A lot of people think they know how to ride a bike. But is it really so?

If a person can ride a bicycle for a couple of kilometers and not fall, then he is inclined to believe that he is well versed in the technique of riding it. But, as elsewhere, there are many specific aspects in this matter, having understood and mastered which any cyclist will be able to ride more efficiently and safely.

Bike start
A lot of cyclists, even with experience, cannot take the time to learn and get used to how to get on and off the bike correctly. And their bad habits come back to haunt later when climbing a hill or in a dense stream.

It is very important to learn to ride in a straight line, without throwing from side to side. Most often, people level the movement of the bike after reaching a certain speed of about 8-13 km / h. Familiarization and practice of the correct start technique on a bicycle will allow you to quickly accelerate to the desired speed, and accordingly the bike will be less time out of your control.

Some startup errors

A lot of cyclists are accustomed to jumping on the bike in a “cowboy” way. This is not surprising, learning to ride very large bikes is practically the only viable way to climb it. It looks like this: a person stands next to the bike, puts one foot on the pedal, and the other pushes off the ground and throws it over the saddle of the already moving bike. This technique is highly dubious and dangerous, since at the start the weight of the cyclist is transferred to the bike at the moment when it is under a large slope. And this in the future can lead to breakdowns of the frame or wheels. Bicycle wheels are generally not designed for large side loads, and this jumping technique does just that.

The next technique is called “shuffling jumping” – the cyclist stands with one foot on the pedals, and with the other foot pushes off the ground in an attempt to accelerate. At the same time, it is not possible to quickly control a bicycle, and it is generally impossible to start moving uphill in this way.

“Fly jump” – this launch technique is less popular, but no less dangerous. The cyclist, holding onto the handlebars of the bicycle, runs beside him, and then jumps into the saddle. It’s dangerous and ugly.

Correct starting technique

Gotta get over frame so that both feet are on the ground. Most often, the leg is thrown over the saddle, if you have a low handlebar, then the leg can be thrown over it. If the frame is low, then the leg can be thrown over it, after tilting the bike for this. Do not immediately sit in the saddle, moreover, if it is correctly configured, you will not succeed.

Place the pedal so that it is turned 45 degrees upwards. You can put any pedal, choose which foot is convenient for you to start moving.

Place your foot on this pedal and press it hard. At the same time, using the pedal as a step, rise and sit in the saddle. The force of the leg will then begin to accelerate the bike.

If you’re having trouble getting started, take the time to practice. This is a very easy technique and it is the safest. You need to get used to it and then you can quickly accelerate the bike to a speed that allows you to ride confidently.
Bike stop
Stopping is less difficult when cycling, but bad habits still exist. It is better to get rid of them as soon as possible and replace them with the right methods.

Downshift first

With a standard gearshift system on a bicycle, gears can only be changed when it is moving. It is important to develop the habit of downshifting before braking. Then, when starting, it will be easier for you to pedal and you will quickly pick up a safe speed. Usually the rear derailleur is transferred to a large sprocket, and the front derailleur to the second largest. In an emergency, forget about the stars and just slow down. And at a standard stop, make it a habit to shift gears.

When feet touch the ground

Some cyclists put their feet on the ground very early, perhaps to compensate for bad brakes. But this can be very dangerous.

While stopping, put your weight on one pedal that is in the down position (if freewheel). And the other leg should be ready to land on the ground, but not touch it until the bike has almost come to a halt.

If you put your foot on the ground too early, then the following can happen: the brake affects the entire system “bike + cyclist”, when you put your foot on the pavement and transfer weight to it, the brake only affects the bike. Since the weight of the bike is less stops, and your body continues to move forward by inertia. As a result, the body flies on the steering wheel, which can lead to a fall.

Although at first glance these tips may seem ridiculous, but trust me, following them will make your riding safer and more efficient.