...the saddle. Sorry - couldnt resist the temptation But its true all the same. My hips dont seem to want to move enough in the right direction. I am thinking of going to talk to the GP anyway, but I'm pretty certain that its age and wear and tear rather than injury or any other acute condition. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered a similiar problem and come up with a strategy or a helpful exercise...
Trying to retain enough fitness to grow old disgracefully... That hasn't changed!
Time for a different bike? My dad got a ladies bike after his hernia op. Some of them come with dropped top bars that can be stepped over but don't look so girly - thorn and mercian even do versions like this.
I always get on my bike the traditional way (i.e. leg coming over from the rear of the bike) but always get off by lifting my leg forwards over the handlebars, just seems easier and more comfortable to me and you can even do it in one smooth movement as you come to a stop - left foot down on ground, swing right leg over bars, and there you are.
I think a trip to GP is always the best advice, there are so many things that can hinder movement, and flexibility can be restored by many techniques if it's just a getting older and less flexible problem. I'm planning on a tricycle for when I'm old and knackered
You could try and get down with the cool people (couriers) and swing your leg over the handlebars instead of the saddle. The height is probably similar but it might be easier to swing your leg forwards rather than behind you. I think they also swing the bike about to reduce the height as you get your leg over.
I think I have my saddle set quite high and I'm not the most flexible type so to gain my mount I tilt the bike a few degrees towards me. This brings the saddle lower (a bit) and closer to me. It also aids stability in the movement of swinging the leg over, so that I might do the move with a bit more 'swing', more flowing in movement if you can imagine what I mean. The more you tilt the bike towards you the lower the saddle gets, so it should get easier to mount, in theory. I hope this makes sense - I guess this is what a lot of cyclists do, but I thought it worth mentioning.
Believe it or not, I had thought of a step through frame, but having only rercently treated myself to a new bike I dont really want to have to go down that route... I do tilt the bike towards me - always have done, actually. Used to work out fine, but noticed it getting more tricky earlier this year, and then the other day, with both panniers fitted, it became almost impossible on the way home! The one on the far side never used to be in the way... Flinging a limb over the bars might work out, if I survive the first few attempts. Mounting on the move, aka "cocking on" might be beneficial also, but wheres the justice? Why do I have to get involved in all this athletic stuff just 'cos the simple ways are getting beyond me? Sigh.
Trying to retain enough fitness to grow old disgracefully... That hasn't changed!
Have the same issue. Just had an E bike on 29" wheels, I am 75, now about 5' 4", inside leg about 27" used to have 29.5 " inside leg trousers but have shrunk a lot in recent years. Now this bike is ok to ride but getting on and off is difficult and really the seat should be higher to be in the correct riding position. I have to have the ground sloping slightly up to the left side otherwise, as happened yesterday, I tried to get off with only the slightest difference in height towards my left. I had leaned the bike over and was trying to get my leg over but could not quite make, but thought no I've got it, no I haven't, yes I have, turning the wheel as the bike lowered, then no I haven't and crashed down on our limestone gravel drive, grazing my left arm as my head went back, jarring my neck, rolled to my right side, for a short while I lay, thinking this ground is comfortable if a little painfull with the chippings. I had to force myself to make a move to get up. Then I realised, I am not a teenager anymore and my body does not bounce, but I got straight back on the bike to prove to myself I could still ride but be extra careful getting off. Luckily this fall was not in E bike mode whilst moving.
The only reason for this fiasco, is that with changes to driving licences, I am being prepared if my licence should be refused for any reason beyond my control. We live in a very rural area but on the side of a 'main road' and we are a few miles from any shops, with hills in between. I am now going to try laying the bike down and stepping over.
Sorry - couldnt resist the temptation 
