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How to ride a bike for adults

Cycling / Popular

Balance, start and stop for a first-time adult rider.

What coaches agree on

  • Get comfortable coasting with your feet off the ground before you put the pedals back on — walk the bike forward, then push off and glide a little further each time.
  • Lower the saddle until both feet sit flat on the ground while you're seated, so you always have an easy way to catch your balance.
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  • When you're ready to start pedaling, raise your stronger-leg pedal to about the two o'clock position — level with the down tube — so your first push does the most work.

Common mistakes

  • Staring down at your feet or the front wheel instead of keeping your eyes up on where you want to go.