most of you know

deacon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:24 PM

I'm old, my balance eyesight and memory are just a bit shaky. So please forgive so simple a question. Today I had a particularly tough day on the bike. Balance problems from being over tired I hope. But I had the most problems starting the bike from a stop sign on a slight incline.

I was trying to push the bike off to get a little momentum and it was making it worse I think. Do you guys start with a down stroke on the pedal or a push off then down stroke. I know this sounds like an idiot question but I hadn't been on a bike for forty years till last spring.

I hadn't noticed any problem till today, so I think it was just a day when I should have taken a long nap instead of a bike ride, but still its a fair question.

Also I'm wondering If a 26" bike would be easier to get moving on that slight incline. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Ps you aren't going to hurt my feelings if you tell me to get a horse before the bike kills me. I won't listen of course but I won't be offended either.

**CRUISER** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:39 PM

i start pedaling get some momentum then just pop the clutch and if dosn't start right away i keep pedeling then pull in clutch get some speed again and pop the clutch., down hills are great for starting. just coast and pop the clutch

deacon · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:49 PM

I have been pushing off before I pedal and I think it is making the balance uphill even worse. Not starting the engine I do that in my drive usually. Its when I stop for a stop sign that I seem to have the trouble today.

Next time I may just turn the bike around and go a different direction, they cant all have stop signs at the top of the hill. I usually ignore them but traffic was heavy today. another mistake on my part. I should have thought out my route better. I'm not as worried about the traffic passing me as the traffic coming from the side.

**CRUISER** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 05:53 PM

i worry about all the traffic when on my motorized bicycle

**Bikeguy Joe** · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 06:16 PM

I always set my pedal to a down stroke and step up on the pedal while pushing off.

deacon · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2008, 07:23 PM

Im gonna have to pay more attention to what I'm doing and think ahead more. I also think the bigger bike might help. The small bike is clumsy to start but really nice and stable running. I think the lower center of gravity does that. I"m going to do some tests with the bikes tomorrow and see if there is a difference.

Autocycler · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 12:39 AM

You might want to try a 26" frame with a low center of gravity. Most of the Electra bikes are built this way (just as an example). The lower stance seems to make it easier to get a strong start, and it's less clumsy on inclined starts.

I think it's worth mentioning the psychological aspects involved. Don't let car traffic rush or pressure you into an uncomfortable start. If I have to stop on an incline, I will just let the other traffic go on by and start off when there isn't anyone waiting. It's all about enjoying the ride...no worries

deacon · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 06:01 AM

The 26" frame I have is a low pedal model and actually is easier to push off. That is part of my thinking. And absolutely I let everyone go till I can start with on one in sight. Yesterday was the worst for the bike not wanting to do what I was telling it. Just having a terrible balance day.

I rode on the bike trail in the morning and was really pretty energy empty. I think that might be a lot of the problem. And I have an eye that tries to stay open an it had dried out as well. Just a convergence of things but the both things you mention are helpful.

**nogoodnic** · #9 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 11:45 AM

Deacon, are you killing your bike at every stop? Personally I try ti start my bike with a slight down hill out of my driveway. And as far as bike ridding 101, I start with my right foot on the ground and the left pedal up, start with a little kick with the right foot and at the same time pushing the pedal down with the left, now onto 201, I pedal about half a dozon times to get enough speed and pop the clutch for a start...Kelly

deacon · #10 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 12:13 PM

No I never kill at the stop but if I don't get a reasonable amount of speed the darn clutch squeekes. That can't be a good thing. The bike will not pick up much speed until I turn it over a few times. I have a funkie small crank on the front.

I am having a bad day off the bike so i think this might be a health issue not a bike issue. I promised my wife I wouldn't ride any of my bikes, or do any building till next week. Try to give my brain time to adjust to whatever is going on in there.

But aside from all that, I have always had a problem starting this particular bike from a dead stop on an incline. The problem is getting it moving so that I can pop the clutch. I would do fine if I could just get it rolling using the motor but that is a really bad idea I'm told.