Please help, I can't stay on the pedals!

[New2bike]

Hi all,

My husband wanted to take up riding, so I got a bike also, the only trouble is I can't ride it! Last time I rode a bike was when I was 12, I'm now 42. It was a bmx.

I'm 5ft3 and got this mountain bike in a 14 inch frame.
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-jewel-womens-mountain-bike-white

I got the seat lowered right, and my husband has been adjusting it higher to see if it makes any difference.

For some reason, I can't grip the pedals, I catch it on my heel and when I managed to get my right foot on the pedal ( I put my left foot on first) one of the two slips off, shortly after.

I'm getting fed up and frustrated and my legs are all bruised.

Should I give up and buy an adult trike? Buy adult training wheels for it? or maybe buy a BMX as it is smaller might do the trick?

My poor husband won't ride his bike without me.

Any advice would be helpful as I'm desperate lol

 

[suj999]

Catch it with your toes instead of heals?

 

[screenman]

These might be able to help,
https://bikeability.org.uk/

They should have people near you. In fact where are you?

 

[ayceejay]

Are the pedals going round even when you are not pedaling? Rubber bottomed shoes might help. Try starting at the top of a slope, or with a push so that you can get your feet planted before you start pedaling.

 

[New2bike]

I try and catch the right pedal as soon as I take off, maybe I need to wait longer to catch it on my toes. Will try that, thanks, Suj999

Rocky, I'm wearing regular cheap trainers. Though last time I tried it with boots with a bit of a square heel. It didn't help. The bike shop did build it for me, but it will explain the trouble I'm having, see if they can do anything for me.

Thanks Screenman for that link. I'm in Basingstoke.

Acycee, no the pedals don't move, unless I push them.

 

[suj999]

calling in to your nearest local bike shop (people call it LBS on here) and get someone there to check that

Some LBS will be helpful, not if you are in South Woodford.

 

[Lonestar]

How about a pair of SPD's?

 

[New2bike]

What are SPD's?

 

[steve50]

Given that she has just started riding the bike i think spd' would be too big a step as she is more likely to have that "clipless moment" which would put her off even more, I would recommend toe clips, the plastic ones without straps.http://www.halfords.com/cycling/cyc...vc:c|adp:1o4&gclid=CN2qqMnU4cwCFcFsGwodZnwBhg

 

[New2bike]

Worth a shot. Thank you Steve!

 

[mjr]

Some MTB pedals are awfully slippy. Trainers on rubber-grip pedals is probably the grippiest, but it's worth getting someone to look and see if there's another problem, such as the saddle being too far forwards.

 

[Widge]

I reckon this is just a question of familiarity and perseverance? 'They' always say that once you have done it-you never forget how to ride a bike...But I'm not sure who 'They' are!

You shouldn't be trying to catch the pedals with your heel!!? Ball of the foot - and some decent grippy soled trainers will be your friends. Take it easy. Panic makes things go awry. If you rode a BMX when you were younger you have the skillz hard-wired.

Certainly - now is not the time for SPD's or clips....but it will come.

Bon Chance

Widge

 

[Markymark]

Pedals often have little grip. Go buy a pair tgat has spokes.

 

[screenman]

I would say some one to one training with a skilled instructor would be the way to go as there is more to cycling than just keeping your feet on the pedals.

Cycling is great a fun and healthy thing to do, well worth the small investment to get it right.

Google cycling training Basingstoke I did and got quite a few places.

 

[Widge]

Mark - do you mean 'spikes'??

My MTB days were spent riding pedals with wicked spikes! Sure-they gripped your shoes like nobodies business- but one hit in the shins with them and you died from catastrophic blood loss in seconds! Happy Daze.

w