tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post1498305705472109071..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Putting Your Foot DownVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18117725005643044372014-07-20T13:33:35.866-04:002014-07-20T13:33:35.866-04:00Well, thanks for that comment, but my bike is size...Well, thanks for that comment, but my bike is sized according to the manufacturer's design for someone with my inseam length. It is a major bike company (Batavus) who has been designing them and making them for a century or more, so you'll have to forgive me if I trust their word on sizing over yours. If I set the seat height where they intended I would not be able to touch the ground at all while on the saddle. That is how a Dutch city bike is meant to fit on an adult..the advice about getting a flat foot on the ground is meant for children and other styles of bike.<br />I have mine set so I can get both balls of my feet down because I feel insecure in stop and start traffic but it is causing me knee pain when I ride for a long time. I intend to compensate by putting my saddle back as far as it will go as soon as I can get the 'factory tightened' bolt undone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65849946272441186272012-06-18T05:56:58.697-04:002012-06-18T05:56:58.697-04:00for the slackest seat post ever, absolutely full e...for the slackest seat post ever, absolutely full extension and a totally easy putting your foot down, try a long wheel base recumbent with under seat steering :)derfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15596980838764306792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34621053235488499172011-06-19T14:00:27.862-04:002011-06-19T14:00:27.862-04:00All this makes me feel much better! I stopped rid...All this makes me feel much better! I stopped riding for awhile because I've fallen a couple of times and thought it was me. Now I find it's more likely the fit with the bike and me - I've had some odd things going on physically, with falling as a pedestrian too a few years ago.<br /><br />Anyway, to know that I should test bike geometry so I can have my leg straighter at the bottom of the stroke and then be able to "flatter foot" rather than trying to "tip toe" my bike at a stop sounds like a real plus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15899520843504388292011-06-15T11:22:00.957-04:002011-06-15T11:22:00.957-04:00MFarrington: you really ought to visit this page: ...MFarrington: you really ought to visit this page: <a href="http://www.surlybikes.com/frames/cross_check_frame/" rel="nofollow">http://www.surlybikes.com/frames/cross_check_frame/</a><br /><br />Take a look at your standover, 46cm has 29.6" and 50cm has 30.3", not a full inch higher. The 52cm is a full inch higher at 30.6". All three share the same head tube length/angle, so you have a sloping top tube going on in the 46cm and 50cm, but not 52cm. Your effective top tube lengths are 20.8", 21.3" and 21.5". The larger frames also give you a slightly slacker seat tube. The wheel base is about 0.5" longer on 50cm and 52cm frames than on 46cm. Seems like there's little difference in 50cm and 52cm except for the sloping top tube.<br /><br />Find a bike shop that has both in stock in same tire width and test ride both. And keep in mind you can get a stem that's a little shorter or a little longer on any threadless bike and install it in like 10 minutes. A bike shop should even swap one for you if you're buying a bike.<br /><br />I think you'll have toe overlap even in the 50cm/52cm frames, but 0.5" less than 46cm. You need to try it. According to Surly people really do race these bikes in cyclo-cross, whatever that means for geometry.MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15508798541997568052011-06-15T00:16:14.837-04:002011-06-15T00:16:14.837-04:00@MDI, et al: Thanks for the information, it really...@MDI, et al: Thanks for the information, it really is helpful. The 46cm Crosscheck did have a terrible amount of toe overlap, which is what made me question that frame in the first place. The LBS people claimed that a certain amount of toe overlap is normal for cyclocross frames, but is that true? <br /><br />I certainly felt more comfortable with the 50cm frame standover, even if it didn't quite have the 1" clearance. Also, I would imagine that the toe overlap might be somewhat reduced by having the slightly larger frame. I should really find a way to test ride the 50cm to compare...MFarringtonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-76655707021851412072011-06-14T21:10:50.099-04:002011-06-14T21:10:50.099-04:00I can't take my foot off the pedal when I'...I can't take my foot off the pedal when I'm standing on it. I just can't. Whatever mental block keeps me from standing and pedaling also keeps me from moving my feet at all.MelissatheRagamuffinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33503439214155927222011-06-14T16:12:55.780-04:002011-06-14T16:12:55.780-04:00@Velouria - I am definitely not a quick study. I s...@Velouria - I am definitely not a quick study. I started out riding BMX and department store mountain bikes short distances often with the saddle too low, so getting full extension wasn't anything I thought about.<br /><br />Thus I rode road bikes with the saddle lower than optimal and tip toed for about five months before I just got off the saddle. At first I didn't even think about it, there was so much else about riding that fascinated or worried me, but then I'd watch friends dismount by getting off the saddle and just copied them.<br /><br />I find it interesting that you ride fixed gear without using the "hop off" dismount. Before my first times riding fixed, I figured the dismount would be difficult and practiced simulating it on my freewheel bikes first.<br /><br />When a friend asks me to teach them the "hop off," and they have a bike without a coaster brake, I tell them the first thing they need to do is stand up and not pedal. Then put your weight on one pedal until the pedals are in the 12-6 position. Then take the foot off the other pedal and just balance on one foot, using your hands on the bars to steady. When bike comes to a near stop, get off the saddle, using your hands to steady, then put the other foot down. Do all this in a parking lot or small street. After mastering that, they can combine this with the brake.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13249556186849245637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5093966492285356512011-06-14T14:21:00.264-04:002011-06-14T14:21:00.264-04:00@rubix: that video on Sheldon's site is exactl...@rubix: that video on Sheldon's site is exactly how I start/stop during a ride, except I put my right foot down and pull up the pedal with my left. I ride with platform pedals too, and it's just second nature to do it all the time.<br /><br />I'll confess to doing the cowboy mount sometimes when I start off, though. :)Janice in GAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05642298460152468319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65288466228190914132011-06-14T13:49:54.301-04:002011-06-14T13:49:54.301-04:00I do love that the answer from cultures with robus...I do love that the answer from cultures with robust transportation cycling populations, is, of course, who cares about "proper" leg extension. When you think about approaching someone using the Hangzhou bike share to see if their leg extension is "right" the premise kind of evaporates.<br /><br />The US cycling population (and certainly bike shops) is definitely filled with people who started out cycling in a sportif way. I didn't, but all my initial info came from father and brother who did . . . and it's sometimes helpful, sometimes limiting. Probably mostly limiting in the context of utility cycling.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40816716350629932622011-06-14T13:13:29.280-04:002011-06-14T13:13:29.280-04:00"just as important as leg extension is - do y...<i>"just as important as leg extension is - do you feel safe riding your bike.... ultimately - if you don't enjoy riding your bike - you're not going to ride it"</i><br /><br />Yes!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-38574017860469290092011-06-14T13:04:15.255-04:002011-06-14T13:04:15.255-04:00I think one of the things to consider is whether o...I think one of the things to consider is whether or not you can peddle standing up. I can't. I don't know why. I just can't. So, I have to have my saddle at least part-way under my butt to even be able to launch. When I stop on Miss Surly, I drop both my feet. Usually one hits the ground first and lets me get my balance. Then, I keep my left foot down with my right up on the peddle. I think I do basically the same on my mountain bike.<br /><br />As for leg extension - just as important as leg extension is - do you feel safe riding your bike. My leg extension is affected by something as minor as where my butt is on the saddle. But, ultimately, I NEED my tip toes to drag the ground if I drop my feet. So, on my mountain bike I don't get as good leg extension because of the extra clearance on the bike. When I let someone raise the seat for me, I would have to make sure I was sitting on the nose of my saddle to be able to drag my toes. That caused a lot of anxiety and took the enjoyment out of riding for me, and ultimately - if you don't enjoy riding your bike - you're not going to ride it.MelissatheRagamuffinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79098144469544790052011-06-14T12:21:32.834-04:002011-06-14T12:21:32.834-04:00To look at my road bike and to look at me in a sid...To look at my road bike and to look at me in a side by side comparison, it would seem this frame is too large for me. I always thought that, too, but I've always been quite comfortable on it either stopping or riding. <br /><br />I have ridden with more experienced riders who I'd ask for advice about this bike. They say that I look like I'm very comfortable. The balance of weight it right and my elbows/arms look fine, as does the leg extension. My hips aren't rotating or moving side to side, either. <br /><br />I honestly don't know what a smaller frame might be like as this is the only road bike I've had as an adult. What I do know is that I'm a leaner, a toe-toucher, and a hopper-offer and none of this has affected city rides or long distance riding. It may not be for everyone to ride a frame where the top tube clearance (when stopped w/both feet on the ground) is absolutely minimal. <br /><br />Having written that, getting my feet to the ground really fast would matter to me in the winter. That's when I ride a smaller mtb frame so that I can easily put down my "third brake" (aka my foot) if I should start to slip on snow or ice.Hollyhttp://www.lucitebox.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77378509724237140732011-06-14T12:06:11.531-04:002011-06-14T12:06:11.531-04:00Oops, I meant right pedal at 2:00, not 10:00!Oops, I meant right pedal at 2:00, not 10:00!somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36995778687532265332011-06-14T11:59:44.577-04:002011-06-14T11:59:44.577-04:00Janice in GA said "I hop off the seat when I ...Janice in GA said "<i>I hop off the seat when I stop. I'm a "right foot down" person, so my right foot goes on the ground. With the left foot, I bring my pedal up to about a 10:00 position, and leave it there, with my left foot on the pedal.<br /><br />When the light changes, or traffic clears, I just put my weight on the left pedal, sometimes combined with a little push my with right leg on the ground. That gets me moving right away, and pushing down on the left pedal raises me enough to get my butt on the saddle.</i>"<br /><br />I use this <i>exact</i> technique, except the mirror image: I keep my right foot, not my left, on the pedal at 10:00, with the bike leaned to the left, and my left foot flat on the ground. When the light changes, I simply push down with my right foot (I don't know if I use my right foot on the pedal with the bike leaning to the left because of right foot dominance or because of Cyclotourist's comment about chain grease, but I'm with him either way...).<br /><br />Also, when stopping, I don't hop off the saddle when I stop. I begin to stand on the pedals as I'm braking and nearing a complete stop, and I usually synchronize my stops with the right pedal being at 10:00. Then, I simply put my left foot down... I'm already off the saddle.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63158075986092357502011-06-14T11:31:30.335-04:002011-06-14T11:31:30.335-04:00Can't speak for everywhere, but they just let ...Can't speak for everywhere, but they just let water stand around here. I think we haven't quite mastered the whole water runs downhill drainage technology.MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28313355699436677432011-06-14T07:55:01.347-04:002011-06-14T07:55:01.347-04:00One trick I use is to exploit the design of the ro...One trick I use is to exploit the design of the road itself. In the UK (remember, we ride on the left), the road has a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cant_(road/rail)" rel="nofollow">camber</a> to it, to enable rainwater drainage to the sides of the road. This means that when I am upright on a bike, my right leg is slightly closer to the ground than my left, so it is easier to put that toe down whilst maintaining good leg extension and saddle height on the bike itself. In countries where you ride on the right, your left leg should be closer to the ground (assuming similar road construction).Dr C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10234078254243840589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60454121057677220122011-06-14T07:45:57.763-04:002011-06-14T07:45:57.763-04:00I've not paid much attention but I think I mus...I've not paid much attention but I think I must be one of the 'hop off the saddle' brigade to stop, from the number of times I've tried to get back on and found the nose of the saddle caught in the back pocket of my trousers. One day that's going to get me into a lot of trouble!<br /><br />I also often find myself 'sculling' with the foot on the ground (or the kerb) while getting the pedal foot into position to start off again. On a slow day, it might take two or three strokes to get launched. I'm sure it looks a hoot but it gets me going ... fortunately I don't have too many stops on my journeys these daystownmousehttp://cityexile.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11397605823339371732011-06-14T07:06:11.731-04:002011-06-14T07:06:11.731-04:00@MFarrington: the 1" clearance "rule&quo...@MFarrington: the 1" clearance "rule" is actually somewhat nonsensical, but some salesfolk will stick to it because it's simpler to have some sort of rule of thumb rather than face the "it depends" reality of fitting. <br />You should be able to straddle the bike without hurting yourself, obviously, but the important thing in sizing is the relation of the saddle to the handlebars when you've got the seat adjusted to the right height. Once that is properly set up it your top-tube clearance can range from "touching" to "toss a frisbee through there" and it doesn't matter much for road riding (for mountain biking you DO want more top tube clearance, as you move around out of the saddle more).Matt DeBlasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17666227904684289223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31907683512954855202011-06-14T06:50:57.351-04:002011-06-14T06:50:57.351-04:00MFarrington, I am wobbly when putting my right foo...MFarrington, I am wobbly when putting my right foot on the curb, too. Left is easy. That's what I generally do -- foot on curb.<br /><br />Heels make it easier to put feet down and keep a saddle height wherein I get comfortable leg extension. I think I like my saddle pretty high. I don't mind getting off the saddle when there's no curb or I'm wearing flats.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2054516645460874512011-06-14T05:45:40.473-04:002011-06-14T05:45:40.473-04:00I'm glad it's not just me needing some tri...I'm glad it's not just me needing some trial and error to figure out the right seat height. I just bought a bike and started commuting on it a couple of months ago after many years of not riding. My legs are quite short, and even my women's commuter bike feels slightly big (bottom bracket is too high) for me. The seat height that allows me to put tiptoes down on one side leaves my knees a little cramped. [I have a cranky left knee, which has not gotten any less cranky with cycling.] But when I first got the bike I had the seat up a little too high, which made me scared ever to stop: not practical in traffic. To complicate things further, I have coaster brakes and a suspension seat post (I'm thinking about getting rid of the latter). <br /><br />My solution is always to try and find a curb where I can rest my right foot while stopped. Where that's not possible (there is one nasty left turn on my commute), I just tilt, rest the tip of one foot on the ground, and disregard the peevish drivers behind me when it comes time to start back up.<br /><br />If my knee gets better (or doesn't get worse), this strategy ought to hold me. If my knee gets crankier, I'll have to revisit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26792950461829208342011-06-14T01:22:59.528-04:002011-06-14T01:22:59.528-04:00My toes are so painful from my disease that I lite...My toes are so painful from my disease that I literally can't stand on tiptoe anymore without experiencing excruciating stabbing knife pains in my big toe joints, so I dismount, every time. It's just second nature, and I don't notice it. I will admit that I've got a certain talent for Raleigh Sports trackstands now, though! <br /><br />I prefer a different extension on different bikes. On my old Panasonic race bike (listen to me... I sold it a month ago, and it's the "old" bike), I liked nearly full extension, balls of toes on the pedals. Then I felt like I could power up hills. On the Viva, I like basically the same set-up: balls of toes, near full extension with a slight bend at the knee, but I have no sense of that power on this bike. I just find it more comfortable in the cockpit that way. On the Raleigh, I like to have less full extension, and nearly flat feet. Then I power up hills! Isn't that strange? Just different geometry on the bikes, and a different style of riding on each, I guess.<br /><br />And no coaster brakes. I have to be able to spin the pedal back and crunch it down to get moving. I start exactly like Janice described, and always have. I tried the "leaned over" thing you said you do the other day on the Raleigh, and nearly fell over :). Different strokes, as they say (pun intended).snarkypuphttp://rideblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61055634192517580672011-06-14T01:22:34.482-04:002011-06-14T01:22:34.482-04:00Well, I do this, but I've been riding for so m...Well, I do this, but I've been riding for so many years that I do not even think of it. Of course I stop on one toe or foot and slightly lean depending on the bike. On some bikes I do have to stop and get off the saddle with both feet on the ground, but can usually get by on one foot. I do have the saddle high enough for proper fit etc, but I can still stop when I come to a stop sign, traffic lights etc..<br />Getting back on is again so intuitive I do not even think about it.heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90330670554816633962011-06-14T00:43:29.093-04:002011-06-14T00:43:29.093-04:00John - I might be the slowest study ever. Can'...John - I might be the slowest study ever. Can't do it after 2 years of trying. Apparently I find paceline rides easier.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42923380793385706282011-06-14T00:39:31.304-04:002011-06-14T00:39:31.304-04:00Most beginners don't get the "get off the...Most beginners don't get the "get off the saddle" concept because most people start riding on coaster brake bikes with a relaxed seat angle where it's likely that you can put your foot down while seated. I've had people used to this style of riding tell me that road bikes that fit them are "too big." I just tell them to slow down, take one foot off, then balance on one crank, then get off the saddle and put the other foot down. Not everyone is a quick study on this.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13249556186849245637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3515841131267349542011-06-14T00:20:37.234-04:002011-06-14T00:20:37.234-04:00Suspension seatposts tend to make things worse.
Wh...Suspension seatposts tend to make things worse.<br />When you put a foot down, you take some of the weight off the seat, which causes the post to extend, so you end up on tippy-toes.<br />Many "commuter bikes" these days are sold with suspension seatposts.<br /><br />John Ijohnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034164289196863355noreply@blogger.com