. Sure I took a few spills while learning, everyone does, big deal, that's how you learn what not to do.

When I was a kid I had a really hard time learning how to ice skate, even with ankle guards I always seemed to skate on my ankles...lol. Many, many years later when I moved to Ottawa (where winter sports are about the only way to enjoy the bitter winters) my ex bought me some ice skates. Yikes! is what I thought, couldn't do it as a kid, how the hell am I going to do it as an adult. My first time out I was prepared to get hurt...lol...but much to my surprise is was easier than when I was a kid.

Now two caveats...the skates my ex bought me were the hardshell type so your ankles can't bend for trying anyway and I had had many years of ballet training, which likely helped with my balance when skating. Of course, I took a few spills ice skating too, again big deal, everyone does ocassionally.

Seems your biggest fear is to be seen falling. Ŧhink about this....I'm sure you've seen people fall of bikes, rollerblades, etc. You might or might not get a laugh out of it, but really, two minutes later you've forgotten about it. So will people who see you, if in fact you take a few spills learning, which you might find you don't.

Don't let that kind of fear stop you, everyone can learn to ride, hell my parents bought bikes in their late sixties and learned to ride again after like a bazillion years...lol. Go for it! Not only is it great fun, it's great exercise.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

i just thought of something, since my bike is red, can RFD like paint my bike to cover the rust and put white letters advertising RFD, id totally ride that around.

[Mattones]

Everyone has got to learn sometime my friend. Just buy a bike that you feel good sitting on and just practice. Please since your a starter wear a helmet. Don't need you cracking your head open.

My little bother never was taught how to ride a bike. One day his friends were all on their training wheels going around the court.. He never wanted to ride a bike he never liked it. Then my dad called the family over and there was my brother riding my bike with no training wheels chasing the other kids.

Pretty cool stuff I think we have a home video of it haha.


---
Also for that guy who posted about if you pedal backwards the breaks go on. i use to love those bikes. I use to leave a side walk full of skid marks from the tire haha

[Pepero]

I can't believe there is someone else in the same boat as me! It's rather embarassing. I've been wanting to learn how to ride a bike 'properly' the past few years, as I never learned how to do that when I was young. It's a green alternative to driving, not to mention good for my body. I did ride about 2-3 years ago when traveling, but in less traffic (compared to the city streets of Toronto, which I would like to eventually be able to do). My problem is that I: (1) cannot turn sharp corners, (2) get nervous when there is a lot of taffic around me, and (3) get nervous when I go too fast and lose control. Actually, the speed problem applies when I rollerblade and ski as well. I've been taught the technique of how to slow down/stop, when skiing and roller blading, but I can't manage to actually do it. I end up hurdling down the slopes, or intentionally falling to stop. It's quite ridiculous. Slowing down or stopping when biking is obviously easier, but I do tend to get nervous when I my speed increases. I wish I had someone to 'practice' with...(ha ha) and have no clue where I can do it freely without becoming a joke in Toronto. Oh well. I'll figure something. Good luck OP!

[Oni-kun]

Everyone has got to learn sometime my friend. Just buy a bike that you feel good sitting on and just practice. Please since your a starter wear a helmet. Don't need you cracking your head open.



Regardless of if you're a beginner or a pro you should still wear a helmet.

I can't believe there is someone else in the same boat as me! It's rather embarassing. I've been wanting to learn how to ride a bike 'properly' the past few years, as I never learned how to do that when I was young. It's a green alternative to driving, not to mention good for my body. I did ride about 2-3 years ago when traveling, but in less traffic (compared to the city streets of Toronto, which I would like to eventually be able to do). My problem is that I: (1) cannot turn sharp corners, (2) get nervous when there is a lot of taffic around me, and (3) get nervous when I go too fast and lose control. Actually, the speed problem applies when I rollerblade and ski as well. I've been taught the technique of how to slow down/stop, when skiing and roller blading, but I can't manage to actually do it. I end up hurdling down the slopes, or intentionally falling to stop. It's quite ridiculous. Slowing down or stopping when biking is obviously easier, but I do tend to get nervous when I my speed increases. I wish I had someone to 'practice' with...(ha ha) and have no clue where I can do it freely without becoming a joke in Toronto. Oh well. I'll figure something. Good luck OP!

1) If you want to corner well. Have the foot that is on the outside of the turn at the lowest part of the crank (so your pedal doesn't touch the ground on the inside), put some weight on that foot. keep your centre of gravity low and lean slightly to the inside of the turn. You will beable to corner better
2) Everyone does, you can't really do anything about it but increase your visibility by wearing bright colours and having lights for dusk/dawn/nighttime
3) Don't pedal so fast, maintain control

Proper stopping technique :
http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

Front brake should be your primary brake

[Kasakato]

I can't believe there is someone else in the same boat as me! It's rather embarassing. I've been wanting to learn how to ride a bike 'properly' the past few years, as I never learned how to do that when I was young. It's a green alternative to driving, not to mention good for my body. I did ride about 2-3 years ago when traveling, but in less traffic (compared to the city streets of Toronto, which I would like to eventually be able to do). My problem is that I: (1) cannot turn sharp corners, (2) get nervous when there is a lot of taffic around me, and (3) get nervous when I go too fast and lose control. Actually, the speed problem applies when I rollerblade and ski as well. I've been taught the technique of how to slow down/stop, when skiing and roller blading, but I can't manage to actually do it. I end up hurdling down the slopes, or intentionally falling to stop. It's quite ridiculous. Slowing down or stopping when biking is obviously easier, but I do tend to get nervous when I my speed increases. I wish I had someone to 'practice' with...(ha ha) and have no clue where I can do it freely without becoming a joke in Toronto. Oh well. I'll figure something. Good luck OP!

Keep in mind that its all in your head. You likely are not going as fast as you think you are, and as long as you know how to stop; are fairly safe. I would highly suggest to learn how to learn how to stop. Sure anyone can jam on the breaks, however if you know how much to pull each handle (75% front, 25% rear), you will be much more efficient stopping.

[Oni-kun]

Keep in mind that its all in your head. You likely are not going as fast as you think you are, and as long as you know how to stop; are fairly safe. I would highly suggest to learn how to learn how to stop. Sure anyone can jam on the breaks, however if you know how much to pull each handle (75% front, 25% rear), you will be much more efficient stopping.

I almost never use the rear brake unless i'm going down a hill and need to steer at the same time. If you use both brakes you may fishtail.

[almostfreeman]

Keep in mind that its all in your head. You likely are not going as fast as you think you are, and as long as you know how to stop; are fairly safe. I would highly suggest to learn how to learn how to stop. Sure anyone can jam on the breaks, however if you know how much to pull each handle (75% front, 25% rear), you will be much more efficient stopping.

Knowing how and when to "bail" from your bike is also a skill that is necessary to keep you out of dangerous traffic situations.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

Knowing how and when to "bail" from your bike is also a skill that is necessary to keep you out of dangerous traffic situations.

+1, during the winter, my crappy steel rims on my old beater road bike and the side pull brakes failed to stop for a stop sign and i was going to go through the stop sign at about 30 clicks so I bailed out onto a snow bank and my bike ran itself into a parked civic. lol.

There was a dent, on the car door but my bike seemed fine, I picked it up, got back on it and GTFO'ed

[Kasakato]

I almost never use the rear brake unless i'm going down a hill and need to steer at the same time. If you use both brakes you may fishtail.

How do you make a stop from 30km/h? Using only the front will extend your breaking distance a lot. A 75/25 mix is the best bet.

[Oni-kun]

How do you make a stop from 30km/h? Using only the front will extend your breaking distance a lot. A 75/25 mix is the best bet.

Slide further back in the saddle, brace your arms, use front brake and keep your weight near the back of the bike. I don't know what the stopping distance is but its fairly reasonable. I dunno man, what brakes do you have on your bike? The stock ones that came with mine are some Tekro direct pull vbrakes of some sort

If you read this article it'll tell you why using the back brake is generally not such a good idea. Once it starts to brake your weight shifts forward and your rear wheel lifts and you get no braking power. The front brake is way more powerful.

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html

It even tells you when you're supposed to use it, for example if you're going over surfaces where your front wheel might lift and get locked if you use the front brake.

[Kasakato]

Using the front break is the correct thing to do. However applying 100% of power in the front will result in a froward pitch, and possibly a flip. You must apply some power in the rear to hold your weight down, while using less than what would cause a skid. This all of course applies on flat dry pavement.
Take a loot at this site with diagrams: http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/chapter6a.htm

[Oni-kun]

Using the front break is the correct thing to do. However applying 100% of power in the front will result in a froward pitch, and possibly a flip. You must apply some power in the rear to hold your weight down, while using less than what would cause a skid. This all of course applies on flat dry pavement.
Take a loot at this site with diagrams: http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/chapter6a.htm

Thats why you don't grab it like a hungry teenage boy seeing a tit for the first time. Forward pitch is fine as long as its controlled. Theres no point arguging over this but I guess we can both agree that the front brake should be your primary brake. I almost never use the rear brake and you'll see some people with bikes that don't even have one.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

rawr, on my trek 4500 which i will buy soon, ill install a front disc brake and leave the linear pull v brakes on the rear.

This time i'll be ready for the winter and rain.

[Oni-kun]

Knowing how and when to "bail" from your bike is also a skill that is necessary to keep you out of dangerous traffic situations.

How would you with minimal damage to yourself? I mean if theres a snow bank or grass I guess you could use that but if there isn't?

[TeCh]

Learn it from Shelby :D
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/canadas-worst-driver--skid-marks--part-4/953326049

[perplexed_one]

i learned how to ride a bike in grade 9.
What i did was sit on the bike... Then roll down a small hill trying to balance.. if i feel like i lose balance, i jam the brakes and put my feet down to bail myself out.

After a while you get a hang of how to balance a bike... now all you gotta do is peddle =)

lol jam the brakes, youll go flying off the handle bars if you do that.
the same thought with cars, you lightly press down on the brake.

[almostfreeman]

How would you with minimal damage to yourself? I mean if theres a snow bank or grass I guess you could use that but if there isn't?

The times I've needed to bail have been when someone has cut me off by making a sudden move to the inside (ie. when someone in front of them slows down and turns on their left signal) without checking their mirrors. Luckily I have found a soft patch of grass on the boulevard both times I've had this happen to me. Now I try and avoid this type situation by trying to anticipate dumb moves by bad drivers.

Also I have had some close calls with people opening their car doors right in front of me. I usually expect people to try and wipe me out with their doors so I give all parked cars a generous amount of room when I'm riding. This isn't always possible when there is traffic so I have decided that if it's a matter of me having to veer into traffic vs. slamming into someones door (whether they happen to be in front of it or not) I'm gonna crash their door. I try to get my right leg out there so my foot can cushion some of the impact.

I consider bailing as a last resort. Good things don't usually come of bailing for you or your bike. Try to be aware and even expect that there are people out there trying to kill you, so best to try and avoid situations where other drivers may not be aware of your presence. If you do need to bail try and get your feet down first, this can slow you a bit as you tuck and roll. Keep your chin tucked in and try and roll out of a hard impact.

[Oni-kun]

The times I've needed to bail have been when someone has cut me off by making a sudden move to the inside (ie. when someone in front of them slows down and turns on their left signal) without checking their mirrors. Luckily I have found a soft patch of grass on the boulevard both times I've had this happen to me. Now I try and avoid this type situation by trying to anticipate dumb moves by bad drivers.

Also I have had some close calls with people opening their car doors right in front of me. I usually expect people to try and wipe me out with their doors so I give all parked cars a generous amount of room when I'm riding. This isn't always possible when there is traffic so I have decided that if it's a matter of me having to veer into traffic vs. slamming into someones door (whether they happen to be in front of it or not) I'm gonna crash their door. I try to get my right leg out there so my foot can cushion some of the impact.

I consider bailing as a last resort. Good things don't usually come of bailing for you or your bike. Try to be aware and even expect that there are people out there trying to kill you, so best to try and avoid situations where other drivers may not be aware of your presence. If you do need to bail try and get your feet down first, this can slow you a bit as you tuck and roll. Keep your chin tucked in and try and roll out of a hard impact.

I always figured if someone cut me off I'd just crash into their bumper lol. Anyway about the dread 'door zone' I try my very best not to ride in it. I've read too much about doors opening and the cyclist flying into the lane beside and getting crushed by vehicles. I'd rather ride far left or even in the left lane then get doored.

The only close call I've had so far is I almost got right hooked by a taxi because I stopped beside the curb so I could lazily rest my right foot on it. I'm going to be stopping in the middle of the lane from now on and dismount and remount then get run over.

[just_For_ipod]

.......... I've read too much about doors opening and the cyclist flying into the lane beside and getting crushed by vehicles. I'd rather ride far left or even in the left lane then get doored.
...................


Hmm...my friend just had an accident where someone opened the taxi door and luckily he's fine with I believe a sprained wrist(s). Pretty lucky he's not dead.

But I ALWAYS anticipate stupid drivers and people. I always look into the cars to make sure no one is about to open it or making sure I give myself plenty of space when there is an open space that a car can change lanes in. A hell of a lot of people never signal. Especially when there is a red light and there is a car in the middle lane going into the right lane hoping to speed ahead when it turns green.
If I were to ever come across a scenario where someone from the right side in a parked car opened the door as I'm speeding along, I plan to scream, and brake as fast as possible. With this scenario I probably wouldn't have enough time to look to my left to check for on comming cars, so I'd prefer to hit the door and injure myself and the idiot who opens the door rather than get myself killed getting hit by a car or crushed by a truck. Of course I hope I remember this when it happens as I might act on instinct and try to swerve out into traffic.

And of course I wear a helmet, better safe than sorry.

And to the OP, for your own sake, wear a damn helmet. Sure you look like a fool, but at least you're a live fool, rather than dead and cool,:lol: (heh, that rhymes)
...oh, please don't anyone be a smart a$$ and post some findings about how helmets are very effective because any additional protection is better than nothing.

[Oni-kun]

Hmm...my friend just had an accident where someone opened the taxi door and luckily he's fine with I believe a sprained wrist(s). Pretty lucky he's not dead.

But I ALWAYS anticipate stupid drivers and people. I always look into the cars to make sure no one is about to open it or making sure I give myself plenty of space when there is an open space that a car can change lanes in. A hell of a lot of people never signal. Especially when there is a red light and there is a car in the middle lane going into the right lane hoping to speed ahead when it turns green.
If I were to ever come across a scenario where someone from the right side in a parked car opened the door as I'm speeding along, I plan to scream, and brake as fast as possible. With this scenario I probably wouldn't have enough time to look to my left to check for on comming cars, so I'd prefer to hit the door and injure myself and the idiot who opens the door rather than get myself killed getting hit by a car or crushed by a truck. Of course I hope I remember this when it happens as I might act on instinct and try to swerve out into traffic.

And of course I wear a helmet, better safe than sorry.

And to the OP, for your own sake, wear a damn helmet. Sure you look like a fool, but at least you're a live fool, rather than dead and cool,:lol: (heh, that rhymes)
...oh, please don't anyone be a smart a$$ and post some findings about how helmets are very effective because any additional protection is better than nothing.

Lol we hope that the people opening their door without looking first are already out and we can crash into them as a cushion.

Anyway yeah about the helmet thing just wear one. I think people who don't wear one look stupid. Not the people who do wear one.

[MizTEcK]

i had my cousin push me down a hill back when i learned how to ride, its true the faster u go the better u keep the balance, just try that lol...

btw u might get some scrapes/bruises with this method :)

[just_For_ipod]

Lol we hope that the people opening their door without looking first are already out and we can crash into them as a cushion.

Anyway yeah about the helmet thing just wear one. I think people who don't wear one look stupid. Not the people who do wear one.

lol, smart, a person would make a great cushion, and as for the helmet, yeah, I've got nice looking red helmet and I don't think I look stupid wearing it, but other people do, but yeah, I don't really care what others say.

[Oni-kun]

lol we should start a thread where everyone takes pics of themselves in full gear on their bike

[Kasakato]

Thats why you don't grab it like a hungry teenage boy seeing a tit for the first time. Forward pitch is fine as long as its controlled. Theres no point arguging over this but I guess we can both agree that the front brake should be your primary brake. I almost never use the rear brake and you'll see some people with bikes that don't even have one.

Primary break indeed; only brake to use, no.

[Happy13178]

I learned without actually moving....my dad told me to sit on the bike and just see how long I could keep my balance without putting my feet down, and keep doing it longer and longer. Did it on grass, didn't fall once. took no time at all.

[kerorogunso]

I don't think you need a lesson for bike riding. It's all about balancing, no tricks, no tips, no faster way, only practicing matters. Find a park nearby and learn. Don't learn it on the road.

[ephemera]

Avoid riding on the road with cars if you can, it is very dangerous, even for expert bike messengers.

I just taught my son to ride his bike, He is 6 yrs old. At the park there is a paved path and only grass on either side. It makes falling down easy to take.

Never use your front breaks, just rear breaks only.
Make sure your seat is low enough that both feat can touch the ground.

And if someone sees you fall off the bike, just act like there is a problem with the bike/gears/chain or its from Canadian Tire...whatever.

Once you master riding, a very important skill to learn is bunny hop. Like if you take a bad turn and are headed into a curb, hop over it without killing yourself or denting your wheels.

[Setz]

Bought a bike today. There's no bike specialty shops in Niagara Falls (at least nearby, we looked!), so we tried out Canadian Tire, and the guy was trying to sell us the best bike (400$+) even though we told him over and over it's a first bike.

Just went to Walmart and got an inexpensive (read: not cheap) 150$ bike, and helmet, reflectors, kickstand and a combo lock.

I have just one thing to say: it's pretty tough to learn a bike. My father says the best thing to do is learning to balance while stationary, and I can't go not even 5 seconds without falling. But I'll practice a bit to get used to it.

[TapemanPL]

Bought a bike today. There's no bike specialty shops in Niagara Falls (at least nearby, we looked!), so we tried out Canadian Tire, and the guy was trying to sell us the best bike (400$+) even though we told him over and over it's a first bike.

Just went to Walmart and got an inexpensive (read: not cheap) 150$ bike, and helmet, reflectors, kickstand and a combo lock.

I have just one thing to say: it's pretty tough to learn a bike. My father says the best thing to do is learning to balance while stationary, and I can't go not even 5 seconds without falling. But I'll practice a bit to get used to it.

balancing while stationary is an advanced biking skill...doesn't work for beginners

[Setz]

balancing while stationary is an advanced biking skill...doesn't work for beginners

Balancing at all is pretty tough. Been practicing pretty much since my last post, and I don't go more than 6-10 feet without swerving to the right or left and falling over. Frustrating, but in the end it will be profit.

[Oni-kun]

Never use your front breaks, just rear breaks only.
....

Funny how we all just discussed how the front brake should be the primary brake. For children it might be a bad idea to use the front brake as they don't have the upper body strength to keep themselves from being thrown over but no adult should be using just the rear brake.

Bought a bike today. There's no bike specialty shops in Niagara Falls (at least nearby, we looked!), so we tried out Canadian Tire, and the guy was trying to sell us the best bike (400$+) even though we told him over and over it's a first bike.

Just went to Walmart and got an inexpensive (read: not cheap) 150$ bike, and helmet, reflectors, kickstand and a combo lock.

I have just one thing to say: it's pretty tough to learn a bike. My father says the best thing to do is learning to balance while stationary, and I can't go not even 5 seconds without falling. But I'll practice a bit to get used to it.

Just curious, what bike did you pick up is it on the Walmart website? And about that combination lock I hope its not one of those tiny chains inside the blue plastic rubber cuz you can brake those by bashing it against the frame of the bike or smashing it with a hammer. Broken in like 2 minutes.

I hope you didn't buy one of those gimmicky "dual suspension" bikes they have at those department stores because they are built poorly and they cut a lot of corners to get those springs in there. You're better off a rigid bike (no suspension) from a dept store. At least the parts will be decent. You should make sure all the gears shift and the brakes aren't rubbing and stuff like that. Sometimes they don't tune them properly and you want to identify a problem with it so you can exchange it as soon as possible.

Also I don't know if this was covered but I hope you got the right size frame for yourself. If you stand over the top tube of the frame (the tube that runs closest to your balls) the tube should be just a few centimeters below your balls. If its really low your frame is probrably too small. If its touching your balls you might want to consider getting a smaller frame.

Keep it up and don't give up. Balancing while the bike is in motion is actually easier than when you're still. 6 seconds while the bike is still is pretty good.

[Kasakato]

Avoid riding on the road with cars if you can, it is very dangerous, even for expert bike messengers.

I just taught my son to ride his bike, He is 6 yrs old. At the park there is a paved path and only grass on either side. It makes falling down easy to take.

Never use your front breaks, just rear breaks only.
Make sure your seat is low enough that both feat can touch the ground.

And if someone sees you fall off the bike, just act like there is a problem with the bike/gears/chain or its from Canadian Tire...whatever.

Once you master riding, a very important skill to learn is bunny hop. Like if you take a bad turn and are headed into a curb, hop over it without killing yourself or denting your wheels.

Im going to have to disagree there. Learning with the improper method is setting yourself up for failure down the road (no pun intended).
Also, while it may seem safer to ride with a "short" bike, it is actually harder to balance as your weight is not properly dispersed. Raise the seat to the proper level, and learn how to take off and stop.

[Oni-kun]

Im going to have to disagree there. Learning with the improper method is setting yourself up for failure down the road (no pun intended).
Also, while it may seem safer to ride with a "short" bike, it is actually harder to balance as your weight is not properly dispersed. Raise the seat to the proper level, and learn how to take off and stop.

Yeah I agree. If your feet can touch the floor you're too low. Maybe when you're first learning to get the hang of it but after that you should raise it to the proper level.

The best way to mount and dismount is shown here.

http://sheldonbrown.com/starting.html

[doggy]

Yeah I agree. If your feet can touch the floor you're too low. Maybe when you're first learning to get the hang of it but after that you should raise it to the proper level.

The best way to mount and dismount is shown here.

http://sheldonbrown.com/starting.html

not if you ride bmx

[Oni-kun]

not if you ride bmx

He's not riding BMX so why are you offering useless information?

[Mr D J]

balancing while stationary is an advanced biking skill...doesn't work for beginners

+1 to that

Anyways, riding a bike is pretty basic. You tilt your bike when you want to turn but make sure your head stays straight (doesn't tilt with the body). Don't slam your front brakes without using your rear brakes. Ever. I once rolled down this huge hill with a bike on top of me at High Park because of that (well, the rear brakes were dead). :lol: Don't be embarrassed if you fall. I've done over 700 km last summer (in 2 months) and been riding the bike for 11 years now, and I still occasionally find myself down on the ground. Another thing that's important to learn is how to properly fall off the bike. It may sound crazy, but in the long run it may save you a few broken bones. I wouldn't go too fast either. At least while you're learning. It's easy to get carried away while going downhill. Personally, I went over 50 km/h downhill on a bike. Had a speedometer at that time. So don't think those things can't go fast, because it may result in something bad happening. Oh, also, always maintain your bike. The one you bought might not last very long... I have a $150 bike myself. Over 3 years and a few thousand kms, it's nearly a heap of junk (although my riding style is to blame here too). Always make sure your brakes work and know how to fix the chain if it tangles up or falls off. That's about all I can think of ATM.

[Oni-kun]

Yeah if you're going downhill and your wheel might lift from a bump or something its a bad idea to use your front brake cuz if it locks and you land on a locked front wheel you're gonna fly over your bars lol.

Anyway I don't thinkw e should be giving him all this advanced advice, He needs to learn how to balance and do some simple riding and figure some stuff out for himself.

I agree that balancing on a bike that isn't moving is very difficult. I can only do it for a few seconds.

[phyrefly]

Avoid riding on the road with cars if you can, it is very dangerous, even for expert bike messengers.

Never use your front breaks, just rear breaks only.


Riding on the sidewalk is much more dangerous than riding on the road, both for yourself and other pedestrians.

Also, like many other have mentioned, you should never use your rear brakes. The only time that I use my rear brakes is when the ground is slippery (wet/ice) and I need the front wheel to steer.

[Mr D J]

Riding on the sidewalk is much more dangerous than riding on the road, both for yourself and other pedestrians.

Also, like many other have mentioned, you should never use your rear brakes. The only time that I use my rear brakes is when the ground is slippery (wet/ice) and I need the front wheel to steer.

You only use your front brakes? That's nuts. I only use my rear brakes (well... I have no front brakes at all :lol:). I get this unbalanced feeling when I only use front brakes... and if you overdo it, you'll simply fly over the handlebars... I barely ever used front brakes when I had them anyways and had no serious accidents or falls. EVER.

OH, get a GOOD lock. Don't cheap out on it. Don't get a combination lock either. I had a bike stolen a few years ago because I used a cheap combination lock. Lesson learned. Also, try to lock your front wheel with the frame because I had my front wheel stolen too :lol:...

Alright, so after reading some of the comments, using the front brake as your primary brake might be a good idea. But I picked up a bunch of bad habits over the time I've biked, so I use rear brake mostly. Other bad habits I won't talk about because you people will just call me insane.

[Kasakato]

You only use your front brakes? That's nuts. I only use my rear brakes (well... I have no front brakes at all :lol:). I get this unbalanced feeling when I only use front brakes... and if you overdo it, you'll simply fly over the handlebars... I barely ever used front brakes when I had them anyways and had no serious accidents or falls. EVER.

Alright, so after reading some of the comments, using the front brake as your primary brake might be a good idea. But I picked up a bunch of bad habits over the time I've biked, so I use rear brake mostly. Other bad habits I won't talk about because you people will just call me insane.

Not only is it a good idea, its the proper thing to do. The basic physics of braking show that as you decelerate, your weight is transfered from the rear to the froward wheel. Applying your breaking force on the front wheel is the most efficient way to stop. As others have said, by properly bracing your arms it is nearly impossible to go over the handle bars.

[phyrefly]

You only use your front brakes? That's nuts. I only use my rear brakes (well... I have no front brakes at all :lol:). I get this unbalanced feeling when I only use front brakes... and if you overdo it, you'll simply fly over the handlebars... I barely ever used front brakes when I had them anyways and had no serious accidents or falls. EVER.


I ride a road bike, so I rarely have to resort to using the rear brakes. If you're riding singletrack/paths, it might make sense to use rear brakes a bit more.

If push your body back with your arms as you brake, it's nearly impossible to fly over the bars as Kasakato mentioned.

[Setz]

Alright, thanks for all your support. I've been riding quite a bit lately (2-3 hours daily give or take), and it's quite exhilarating. I need to find a bike repair shop nearby, though, as a car hit me as I was crossing the street (guy was turning right and didn't look if anyone started to cross), so my back rim is all warped to hell.

[Oni-kun]

Alright, thanks for all your support. I've been riding quite a bit lately (2-3 hours daily give or take), and it's quite exhilarating. I need to find a bike repair shop nearby, though, as a car hit me as I was crossing the street (guy was turning right and didn't look if anyone started to cross), so my back rim is all warped to hell.

The infamous right hook. Anyway did you call the police or get him to pay for damages? If you're ever hit you should call the police. Remember you don't have insurance so you can't get your premiums raised but you certainly can make a claim on theirs if they hurt you or damaged your bike.

[Setz]

The infamous right hook. Anyway did you call the police or get him to pay for damages? If you're ever hit you should call the police. Remember you don't have insurance so you can't get your premiums raised but you certainly can make a claim on theirs if they hurt you or damaged your bike.

The guy drove off before I could catch his lisence plate. I don't really want to talk to police as I wasn't wearing a helmet (eep). I'm not injured at all, it's only my bike that's taken the damage.

[Oni-kun]

The guy drove off before I could catch his lisence plate. I don't really want to talk to police as I wasn't wearing a helmet (eep). I'm not injured at all, it's only my bike that's taken the damage.

Helmet isn't required by law unless you're under 18. Regardless that guy just did a hit and run on you.

[doorbellring]

The guy drove off before I could catch his lisence plate. I don't really want to talk to police as I wasn't wearing a helmet (eep). I'm not injured at all, it's only my bike that's taken the damage.

noooooooooooooooooooooooooo, you defied the wisdom of the thread!!! :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

seriously though, a helmet saved my life one time, definately don't go biking without one.

[rock hard]

Alright, thanks for all your support. I've been riding quite a bit lately (2-3 hours daily give or take), and it's quite exhilarating. I need to find a bike repair shop nearby, though, as a car hit me as I was crossing the street (guy was turning right and didn't look if anyone started to cross), so my back rim is all warped to hell.


The infamous right hook. Anyway did you call the police or get him to pay for damages? If you're ever hit you should call the police. Remember you don't have insurance so you can't get your premiums raised but you certainly can make a claim on theirs if they hurt you or damaged your bike.

Really depends on if the bicyclist tried to pass the car before the car started it's turn. You have to remember you're part of traffic flow when you're on the road. Ride like you would if you were in a car (position wise), if you're nervous on the side of the road... move out away from the edge and make the vehicles go around you. Make sure if you do this you're wearing something nice and bright so they can see you.

[Setz]

Really depends on if the bicyclist tried to pass the car before the car started it's turn. You have to remember you're part of traffic flow when you're on the road. Ride like you would if you were in a car (position wise), if you're nervous on the side of the road... move out away from the edge and make the vehicles go around you. Make sure if you do this you're wearing something nice and bright so they can see you.

I was on the sidewalk (left side of the road), and I was crossing at an intersection (green light and walk signal for me). I started when the vehicle wasn't moving, and it started just as I was almost passed the car.

[rock hard]

I was on the sidewalk (left side of the road), and I was crossing at an intersection (green light and walk signal for me). I started when the vehicle wasn't moving, and it started just as I was almost passed the car.

You were on the left side of the car and it was turning right and you got hit? how is that even possible?

are you talking about cutting across the nose of the car and it clipped you (front of car was on your left side)? I hope you were walking your bike across the intersection, if you were riding you would be at fault ;) Bikes have to follow the basic rules of the road, and it sounds like you were riding on the wrong side of the road

[Setz]

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/411/diagramck5.jpg

I was riding on the left side of the street on the sidewalk. Many people were doing the same so I imagined it was fine to be riding on the left side. As I was crossing the street (direction indicated by the blue arrow), the car started to move as I was about 3/4ths passed the car, and it hit my back wheel as it was turning right.

[rock hard]

Technically if you're in a x-walk then you SHOULD dismount and walk the bike across. If you were riding you should have been on the opposite side of the street riding in the direction of traffic.

[Setz]

Technically if you're in a x-walk then you SHOULD dismount and walk the bike across. If you were riding you should have been on the opposite side of the street riding in the direction of traffic.

I'll keep it in mind next time I try to cross a busy street. :razz:

http://www.messmedia.org/messville/TO_FINES.HTM

According to the above, there's a whole lot of laws I've already broken due to unknowing any of the laws (except common sense, stopping at stop sign/lights, car gets priority, etc).

How do I "yield" to others? No idea what this means. How do I indicate I'm going to turn? There's no turn signals on bikes.

[doorbellring]

How do I "yield" to others? No idea what this means. How do I indicate I'm going to turn? There's no turn signals on bikes.

http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/NovaScotiaBicycleSafety.pdf

the second page has the bike hand signals. And to yield means to give the other person priority, or in other words letting them go first.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

Helmet isn't required by law unless you're under 18. Regardless that guy just did a hit and run on you.

Actually I read somewhere from a credible source that it was under 16 needs to wear helmet mandatory, 16 and 17 yr olds should wear helmet enforced by parents.

[Kasakato]

Actually I read somewhere from a credible source that it was under 16 needs to wear helmet mandatory, 16 and 17 yr olds should wear helmet enforced by parents.

Wouldn't the most creditable source by the law itself? Per HTA, 104, those 18 an under must wear a helmet. If you are under 16, your parents are fined, if you are 16-18, you are fined yourself.