Flat-handlebar riding technique is utilized on rugged trails.
Flat handlebars are used on some mountain bikes. They are shorter than normal handlebars and sit the rider's torso forward in a more aggressive riding position. The rider's weight is more directly above the front wheel, making the bike respond quicker. Flat-bar riding is less compromising than other handlebar riding techniques because there is only one hand position. Straight handlebars are not good for long-distance riding, but they rule on dirt trails. Styles of straight-handlebar riding are quicker, and you stand up on the bike more often.
Instructions
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1. Slide your bike up against a wall or chair that you can reach with your hand to balance yourself while sitting on the bike.
2. Swing your leg over the bike. Stand over the bike's top tube in front of the seat. If the top tube makes contact with your groin, the bike is too tall for you. Get a smaller bike. If not, slide back and sit on the seat.
3. Reach over and place one hand on the wall for balance. Put both feet on the pedals. Put the pedals in the vertical position. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, your knee should have a very slight bend to it while you are sitting on the seat. If your leg has more or less than a slight bend to it, raise your seat by flipping the quick-release lever under the seat. Raise or lower the seat until you have the correct knee angle and then lock the quick release. Your knee angle should be from 5 to 10 degrees.
4. Roll the bike to an open area. Swing your leg over the bike's top tube. Place both hands on the handlebar grips. Reach down with the index finger and middle fingers on both hands and place them on the brake levers while you are hanging onto the handlebar grips with your other fingers. This is the hand position that you should never vary from when riding a bike with straight handlebars, also known as "two up and two down."
5. Lean over and take weight off your left foot. Place the other foot on the bike's pedal in the highest pedal position. Give the bike a slight push with your left foot as you stand up on the pedal with your right foot, letting your bike gain forward momentum. Immediately put your left foot on the pedal, sit down on the seat and begin pedaling the bike forward, keeping the "two up two down" hand position. Ride in this position on flat ground until comfortable with the hand and seat positions.
6. Take the bike to an open field or smooth trail without any steep drops or climbs. Pedal the bike forward. Gain some speed. Lean forward and stand up on the pedals. Crouch over the bike's top tube as you pedal standing up. This is the position for riding rough trails or going downhill on trails. Ride in this position until you are comfortable, making sure you keep the "two up two down" hand positions.
Tags: with your, over bike, bike tube, hand position, left foot, over bike tube