SFCRetired

Just bought a new Trek (Compact?) and am tickled pink. Even with an old, 217 pound man on it, that thing is (to me, anyway) fast. I had not trouble getting well over my old bike's top speed.

In fact, the only trouble I'm having is learning how to get off a bike without either half-killing myself or looking like a total idiot. Just another thing I've got to work on. Any suggestions?

I am totally delighted at the difference between this bike and the old one. Makes a difference when you are not trying to push 33 lbs of bike around.

If things work out as I want them to, I should be posting some good rides in the near future.

DnvrFox

Congratulations, but without pics it really didn't happen.

What seems to be the problem with mounts and dismounts? Remember, it's OK to lean the bike quite a bit if you are having trouble getting to a stand-over position before starting.

cplager

What he said. All three points.

DiabloScott

Slow down, come off your saddle, put your weight on your right foot/pedal while leaning to the left, put your left foot on the ground as you stop, keep holding the brakes so the bike doesn't roll.

Now you are stopped with the brakes on and your left foot on the ground, your right foot still on the pedal, and you're straddling the top tube. All you have to do is figure out the best way to get your right leg back over your bike.

SFCRetired

And therein lies the problem. You've heard of folks who were so uncoordinated they couldn't walk and chew gum? I can get stopped, but getting that leg back over the bike. I hate my LBS owner because he makes it look so easy. But then, he is only in his late twenties or early thirties. Doggone whippersnapper!

Getting on the thing does not seem to be a problem, but I couldn't get all of my parts coordinated to get off on this first, very short, ride.

Thanks, folks. I'll try DnvrFox's recommendation and see if I can make it work.

GeneO 

You got that backwards, substitute left for right and right for left

Mobile 155

What do you wear when you ride? Levis or jeans can be too tight for full leg movement till you get used to dismounting.

Timtruro

No pictures, no bike......

Timtruro

And the picture needs to be in front of a white garage door!

SFCRetired

Sorry, but no garage, so no white garage door.

To answer Mobile 155: Normally I wear cycling shorts. Trying out the bike yesterday, when I experienced the awkwardness, I had on regular shorts, so no restrictions on movement other than brain-induced.

I really think the problem is that I'm, laughably, a little scared of the thing. Durned if I'll let that stop me, though. I am really happy with the differences between this bike and the Diamondback I had.

Know you folks up North in damyankee land are going to laugh at me, but 53 degrees this morning, and not having the proper clothing, was just a tad too cool for this arthritic old man. Supposed to warm up this afternoon enough that I am going to put in some more saddle time.

UtahRider

Congrats! Have Fun!

GlennR

Nice bike... I have a problem getting my leg over the saddle so I just lean it and its doable.

I love the young show offs that can swing their leg over the handle bars. Yes the bars are that low and they are that flexible.

mystang52

A trick that this old guy uses: I stop at a curb. Put one foot on the curb. You are now a bit higher, and swinging the other leg over the seat is much easier.

Dudelsack 

I have the same problem, especially when I'm feeling really stiff. I just hop with one foot laterally until I can lower the bike so low I can get my other stiff leg over it, swinging said leg backwards. lt's awkward but it works so I'm OK with it.

daihard 

I hear ya. I'm not 50+ yet, but I've got a fairly stiff body and swinging my right leg over the saddle is tricky when I get off the bike. Getting on is not an issue for me, either. I usually do a rolling mount, where I have my left foot on the pedal and push the bike to move, and then swing my right leg over the saddle and mount as the bike rolls slowly. My wife can do that while dismounting, but I can't (yet).

SFCRetired

Thanks loads for all the suggestions. I managed to get on and off this morning without killing myself, looking like the idiot I am, or damaging the bike. While I am still getting used to it (and it to me!!), I am restricting my riding to just my neighborhood. Not all that much room, but not all that much traffic either.

This morning I did thirty-one minutes with an average speed of 12.4 mph and a max of 17.7 mph for a distance of 6.49 miles. The speeds are a whole lot better, even in this little area I'm riding in, and that is more distance than I have ever covered in thirty minutes.

Do y'all get the feeling I'm tickled pink with my new bike? I will be working up to getting out on the road and doing some serious distances. Not to interested in top speed right now as I feel the speed will come as I get in better shape.

daihard 

When are you going to show us the picture of your new bike?

Yes, the speed will come. I've been riding seriously since mid-July, and my average speed on my commute route has increased by about 1.5 MPH so far.

nuke_diver

53 is pretty cool on a bike... you are making a windchill factor yourself. At 53 I need a jacket...below 50 I need gloves (I don't use cycling gloves)

Sounds like you are having a blast

rgwinn

Congrats on the new bike, technique will come with practice.

I do a rolling mount, and dismount, as I slow to a stop I stand and throw my right leg over then stop and stand. Of course I have been doing this for awhile, so even at 52 I can still manage it.

Have fun, ride the heck out of it. Practice some quick stops, so you can get used to the brakes, you do not want to get into a panic situation and grab the front brake hard, as the bike will stop, and you will keep moving forward. ;-)

Rwc5830

Oh, just ride already!!!

Actually, cool looking bike and yeah, if you just ride you'll get better. Hopefully the fit is fine. I have a lot of friends who have Trek bikes, they are good.

New bikes are cool for everyone. Be safe and keep us posted.

NOS88

After seeing the picture of your new ride, I think I know why you have issues getting off. It's a subconscious thing. Your subconscious is telling your body that you want to ride this baby even more and to stay on it just a bit longer. It's as if a demon deep inside of you doesn't want to give up the pleasure a nice ride brings. So, it sabotages your efforts to stop riding.

Mobile 155

Nice bike. Sounds like you are getting used to it and are moving along at the proper pace. Everything now will come as you spend more saddle time. As far as riding in the 50 degree range you just need to get base layers on. Soon if you become as addicted as many of us you will have Arm Warmers, Leg Warmers, Base layer shirts and base layer tights. You will have both long and short fingered gloves and maybe shoe covers. No I am not telling you to do so, only saying that more than likely you will.

SFCRetired

Pic is on post #10 .
@mobile155: My arthritis does not like the cold, even with a couple of layers on. I am hoping that, as I become more active, that some of the arthritis and some of my other problems will at least diminish some.

Meanwhile, I'm just going to have as much fun as I can!

daihard 

Ah, I sure missed it. Nice bike!

NVanHiker

Am I the only one who swings the right leg over while moving, then coasts to a stop scooter-style? Not always possible, of course, but it gives you nice leverage when you have your weight on both arms.