Tips and Tricks

How to start and stop your bike like a pro? 

1) Starting:

   While stationary, lift one pedal up to about 45 degrees from horizontal, then step on the pedal hard to apply force for the bike to pick up speed and to lift yourself up to the saddle. This method allows you to get up to maneuvering speed fast without wobbling or damaging your bike. But, you will need several experiments to understand which gear works for you. Too low a gear can move the bike too fast before you could properly get on the saddle, and too high a gear can make the acceleration too slow to properly balance the bike.

2) Stopping:

   The proper way to stop a bicycle is put one foot down only when the bicycle has pretty much comes to a stop. Avoid putting your foot down to “assist” in the braking as your shoes will very soon wear out.

Also, putting your foot on the ground while the bike is still in motion would cause a weight transfer, making the bike “lighter” than it was, and causing you to come to an abrupt deceleration. The momentum might cause your body to shift forward and hurt yourself.

How do I Maintain Momentum in A Climb?

I think climbing position is a function of three things: your genetics, how you train, and your goals in the sport.

Some people climb much more comfortably while standing due to their low bodyweight, muscle fiber type, and other inherited factors. A good example is 142-pound Pete Penseyres, the multi-time national masters champion. Plus, if you want to climb well while standing you have to train that way. For example, on flat terrain use your 53x12-tooth gear and stand for 5 to 10 minutes into a headwind.

The final factor is your cycling focus and goals. I climb seated most of the time because my favorite event is the time trial. I’m trying to build seated power.