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Old November 16th 03, 04:03 AM
Pete Biggs
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Default Learning to ride a bicycle

Carl_M wrote:
THere is a difference between balancing on a bike while sitting still
and while pushing the pedals.


Not a major one. The subconsious part of the brain responsible for
steering and balancing (the most alien, difficult and important things for
a non cyclist to master) is still doing the same thing - it's just that
more actively is added on top. Pedalling is much easier if you don't have
to worry so much about balancing because you've already learnt it.

In any case, you don't have to go straight from straddling with low saddle
& no pedals to riding entirely properly. Saddle can be gradually raised
and more pedal strokes done between freewheeling, etc. The gentle
downwards gradient will help a great deal.

I doubt stabilisers will be necessary and they'd be a lot of trouble to
find and fit and would add to the embarrassment.

Despite grass being softer to land on, it's relatively difficult to ride
on. Bike will practically roll along by itself on road or pavement -
which is what you want. Your friend won't fall if saddle is very low to
start with, Sue - and won't fall once able to pedal properly.

~PB


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