Originally Posted by
Igualmente
I don't know where to go with this given that the handlebars are flipped. Could that also make it harder for you to get back on the saddle after stopping (because you are leaning lower with your upper body but trying to raise the rest of your body onto the saddle)? I don't know.
A final suggestion: you could try doing all this adjusting without the clipless pedals. Platforms might be an easier way to get used to the bike and then you could return to clipless. Honestly though, I don't understand the use of clipless on this kind of bike. Nevertheless, if it is what you ultimately want, I would suggest you consider using platforms until you figure out or give up this bike. You can change back once you are comfortable on a bike. No sense trying to figure out clipless and mounting/dismounting simultaneously.
The bike was not purchased to be a cruiser-style ride, I bought it for the frame type because it was better for me than my top tube hybrid. I had the same mount/dismount problems on that bike but it was made worse by the tube being so high, so I found a bike that had the lower entry frame.
I cannot do long rides with the "normal style" bars as it is not comfortable, and this style gives me a much more normal position. It is still not perfect but a lot better.
I took off clipless and went to toe clips. This actually highlighted how bad my knee positioning was, when I was not able to pedal with the toes in the clips. I used the platform side for my long ride this past weekend, but yesterday I was able to use the clips.
I agree that it's a lot....I guess I am just eager to keep going with this. I have ridden a lot in the past few weeks and I just want to keep this up as long as weather allows (and it is already getting cold!)