How do you balance on a bicycle in the stationary position?

Question

I'm curious as to some techniques used for balancing stationary on a bicycle, not in motion. I am getting better than what i was able to do in the beginning, no duh, practice, but do you have some hints to help? Thanks

Answer 1

This helps if you have a slight slope - even the camber of the road will do. By having the bike in a gear that you can hold steady (too low and you'll roll forward too easily.

Cranks horizontal (3&9), balance weight between pedals and apply just enough pressure on forward foot to counter resistance of slope. Use back brake to prevent you moving forward if you apply to much pressure. The trick is the turn into the slope - it gives you something to press against, with practice, you'll find you can do it on the flat using just pedal pressure & rear brake.

Answer 2

The trick is to keep on moving a little at a time by feathering the rear brakes, pedaling and holding the front wheel at a slight turn. It's hard to explain. Keep on practicing, you'll master it eventually.

Answer 3

uh you put one foot on the ground and rest your body on that foot and keep your balance

or you could place both feet on the ground if your feet can reach

i guess

Answer 4

That is called a "track stand". This is a technique taken from- you guessed it- track racers- to gain strategic advantage over the other competitors. I don't have ambition to explain it today.

Anyway, by standing on the pedals, crank arms parallel to the ground and knees locked, use ankle bending to give the bike the very slightest of forward motion, and yes, use your brakes to feather the speed.

By the way, do you know that a "trackman" can accelerate faster than almost anything on the planet? 0 to 50mph in less than 1 second! I learned that at the World Cup races in Trexlertown PA a few years back.