Advance Idling 2025

Riding Advice
184

I initially started UW because I saw it as a type of commute. Since that is not possible for me I saw it as a challenge to be able to ride it, because it is so hard. Proving to myself I can ride it. Unfortunately it turns out to be bad for my knee joints as they now hurt like hell. I still think with the right technique you can relax a bit and go much further. Also I ride without shin guards and my legs are still unchafed.

Basically I can ask the same about riding SIF. What is the point of that. No distance rider would do that, only stand up above the seat to let the blood flow again when the seat numbs everything and you dont want to stop.

My only interest in trials and freestyle is that it helps getting better all round control of the uni.

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186

Getting back to idling.
switching foot
Another simple skill that beginners should learn to execute smoothly.

  1. Can u idle with ur weakfoot?
  2. Do u roll forward w half step?
  3. Can u roll backwards.
  4. Can u roll smoothly. Not a quick desperation move, but balanced slow “half turn” with constant feel of pressure on both pedals.
  5. Has anyone fallen trying it. No joke. Such a short maneuver, but the mind can glitch, freeze, or panic.

…slam

187

More IDLING tips

Since, I’ve recently STOPPED for a bit and starting back up, I have noticed a few details that might help some riders.

The difference between “pressing down” and “pulling the pedal”.
Ideally, when adding “controlled weight” to the pedal it would be like simply applying a piece of lead. Perfectly controlled amount of force to be perfectly applied during the whole clock cycle of the pedal.

Unfortunately, we are man not machine.
We must rely our “overpower” leg muscle to be able to nimbly apply just the “right amount” of force and be constant whether the pedal is at 6, 12, 3,…etc. position.

Only a very advanced or gifted beginner has the ability to apply perfect pedal force in perfect rotation. Most of us can only “sense/feel” this:

a.) Applying downward pressure on pedal. Apply too much = pedal speeds up in an unwanted manner. Just right = applying force but doesn’t over-rotate. This is not steadily applied, because it only happens during downward vertical part of rotation.

b.) Applying “pulling” pressure on pedal. Apply too much = again, pedal speeds up. Also, not steadily applied, because it is applied when pedal is at the top and sweeping back from say 11 to 1 o’clock.

Just being aware of these two directions of applying force to the pedal will put you on the road to controlling both, and then ultimately developing a “full clock rotation” of constant pedal pressure.

Why is this important?
a.) Advanced Idling
b.) Backwards riding.

You may be at a “sticking point” in trying to get better. Killing yourself to thinking that it will never happen. Will power alone is not enough, but breaking down and understanding the mechanics involved may help you. For me, I would have never ever been able to ride with the “approach” of just doing it.

…slam

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