From a dead stop...

[FarHorizon]

OK, as a total noob to 'bents, I've just got to ask - how does one "get going" from a stop without falling over? I read the guy in "Bicycling" magazine say he "clip-clops" along until he has enough speed to get his feet to the pedals. It seems a less-than-satisfactory way to me, though. Is it possible just to position a pedal so a single stroke will give enough momentum to get the second foot up?

I know this is probably a stupid question, but I'd like to know - what's the best way to start (keeping in mind that I'm really new to recumbents in general and new to MY new recumbent, in particular).

[palmersperry]

It seems a less-than-satisfactory way to me, though. Is it possible just to position a pedal so a single stroke will give enough momentum to get the second foot up?

Starting with just a single stroke is what I do every time. Position the pedal you're going to start with just before top-dead-centre, when you set off press down hard and get the other foot onto its pedal at just before TDC.

[FarHorizon]

Starting with just a single stroke is what I do every time. Position the pedal you're going to start with just before top-dead-centre, when you set off press down hard and get the other foot onto its pedal at just before TDC.

Makes perfect sense to me! As soon as I'm able to sit a bike, I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[blknwhtfoto]

Yeah, or if you have clipless or toe clips just leave one foot in and push away, that way if you can't get your other foot up on the pedals you can just pull back with the clipped in foot. This is possibly the most difficult thing to learn about bents, starting and stopping w/o some sort of clumsiness.

[FarHorizon]

...This is possibly the most difficult thing to learn about bents, starting and stopping w/o some sort of clumsiness.

In that case, I'm DOOMED! :p

[blknwhtfoto]

nah, you'll do fine. It takes a bit, but you'll figure it out.

[sch]

Eventually you get it. The critical thing is to have the bike in an appropriate gear, too high and you will have a terrible time if you can start at all. I rode a century in May where one hill was listed as 16% and was about 200yds long. Had to stop in the middle to let the lactate flush out (this was about 45mi into the century) and was able to start up with only a little bobble. I was in ~22" gear at the time.
Steve

[cjs1948]

In that case, I'm DOOMED! :p
You could get a trike. I perfectly understand your dilemma, so I didn't want to pop up earlier and sound like a wise guy--but now you've said DOOMED. The last time I exchanged a ride with a two-wheel rider he had a marvelously equipped GRR. I got started satifactorily, but while he noted the straight line character of my trike, I was wobbling all over the place on the least little incline. I don't know about him, but I am still on my trike/s. In fact, now I have quite a selection.

You WILL triumph, I'm sure.

Chip
recumbenttrikestore.com

[AndrewP]

Balance is achieved by countersteering. Use aggressive wobble of the handlebars until you feel you are riding smoothly.

[jeff-o]

As a previous post said, push hard on one pedal as you push off with the foot that's on the ground. Bring up the other foot in time to meet the pedal and give another good push. Then start spinning, and shift up.

It's also much easier to learn how to start when you're not using clipless pedals. There is a tendency when you first start out to bring your foot down if you feel you're about to fall. If you're clipped in when you try this, you will almost definitely fall.

[FarHorizon]

...It's also much easier to learn how to start when you're not using clipless pedals...

No worries, jeff-o, I'm a platform pedal guy from waaaaaaaaaay back! :D

[FarHorizon]

...It's also much easier to learn how to start when you're not using clipless pedals...

No worries, jeff-o, I'm a platform pedal guy from waaaaaaaaaay back! :D

[bent-not-broken]

I didn't see it mentioned, but the other key is to use your brakes until you have sufficient pressure on the pedal to begin moving forward. This was a breakthough realization for me as I learned to ride bent.

Bent

[blknwhtfoto]

you'd think that something as seemingly simple as starting and stopping wouldn't cause so much trouble, but we're a clumsy folk.lol

[World Tour]

Make sure your bike is in first gear then just push on one pedal and you'll get going. My first time was only a couple months ago. I was very wobbly. Now I don't want to ride any other bike but my bent.

And 100psi tires really make a huge difference.

[sbhikes]

Pretty soon you'll automatically shift down before coming to a stop. Now I even do that on my DF bike it's such a habit.

[BlazingPedals]

Balance is achieved by countersteering. Use aggressive wobble of the handlebars until you feel you are riding smoothly.

I disagree. Countersteering is used to start a fall in the desired direction, at which point the bike is steered toward the fall to balance it again. It's not needed if the rider is already leaning. The best way to achieve stability is to relax the upper body and hold it as stationary as possible. Aggressive anything is a carryover technique from wedgie riding, and only accentuates the problem.

[Dr.Deltron]

You could get a trike. I perfectly understand your dilemma, so I didn't want to pop up earlier and sound like a wise guy--but now you've said DOOMED.

+1!

On my GREENSPEEDs, I don't have to fumble starts & stops. I get on, click in, ride, click out & get off.

Get a Greenspeed, you will NOT be disappointed! and you'll still be riding when you're 92!:D

[Doug5150]

The "clip-clop" way is how everybody starts out riding SWB's or highracers!
You need some speed to balance enough to put both feet onto the pedals, but you often can't get going fast enough to balance without, , , -putting both feet on the pedals and pedalling.
,,,,
But it does get easier, honest.
1. I like to position the bike so I have a "launch area" of at least a few yards before I have to make any turns.
2. Also I will often just step on the pedals but not really clip in, until I get really rolling.
3. ...And when you're new at this--it helps a lot to try to start out where you can roll down a slight, short incline to help get your speed up.
------
Also it is a lot harder to get used to the bikes that recline a lot. Probably the most-difficult for a newbie to jump on and ride is the highracers that not only have a very-reclined seat, but that are set high off the ground too. Conversely the bikes with low-pedals and upright seats (like the BikeE) are a snap to ride, even for newbies.
~

[BlazingPedals]

Just MHO, but I think the 'clip clop' method is harder than actually taking off correctly. It seems to work OK when pointing downhill, though. The best way is still to set your power foot to just before the top, take a deep breath and let it out, then push hard. Yes, seat recline makes a big difference - the more recline you have the harder it is to start or ride at low speeds. So beginners should have their seats in their most upright position until they feel comfortable starting.

[FarHorizon]

...Probably the most-difficult for a newbie to jump on and ride is the highracers that not only have a very-reclined seat, but that are set high off the ground too...

DARNED! And that's what I've got... :rolleyes:

[funbun]

Another more embarrasing way is to do a Fred Flinstone. Get a running start with your feet and then get them up to the pedals.

[FarHorizon]

Another more embarrasing way is to do a Fred Flinstone. Get a running start with your feet and then get them up to the pedals.
:roflmao: Thanks - you just made my day!

[World Tour]

Yabba Dabba Doo! That's a good one!

I love this place!

[pmseattle]

Thee problem described in this thread seems very odd to me. I own and normally ride only upright ( non-recumbent ) bicycles, but I occasionally ride a recumbent belonging to a friend, a Bachetta Strada. I have never had a problem starting or stopping; I just do it without thinking, as I would do on an upright bicycle. I put my feet up on the pedals and go.