Standing on one pedal...

[Maz]

Is there a technique to this? I always seem so unstable. The old boys at my work seem to do this with consumate ease, then straddling the top-tube in one graceful movement and ride off.
They leave me floundering, trying to clip in!
I want to do this to get past maingate without making a 'complete' dismount...they have 'cyclists dismount' signs cos they won't raise the barrier for us...a long wrangle I've been having with them!

 

[smiorgan]

Look at the oldest thread in the cyclocross area of this forum - may be just the technique you are after?

 

[Elmer Fudd]

here

 

[bonj2]

it really isn't hard...

 

[Dayvo]

it really isn't hard...

Which MUST mean it is!

 

[Maz]

I bet it's harder in cleats.

 

[trustysteed]

in cleats, it's easier to stand astride the crossbar, clip one foot in then use that to push down on the pedal while pushing off the ground with the other, clipping the other in quickly while you've got the momentum.

 

[Oldlegs]

You could try practicing the dismount first. Its a lot easier when you are coasting along not having to try and balance a very slow moving bike. The knack is the same both ways.

 

[fossyant]

Deffo not for cleats !

 

[Keith Oates]

Practice is the only real answer, but I don't find it a problem. However be reasonbly low on the speed when first trying it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wobbly John]

It's not easy if you're riding a fixie

 

[Brock]

It's not easy if you're riding a fixie

Yes it is.. At least this bloke thinks so.
But what about if you're riding a tandem?
(youtube links)

 

[yenrod]

Its a one movement situation this: not good with cliplees pedals though

Leading on from this:

I often, on rides, find myself leaning on one pedals on a slight downhill, like, having a rest...

Anyone else do this ?

Is there a technique to this? I always seem so unstable. The old boys at my work seem to do this with consumate ease, then straddling the top-tube in one graceful movement and ride off.
They leave me floundering, trying to clip in!
I want to do this to get past maingate without making a 'complete' dismount...they have 'cyclists dismount' signs cos they won't raise the barrier for us...a long wrangle I've been having with them!

 

[bobg]

"I often, on rides, find myself leaning on one pedals on a slight downhill, like, having a rest...

Anyone else do this ?"

Yes, never thought about it before, after in depth analysis, I think it takes the weight off one bum cheek...