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posted by [identity profile] missfairchild.livejournal.com at 03:53pm on 23/07/2005
When you start going uphill, move the gears down eg from 2 and 5 to 2 and 3.

I tackle downhill stretches by v e r y gently touching both brakes in succession, just to take the edge off the speed and keep at a controllable pace. It also helps to go up a gear or two, as this will help you to keep pedalling and stay in control rather than just freewheeling.
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posted by [identity profile] bugshaw.livejournal.com at 04:04pm on 23/07/2005
Cor - it's like having Doctor Who teach me how to ride a bike!
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posted by [identity profile] hawkida.livejournal.com at 05:04pm on 23/07/2005
Low numbers are easier. The 1/2/3 gears are big changes and the 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 are smaller ones - that is, they make less difference at once.

So if you're going up a hill, it might be an idea to switch the big gears. If you just think "my feet are going a little bit further than I want them to and I can push harder than this" try changing up in small increments. You need to experiment to get comfortable with what works for you.
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posted by [identity profile] hawkida.livejournal.com at 05:09pm on 23/07/2005
Sorry my comments are all bitty... the bike is new, it will have brand new brakes with extra sharpness built in. That will settle down with time, but basically you need to be trying to squeeze slower to not jerk down the hill. You're effectively grabbing hold of the wheels, so if you grab lightly it will slow rather than stop the wheel. Try using *just* the back brake if you're not planning on stopping, only slowing. You're less likely to fly over handlebars if you're using the back rather than front brake, so get to know which is which.
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posted by [identity profile] bugshaw.livejournal.com at 05:44pm on 23/07/2005
I'll give it a go tomorrow - might try to find somewhere a bit flatter to start...
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timill: (Default)

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posted by [personal profile] timill at 06:08pm on 23/07/2005
Move to Cambridge? ;-))
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posted by [identity profile] groliffe.livejournal.com at 12:05am on 24/07/2005
given where you are, and given 'tomorrow' is sunday, Rustat road and the cut-through to the old cattle market (cinema etc) should be a pretty good practice ground. Going over the cycle bridge on your first attempt was probably a bit ambitious (though only a bit) so don't worry that it was a bit awkward...
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