Came from a poor family, so no bikes (or toys for that matter) as a child. I only got a bike because that's how most students got around campus. Just before college started, I bought a cheap MTB and taught myself how to ride it. Set the saddle to the lowest postion and off I went (in an empty playground). About half an hour later, I got the hang of balancing the bike. Strangely enough, I was expecting to fall a few times, but I never fall. I guess the main thing to remember is what keeps the bike upright (angular momentum). Several days later, I taught my friend (also going to the same college) how to ride.