Improving Balance?

[Anthony Micallef]

I have rubbish balance! As I result I cant really take my hands off the bars (to signal) and set off from stationary can be a bit wobbly!

Is there a way to improve this or is it just genetics and a case of MTFU

I ride a Boardman Road bike BTW.

[Janosh]

Practice + time on the bike!

When cycling at higher speeds, practice taking one hand off (the bike is more stable at higher speeds). Eventually you'll be able to ride no-handed at lower speeds...

[hurstg01]

fit indicators

HTH

[JustNeil]

I'd say keep your head up, don't look at your feet. Otherwise practice and repetition. If you do anything for long enough you'll get better at it. I think taking your hands off the bars is as much about confidence as anything. The bike might move around a little, but tensing up will only ever make it worse.

Get yourself some cones or something and make yourself a slalom course, then see how slowly you can go round before you topple. Keep doing that, you'll improve eventually.

[superkartracer]

Rollers

[amnesia182]

superkartracer said:

Rollers

That was my first thought too.

OP - make sure you film your first ride - a guaranteed £250 from Harry Hill to pay for them ;-)

[Paul Drawmer]

I can't balance either. One handed is OK, but in the 43 years since my first time trial I just haven't had enough practice at victory celebrations. How the hell those guys keep with the team car whilst putting on a jacket I'll never know!

[Janosh]

superkartracer said:

Rollers

The OP can't take a hand off to signal and you suggest rollers... That's just mean...

[Jimbo.]

Anthony Micallef said:

I have rubbish balance! As I result I cant really take my hands off the bars (to signal) and set off from stationary can be a bit wobbly!

Is there a way to improve this or is it just genetics and a case of MTFU

I ride a Boardman Road bike BTW.

Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
And practice a little more.

Staying relaxed is important: if you're tensing up (be it through "Ohhh shiiitttt..." or "Better hold it steady...") then any wobbles, deflections etc will pass from he bike to you, and back to the bike. Wobble wobble. Stay loose, stay relaxed and nonchalantly flick yer' arm off the bars without giving it any thought. You'll surprise yourself

Just don't, under ANY circumstances, shout "Look mum, no hands!". We've all been there, we all know what happens immediately afterwards...:/

[mk1fan]

Anthony Micallef said:

set off from stationary can be a bit wobbly!

Get into a lower gear before you stop. When you start don't pull on the handle bars, let your legs do the work. This is easier if you stay out of the saddle after starting rather than trying to get straight on the seat.

[crisisjez]

You need to work on your core stability. The balance will come once you stop flopping about as soon as you take a hand off. Try reducing your bodyweight on one arm without actually fully letting go of the bars and at the same time clench your stomach muscles, if you feel still in control let go but keep your hand right by the grips.
Gradually build up.
As an off bike exercise close your eyes and see how long you can balance on one leg or with eyes open place a sock on the floor and standing on one leg reach down pick up and put the sock on your other foot.
Both exercises will demonstrate your level of core fitness and wil gauge your improvement when your fitness develops.
Good choice of bike btw

Edited by crisisjez on Sunday 22 July 12:59

[Darkslider]

Fit 2.8" downhill mud tyres and run them at 16 psi. The bike will stand up by itself after you've got off it then. Added benefit of increasing your fitness on the way to work too!

[Anthony Micallef]

Thank you for all your suggestions, even the not so serious ones The weather is hopefully going o be ok this week so ill be able to go out and practice!

[braddo]

crisisjez said:

You need to work on your core stability. The balance will come once you stop flopping about as soon as you take a hand off. Try reducing your bodyweight on one arm without actually fully letting go of the bars and at the same time clench your stomach muscles, if you feel still in control let go but keep your hand right by the grips.
Gradually build up.
As an off bike exercise close your eyes and see how long you can balance on one leg or with eyes open place a sock on the floor and standing on one leg reach down pick up and put the sock on your other foot.
Both exercises will demonstrate your level of core fitness and wil gauge your improvement when your fitness develops.
Good choice of bike btw

Edited by crisisjez on Sunday 22 July 12:59

I'd echo this. Balance can improve a lot if you can control/activate your core muscles.

[Bacon Is Proof]

Linseed/flaxseed oil can apparantly improve balance.