How to dismount a loaded tour bike?
07-25-22, 07:02 AM
#26
Palmer
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Back when I was younger and rode tandem a lot, I learned to swing my leg over the handlebars. This avoided kicking my wife in the teeth swinging my leg over the back, which was recommended to be avoided.
If you're in the market for a new touring bike, you might look for a bike with a lowered top tube. Just one example: Velo Orange Polyvalient Low Kicker
Load carrying + ease of mounting/dismounting are some of the issues Dr. Alex Moulton addressed with his bikes, starting in 1962 and continuing through today.
If you're in the market for a new touring bike, you might look for a bike with a lowered top tube. Just one example: Velo Orange Polyvalient Low Kicker
Load carrying + ease of mounting/dismounting are some of the issues Dr. Alex Moulton addressed with his bikes, starting in 1962 and continuing through today.
05-16-23, 04:18 PM
#27
Newbie
Important to stay active and flexible with age. Even if it means giving up that diamond frame. Mixtes have a lower top tube, are easier to mount and dismount, which means you can go larger size for a more stable and compliant ride. And they make great commuter, cruiser, tourer bikes. The Windsor Kensington has a nice ride quality and is a great value at < $600 but may not be suitable for heavy duty touring. Rivendell Bicycle Works is a good option if price is not of concern.
05-16-23, 05:19 PM
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I can either hold the bars and kick the leg over the seat, or hold the seat and kick the legs over the bars.
I'll have to practice a bit, but it is easy enough to throw the leg forward and mount with a rear load.
I'll have to practice a bit, but it is easy enough to throw the leg forward and mount with a rear load.
05-16-23, 05:32 PM
#30
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If there isn't a bag on the rear rack or a seatbag, I throw my leg over. Otherwise, if the toptube is sloping, I lift my leg over the TT. If it is a big bike and classic TT, I lean the bike to the left and lift my right leg over, being careful not to raise my kilt.
05-17-23, 05:58 AM
#31
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My wife has a Dutch touring frame that is a "women's frame. I have e built a few frames and am considering making a similar frame in my size. BTW weboth have 26" wheels.
05-18-23, 09:29 AM
#33
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Use a different bike?
I tour on a mountain bike frame, 27.5 inch wheels. Changed the tyres to low rolling resistance ones, slightly improved the gearing, and it works great. The geometry gives a lower top tube than standard touring frames, so easier to get me leg over.. (which is all I get me leg over these days.. oh, the joys of aging)
05-18-23, 12:31 PM
#34
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All these ideas help. I have bad knees and lower back (which cycling makes feel better after a relaxing ride!) so lifting my right leg up and over is tricky. Often I will find I can slip the bike into a small ditch and put my left foot on an area which is a bit higher. Even then i tilt the bike and have to be really swift mounting and dismounting. Using the curb sometimes works as well.
