Don't try to learn to bike by biking someplace. Nice lazy circles in a parking lot or, better yet, a nice flat field. Even a trip to the end of the block and back is mildly dangerous until you've completely solved the balance problem.
Speaking of the balance problem -- this WILL vary from bike to bike. They build these things for fitness types; some are still OK for people with fuller figures, some aren't. Price seems to figure into this.
Don't waste a lot of money on accessories. Any major change you make to the bike, like panniers or a trailer, will alter its handling greatly.
Finally, ask Caroline. She's a skinny one but she bikes everywhere and probably knows much more about the subject than me.
There was an article about this in the Boston Globe recently. She has taught over 2000 people to ride and only 5 people have failed to learn. She has a page of instructions about her method if you can't come and get a lesson.
I should probably go for this myself. I knew how to ride a bike pre-puberty. But I stopped for awhile, and my center of gravity shifted and when I tried again in my late teens, it was a disaster. So, I'm essentially in the same boat as someone who never learned.
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no subject
Date: 2008-07-14 10:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-15 03:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-15 03:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-15 03:35 am (UTC)Don't try to learn to bike by biking someplace. Nice lazy circles in a parking lot or, better yet, a nice flat field. Even a trip to the end of the block and back is mildly dangerous until you've completely solved the balance problem.
Speaking of the balance problem -- this WILL vary from bike to bike. They build these things for fitness types; some are still OK for people with fuller figures, some aren't. Price seems to figure into this.
Don't waste a lot of money on accessories. Any major change you make to the bike, like panniers or a trailer, will alter its handling greatly.
Finally, ask Caroline. She's a skinny one but she bikes everywhere and probably knows much more about the subject than me.
no subject
Date: 2008-07-15 01:43 pm (UTC)I should probably go for this myself. I knew how to ride a bike pre-puberty. But I stopped for awhile, and my center of gravity shifted and when I tried again in my late teens, it was a disaster. So, I'm essentially in the same boat as someone who never learned.