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Subject: Dismount Technique?

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WebGirl

Posts:99

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09/25/2008 8:26 AM
OK, so I'm new to cx ... have been to a bunch of team skills & drills clinics and did my first race at Loveland 2 weeks ago. At the team skills & drills, we were taught the "step through" dismount method: right leg around the back, through to the front (between left leg & bike) - with left foot still clipped in. Hand on the top tube (especially if in egg beaters to get weight off left foot), clip out & you're (hopefully) off the bike and on your way. After much practice, I (sort of) finally have it right. But I have since read the opinion of a pro 'crosser that unless you want to bite the barriers, you should "NEVER NEVER NEVER step through, especially if left foot is still clipped in" Because he's a pro, I think he must be right, so I mess with my own mojo and try different dismounts; but after much deliberation, am sticking with my step-through method. Out of sheer curiosity, I like to know what the general consensus/preffered method here is: TO STEP THROUGH OR NOT STEP THROUGH? Let the dismount advice, discussions & opinions begin!

mitch@biowheels User is Offline

Posts:65

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09/25/2008 12:38 PM
Unclip the left foot first, and pedal and/or coast into the barriers with your left arch over your left pedal platform. Then unclip the right and bring it around and through. You can carry more speed into the barrier when you don't have to unclip the left foot at the last second. And generally it's safer. If the ground is bumpy heading into the barrier, then I might leave the left foot clipped in, unclipping it last second.

RJ Reynolds User is Offline

Posts:128

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09/25/2008 2:13 PM
I prefer to to steer clear of the step through technique. Way to many variables that could cause you to hit the ground hard. Especially in the mud if you dont get your foot planted into the ground. I stick to just unclipping with the right and swinging over behind and hopping off. I say leave the step through to the Euro nuts. But you gotta stick with what works best. I would just try a few versions and see what you feel most comfortable with and go with it.

cameronpoole User is Offline

Posts:22

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09/25/2008 3:23 PM
Mitch - I assume that you unclip and then ride up to the barrier with your midfoot resting on the pedal. Do you have to worry about your foot sliding off the slick metal pedal if you are unclipped? Do you do anything to the midfoot section of your shoe sole in order to give you a little more grip on the pedal?

mitch@biowheels User is Offline

Posts:65

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09/25/2008 3:46 PM
Try coasting around with just your left foot unclipped on your left pedal and see how it feels. It's really surprisingly stable coasting on your arch is as long as it's not too bumpy. My Sidi's have a knurled surface along the arch which seems to grab pretty good.

steve575

Posts:4

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09/29/2008 1:33 PM
Just don't try the step though on your road bike. I was feeling cocky one day and did it in my driveway. My hardsoled road shoe slipped out from under me and I landed on my but with my bike on top of me. No one saw.

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