JohnnyCyclist

No matter how many times I've tried, my 'no hands' attempts have failed. Is it that I prefer a 'stretched out' position, making it difficult to balance given my long long top tube and long stem - plus my preference for a large saddle-to-bar drop? Or is it simply a fear to be overcome? Any pointers appreciated.

Lazyass

No idea. I have no memory of not being able to ride with no hands. I can pull off a wind vest or arm warmers and stick them in my jersey pocket while pedaling at a normal pace and I've seen people having trouble grabbing a water bottle.

This might help

wolfchild

Riding no handed is a stupid thing to do, why would anybody want to do that ??

cthenn

To throw your arms up in victory when you win the Cat 6 race against the guy who had no idea he was "racing".

OldTryGuy

It's like being a kid again AND it's cool!!!

wolfchild

Things like cornering, braking, reading the traffic, riding on ice or snow, hill climbing, riding over rough terrain etc are bike skillz, riding no handed is just for goofing around and showing off, and it's a really foolish thing to do on the road when other traffic is around.

cthenn

Different bikes (and wheels) react differently. On my twitchy road bikes, anything more than a light crosswind, I get nervous if I let go of the bars for an extended period, or until I get that first unexpected shove to the side. But on my gravel bike I can ride forever no handed if I want to, due to the fatter tires, lower pressure, longer wheelbase, etc.

If you want to practice, go faster. Sounds counter-intuitive, but the higher the speed, the more the gyroscopic effect will keep the wheel from wobbling.

northtexasbiker

Are you a hall monitor?

wphamilton

It sometimes helps to first sit a little back on the saddle for some reason, sit straight up and concentrate on steering with just your hips. It's all 100% countersteering, moving the hips opposite the way you want the handlebars to turn to keep upright. If the saddle is too high that makes it difficult.

For the dissenters, "no hands" is necessary for when you need to take a jacket off, or put one on. It can be useful for a quick rest also. Or if you need both hands to adjust your headphones. Unwrap a cheeseburger. Unzip the pocket to answer the phone ... lots of reasons I think ...

GrainBrain

Like others said it's probably just the rake/trail of your bike. My mtb I can no hand for miles. The road bike gets iffy with both hands on the aerobars if I space off.

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tagaproject6

TimothyH

But can you guys do this?

jefnvk

Because when I am on my fifth hour and in my sixtieth miles, I might want to stretch for a bit without getting off the bike completely?

Heck, same goes for the second hour and twenty something-th mile.

FBOATSB

Riding no hands can instantly diagnose if your headset needs a repack, is to tight, or is brinelled.

FBOATSB

Crocs for the win.

GailT

Sitting up with no hands is good way to stretch and relax your muscles on a long ride. You can also steer the bike no hands by leaning into curves. It is easy and perfectly safe if you are on the right type of bike (high trail). Dave Moulton has a blog post that explains trail here.

AlmostTrick

To be prepared. What if you need to flip off two drivers at once? It would really suck if you crashed while teaching them a lesson. Safety first!

sw20

Awesome!

Troul 

how else is one to fistgrip two fourloko's when riding? beer hats don't really support the tallboys.

DanBraden

Ah, yes, the good ole "look ma! No hands!" Chestnut...

Big fat "no duh" coming from y'all but that was one of the things I had to give up when I went with a hornless saddle... The nose of a saddle really does give a lot of feedback and stability when you off load, alas, here I am noseless...

Now that's just on Fritz and Feathers! Junker on the other hand? He's not had the rhinoplasty that others have endured and I find that once I'm deep in my cups I get bold enough to sit back, extend my arms and "fly"!

Yes, I've heard it many times...
"Bike like no one's watching, dork!"

Ah well, for total dork factor, move your arms like you're running, the ladies LOVE it!

Lazyass

You must have been a seriously protected child. I guess I want to show off for myself when I ride alone in the country and sit up to stretch my arms and back or pull my arm warmers off without having to come to a complete stop like a newbie. Somehow I've survived my foolishness on the bike since 1987, but thanks to your more educated lecture I will no longer engage in that silly behavior.

DrIsotope

You get to no-handed riding the same way you get to Carnegie Hall. It's certainly not a saddle-to-bar drop issue. I've got ~15cm on both of my bikes.

Scoot back in the saddle, sit straight up, with your fingertips on the bar tops. Then slowly take your hands away from the bars.

It's easier than you think (provided, as mentioned before, that the headset is not too loose or too tight) as the bike really wants to stay upright all by itself. It is us who make it fall over.

It's much easier above 15mph. You have to practice quite a bit to get used to doing it at slower speeds.

Bandera

"Hey! Stop you guys.
I need to take my vest off.
Can you hold this? Thanks.
OK ready.
No, wait I put my vest in the pocket with my gels.
That won't work.
OK ready.
Hey, where did everyone go?"

caloso

RustyGates

I blame my inability to ride no hands on my fatness, because my balance and athelticism cannot be called into question.