Stalling out at top of pedal

[slackercruster]

I keep stalling out with my foot at the top and bottom of the pedal cycle. Any tips on how to keep it going?

Thanks

[LoneReaction]

Originally Posted by slackercruster

I keep stalling out with my foot at the top and bottom of the pedal cycle. Any tips on how to keep it going?

Thanks

I am assuming that you are able to ride a short distance.

Pedal faster and get some momentum! You could get pedals with pins in them, and that will give you some extra grip. If you do, shin guards are highly recommended.

[Alucard]

Hi slackercruster

My first thought was you meant on freemounting the uni. If so, I'd guess most folks would say to lean forward that little bit more. It works for me, it also helps that my pedals have pins that are stuck in my shoes.
HTH

[slackercruster]

Im a newbie, it is very short. That seems the reason for the shortness...stalling out.

[maestro8]

Don't think about pedaling *to* the top/bottom, think about pedaling *through* the top/bottom.

Think about spinning your feet in circles, instead of just mashing down on each pedal.

Don't worry so much about leaning in one direction or another. That should come automatically.

Think, then do. Hopefully it'll be as easy to do as to think.

[aracer]

I had the same problem when I was starting out. Was mashing the pedals too much. Can't think of any secrets which got me through that apart from a bit of practice (just like pretty much everything else about riding a uni!) I basically spent a bit of time riding alongside a support just practicing pedalling through the dead spot.

[johnfoss]

You're getting stuck in what we call the 'dead spot'. This is a natural occurrence for new riders, because the legs want to straighten out, and are less used to the idea of pedaling circles (on a single wheel). But it's called the dead spot because you have no leverage there; no power. You already figured this out. So as Maestro said, work on always pedaling through the dead spot. Your place of most power and control is with the pedals level. Practice stopping with your feet there (while holding on to something if you're still learning).

[slackercruster]

The dead spot...yep that describes it!

Does it help when learning if you lower your seat so your legs are always bent more than normal?

[4umfreak]

Originally Posted by slackercruster

The dead spot...yep that describes it!

Does it help when learning if you lower your seat so your legs are always bent more than normal?

I don't think it would, but it does help to remember to put your weight firmly on the seat. Many new riders (I did this too) try to hold themselves light in the seat causing leg fatigue after about 10-15 minutes. When you learn to rest your weight in the seat, and get past the dead-spotyou'll start making progress.
And remember, once you can ride 40 feet, you can ride 400.

[slackercruster]

Yep, that is what I'm doing. Trying to be light on the seat and heavy on the legs.

[MadFurai]

I think putting too much weight on the pedals is the most common mistake among new riders. While you are learning, it is best to try and put as much weight in the saddle as possible. Keeping the seat higher helps you do this while learning. Just make sure it isn't too high. Your leg should still be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal rotation.

Once you have actually learned to ride consistently and start to tackle new things (like MUni or Trials), you will find that you need to do the opposite of the above. You will lower your seat and start to weight your pedals more than your seat (during rough terrain or hopping or riding seat out in front, etc.). However, don't worry about this yet. Keep it simple and focus on weighting your saddle for now.