The Wobbles.

[Rollon]

I know its pathetic but how long does it take to rid oneself of the wobbles. Recently picked up my new bike, my first for over 40 years. You know what they say about once youve learnt to ride a bike!!?? Well my experience puts doubt on that. I remember as a young teenager I used to borrow my brothers BSA racer. Once we cycled from North Manchester to Glossop, over the snake pass and round to Castleton, returning via stockport that must have been 60 miles plus and another time to Southport and back again another ride over 60 miles. Jeans, normal shoes, normal peddles, we just went and did it. However now I am wondering how. The wobble gets worse when I dare to look over my shoulder, I also think I am concentrating on the road in front instead of looking further ahead. Its certainly a bigger learning curve than I expected, but I will persevere.
Dave.

 

[accountantpete]

It's a matter of learning to keeping the body balanced on the bike and keeping a firm grip on the bars - but as you are doing 5 or 6 things at the same time it's not easy.

You could check that the front wheel is running truly though - make sure there is no play in the hub and then check that the rim is round by watching the rotation using a brake block as a guide.

 

[fossyant]

Practice............ once you get practised, the only wobbles you'll worry about are speed wobbles

 

[HJ]

One of your problems is that you are looking down when you should be looking ahead. Try not to grip the bar tightly as this cause you to tense up the shoulders, keep you head up, pick a point in the distance and aim for that.

Another thing you can try to help get back your balance is scooting. For this you drop the saddle down so that you can put both feet flat on the ground (and ideally you would take the pedals off), then walk the bike forward using alternate feet, if that is too easy use both feet at the same time increasing the time of free-wheel whilst the feet are held up. If you can go forward with out wobbling, then try pedalling again.

 

[chris667]

A young man, wearing a dinner jacket with a violin case in his hand, runs up to an old man in Hyde park. Breathlessly, he asks "How do I get to the Albert Hall?".
The old man sighs, pauses for a second, and says "Practise."

It will come. Just relax, and enjoy yourself.

Remember, the bike wants to stay upright, but it won't feel like that at first, especially when you've got a new road bike.