My girlfriend can't ride a bike...

[danjanoob]

I remember being shocked, almost four years ago, when she told me she couldn't ride. Nobody has ever taught her (terrible parenting, IMO) and she is now in this weird place where she's a bit scared that she wouldn't be able to do it.

This hasn't really been a problem before, but now that i'm getting into cycling myself, she's also getting quite enthusiastic and this has got ideas of long coastal rides in to my head. So maybe it's time to teach her.

She is 23. How would I even begin to do this? What would be the best bike for her to learn on? How can I get her through this mental block?

 

[Crackle]

Take the pedals off, lower the seat and get her to sit and scoot. When she's scooting a good distance, put the pedals back on.

 

[danjanoob]

That seems like a really good idea! Could be where to start. Nice

 

[Herbie]

I remember being shocked, almost four years ago, when she told me she couldn't ride. Nobody has ever taught her (terrible parenting, IMO) and she is now in this weird place where she's a bit scared that she wouldn't be able to do it.

This hasn't really been a problem before, but now that i'm getting into cycling myself, she's also getting quite enthusiastic and this has got ideas of long coastal rides in to my head. So maybe it's time to teach her.

She is 23. How would I even begin to do this? What would be the best bike for her to learn on? How can I get her through this mental block?

Get a tandem....my ex was scared to ride a bike so we got a tandem and she loved being on the back with no steering responsibilities...she was an excellent back scratcher

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Agree with Crackle if you're the teacher, but also look out for bikeright / bikestart courses in your area. My Mrs was the same but didn't want to learn in front of me. Bikeright in Manchester had her going in a 4 hour lesson. Watch out tho, it gets expensive when a whole new world of accessorising opens up.

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

The only reason I ride a bike is cos misses can't ride a bike. Think to the future when you want some peace away from constant nagging

 

[ttcycle]

Might be worth seeing if you can get hold of an instructor from your local council. Though the pedals off technique is a good one. Try to take her somewhere with a slight, slight incline if possible.

 

[Dave 123]

My missus has a similar story, she could ride, but not very well. I agree, it's child abuse.
Don't do too much too soon. I bought my wife a nice Trek hybrid, (this is 20 yrs on) but she doesn't use use it much, and admits that cycling is a struggle.

So from my experience- don't scare her off.

 

[mickle]

Chuck her.

 

[Kies]

Agree with Mickle ..... you need a new woman!

 

[Psyclist]

Take the pedals off, lower the seat and get her to sit and scoot. When she's scooting a good distance, put the pedals back on.

Something like this. My ex learned that way (same as as your mrs) sort of. But she was embarrassed to do it in public. So go to a remote area. This will make her feel confident.

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

The only reason I ride a bike is cos misses can't ride a bike. Think to the future when you want some peace away from constant nagging

When I'm out on the bike it's "ME" time. Lets me get away from the wife and kids for 4 hours and de-stress!

 

[Jimmy Doug]

You could always rig up something like this:

 

[sidevalve]

Good advice above [including the tandem bit, that worked out better than expected for both of us at the time]. I would make one addition though, make sur she gets the hang of stopping and using the brakes ! One of the big fears seems to be [similar to when learning to drive for the first time] being unable to stop. It seems silly I know to those who ride but it is true.

 

[Cycleops]

Some stabilisers made from Brompton wheels?