Seeking advice on dismounting safely - Trek Verve +2 step through

[Joanne Corsano]

I am 65+ years old, five feet tall. I'm reasonably fit but have diminished physical strength due to some health issues. I've been riding a Trek Verve+ 2 with the step through design. I've had no trouble mounting the bike, but I've had some issues with dismounting. On a recent ride, as I was coming to a stop I stumbled and fell to my left, and I wound up with the bike on top of me. I sustained a sprained ankle and some scratches. This isn't the first time I dismounted very awkwardly, but it was the first time I hurt myself. I think my problem is because the bike is much heavier than the non-powered road bike I rode for years. I am just not sure of how to dismount safely. It sounds like a stupid problem, doesn't it? Has anyone else had issues with dismounting, and could anybody give me some simple advice on how to get off this bike safely?

 

[antboy]

Assuming that your seat is at the right height, and you have the right sized bike for your height...

If you can be on tippy-toes when stopped, adding a dropper seat post would probably help dismounting. That way as you come to a stop you can drop the seat post and more easily plant both feet on the ground. Even an an inch or two can make a difference.

 

[Deleted member 18083]

Joanne …

My 'technique' involves the following:

1. Use my dropper post to lower the saddle by 75 mm.
   Comment: Choose a dropper post with the smallest range (usually 75 mm) to avoid being sent far too high in the air when it is in the 'up' position.
2. Always mount/dismount from the same side. For me this is the left.
   Comment: This makes it easy to put my left foot down on the kerb at traffic lights; not so easy for those living in countries with 'curbs'.
3. I stop with my right foot high and left foot low.
   Comment: Right foot at one o'clock (slightly forward) for easy take-off.
4. At the very last moment before stopping I apply the front brake hard so that I come straight off the saddle.
   Comment: Note the underlined words.

… David