WARNING!
DO NOT apply excessive force to the handlebars. There is no
reason to pull extremely hard on them, as you will not go any
faster. Large forces repeatedly applied to the handlebars may
cause the stem to fail. If you want to lift your butt off the seat,
do it by pushing down the seat frame with one hand, NOT by
pulling on the handlebars!
3.5 BUMPS:
For going over bumps or railroad tracks, follow the hints: lean
forward in the seat slighty so your back is not touching. This
prevents the rear wheel impact from being transmitted to your
back. A relaxed grip on the handlebars will allow the bike to move
under you, thus transmit less force from the bump. For some wheel
eating potholes, the only solution is to slow down, or avoid them if
possible.
3.6 STOPPING:
Before you stop, shift down to a low gear. Being in a low gear
makes it much easier to get started again. In emergencies, or just
for fun f you want, the low center of gravity normally makes it
possible to break as hard as you want without any fear of flipping
the bike. However, be careful of applying full braking on wet r
sandy roads, as this could cause the tires to slip out.
3.
7 CLIMBING HILLS:
Use a lower gear and spin! If your pedaling speed drops below
60 rpm, then your power also drops off. Pulling on the handlebars
does not help.
One trick to try on long and or steep hills for relief of extra
power is this: Steer with one hand and push on your knee with
your other hand as you pedal. As one arm gets tired, trade off and
use the other one. This arm power can add 10 % more speed for
short periods.
If you want to do extra training in order to climb hills better,
then weight lifting (both upper and lower body), and one legged
pedaling on the flats (to develop your backstroke muscles) help
significantly.
