Not the best start

[OriginalTobby]

Hi guys, new to the forum and not cycled in over 10 years. Bought a new bike today, took it out down to the shop and as soon as I got on I felt unstable, swaying side to side. I kept going hoping I'd quickly regain my balance. I did, this however only happened when I hit the road. Bleeding and tcp later and a very bruised ego, I'm bricking it about getting back on the saddle.
Is it normal to have such a lack of balance after not riding for a while? Any tips and words of encouragement are welcome as this is very much something I want to continue to do.
Cheers, Tom

 

[Graham1426]

Tom, 10 years is quite a while not to be on two skinny wheels. Just check your bike is set up correctly for you so that you feel comfortable, ie saddle height being really important. If its currently too high lower it until you gain more confidence. Tom get back on your bike ASAP I promise your confidence and enjoyment will grow. Good luck.

 

[Tanis8472]

What type of bike is it?
Road, hybrid, mountain?

 

[OriginalTobby]

It's a hybrid. I did feel quite high so might try it a bit lower, plan is to ride around some quiet flat roads to get more used to it, retrospectively the hill I went down earlier was probably a mistake, got scared, pulled the brakes and lost control. Cheers for the support though guys. I'll keep you up to date

 

[philinmerthyr]

Find a big space. Somewhere like an empty carpark and practice until you gain confidence. Make sure that the bike is in a low gear to start so its easy to pedal and check the seat height is comfortable.

You may find you will rise the seat slightly as you get used to riding. It will get better if you persevere.

Good luck

 

[avsd]

Same happened to me about 10 years ago/ Lower the saddle so you can get your feet down on the ground easily. Find a quiet car park or al weather pitch, I used the local church, and try again. Your balance will return. It is worth the effort

PS - Tree oil is very good for treating road rash.

 

[Ladytrucker]

Make sure you can touch the ground on both sides with your feet. Don't go fast but then again don't go too slow, make sure your gears are somwhere in the low/middle setting. If they are too high you will not be able to pedal. Take your bike somewhere quitet and flat and practice moving along to get some balance.

Most of all don't give up, you will get it. come back and let us know how you get on.

 

[Eribiste]

Hi Tobby, It might be a case of trying too hard, or holding on too tight. I would try very short rides to regain your confidence. Sometime ago I changed bikes, from a Pashley town type bike to a lightweight Boardman Road Race. Boy was it twitchy! I only got it sorted when I stopped turning right or left and got used to thinking left or right. Now, I'm very much at home on the Boarder, but it took a while.
Keep at it, you'll get there.

 

[buggi]

no, i would say its not normal. you know that saying... "it's like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget". well, there's a reason they say that. did you feel faint? if not, i think its weird you couldn't balance. maybe you have an ear problem?

 

[biggs682]

oh dear hope all ok and keep trying

 

[Ladytrucker]

Tom,
Let us know where you are, maybe someone could meet you for a bit of support.

 

[SWSteve]

I was quite similar when getting on my bike as I hadn't ridden for at least 6/7 years. I rode home and I didn't feel safe for large chunks of it, I was shaky and felt nervous on the road. Getting tarmac time when it's quiet help, as does staring with a low saddle and moving it up as you feel more confident.
As the old saying goes, get back on the horse

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Tom!

I'd agree with the above posters about temporarily dropping the saddle 'til you can comfortably put your feet down, then practicing somewhere quiet.

It will all come back to you. It's just quicker with some people than others. Don't let this incident put you off.

 

[ianrauk]

Keep at it. Keep practicing and your confidence will return. Then there will be no stopping you.

 

[buggi]

then again, i lost my nerve after falling off and not getting back on for a few weeks, and felt unsteady for the first couple of mile (and really hjigh up!! forgot i was so tall!), so i suppose 10 years off a bike would make you feel like that. keep it up mate, it will soon come back.