Pedal out of saddle

[Philtofit]

On my last ride I tried to stand and pedal out of the saddle, I could only manage a couple of revolutions due to discomfort in my feet and lower leg. Can anyone help and give advice?

 

[tyred]

I think it's something you need to practise. It helps to have good core strength.

 

[fossyant]

Practice. And more practice. Me am in out in out of the saddle all the time

 

[benb]

Cleats help too, as you feel more secure on the pedals. Get forward as well - when I'm out of the saddle my body is over the bars a bit.

 

[dellzeqq]

have your shoes got stiff soles?

 

[Boris Bajic]

Also, you may want to be in a slightly higher gear than you would use at the same speed and on the same section when seated.

dellzeqq's point about stiff-soled shoes ties in nicely with benb's about cleats.

Cleats are not a 100% necessity (and people had been standing on the pedals for decades before they came along) but they make the whole shooting match much easier.

You'll find that you can't do it for long at first - and in my case not at second, third or fourth either....

Give it a go on climbs, initially for a few rotations of the pedals and then slightly more as it becomes more natural.

 

[Philtofit]

Thanks for your comments.

I have cleats, so shoe are stiff soled.
From what you have said, it something I need to practice and keep at.
I will try and get used to it, as hills are the main area I need to improve on.

Thanks again.

 

[youngoldbloke]

This might be helpful.

 

[Philtofit]

Very helpful

 

[totallyfixed]

Helpful to a point, I know Tim Williams fairly well and disagree with him on it being less efficient out of the saddle, this is incorrect, especially for steep hills.