Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I don't know if you really do it the way you say or its just the fact that you were attempting to describe an action that your body has taken for granted. Cranking out of the saddle is such an advanced technique, many people never get around to it. The video's rider (and I) mount a bike very differently: with the very first pedal stroke, a rider lifts him or herself off the ground and plants their fanny on the saddle. Then s/he worries about the other foot. Then s/he begins the rhythmic cranking of the pedals known also as cadence.

One thing not mentioned yet in this thread is some kind of foot retention/placement device. When I am on a club ride the 'chucka-chucka-chucka" of dozens of road shoes clipping into their clipless pedals is audible over traffic. Myself I favor PowerGrips. Serious cyclists don't ride without foot retention/placement devices. Recreational cyclists and too many commuters unfortunately do. I will go as far as to say that if you are comfortable on your bike and can put power down, right to the bottom of the stroke, without feeling strange, your saddle is too low. If you can ride in the rain and your feet aren't sliding off the pedal with every other stroke, your saddle is too low. With toe clips (with or without straps), PowerGrips or the gold standard, clipless pedals and cleats, you can raise your saddle to the proper height for an efficient, easy spin, but be securely attached to the bike, which is actually a good thing.

H