Feels like I'm cycling through treacle!

[sandwiches77]

Been cycling every Sunday since lockdown 1, so nearly a year. I know I'm no Laura Trott but not getting any easier, feels like I'm cycling through treacle!

my bike is about 3 years old, hybrid road bike. DH just took it around the block and he doesn't have any problems with it He keeps telling me that I'm not using my gears correctly and it looks like I'm really struggling and he can't cycle as slowly as me - it looks like I'm struggling because I am!

He says my seat is marginally too low so that needs adjusting and I also don't have my feet on the right position on the pedal (I tend to have the pedal on the arch of the pedal)

Trying to persuade him to let me buy another bike, but he says my current bike is OK, just needs a few adjustments and a winter service

Why do I struggle so much?

Agree with PPs about using clips and getting gears/chain/brakes checked.
As mentioned, are you 'spinning' the pedals round or pushing down hard as you cycle? You really should be aiming to move your feet around at walking pace, which is typically about 80-90 revs/minute. Unless going up a steep hill in the lowest gear, turning the pedals should be no effort and is achieved by using the correct gear, lower than you'd expect.

It's going to be impossible for anyone to say really, without seeing you and the bike. It could well be a combination of lots of relatively minor things rather than one big problem. If your DH is bigger and stronger than you, he might not notice things that affect you so the fact that he finds it ok doesn't necessarily mean there's nothing wrong.
Is it clean? A dirty drive train will slow you down directly, but also can cause the components to wear prematurely which will also slow you down. Make sure you degrease clean and re lubricate the drive train regularly.
Problems with the bottom bracket or wheel hubs can also slow you down as can a worn out chain andunder inflated tyres. When did you last have new cables? Basically I would get your bike cleaned and serviced as a start.
Also, what tyres do you have on? A lot of hybrids come with tyres wjth quite knobbly tread patterns so you can use them for light off roading but if you are riding on the road this will slow you down. Swapping to road tyres will help if that's the case.
Poor pedalling technique will definitely not be helping. Try to train yourself to have the ball of your foot on the pedal as you will be much more mechanically efficient that way. And yes, saddle position, both height and fore and aft position makes a big difference. Have a look on YouTube for a video on setting saddle position - GCN have some good ones.
When your DH says you aren't using your gears correctly, has he actually suggested what you do to improve that?! Lots of people don't understand bike gears properly to be honest so it's nothing to be embarrassed about if you don't. A lot of people are a bit scared of experimenting with their gears but it's the best way to find what suits you. Remember that the biggest gear on a bike is when you are in the big ring at the front and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. In this gear your bike will travel furthest in one pedal revolution but it's hardest to turn. The smallest gear is little ring and the fromt and biggest cog on the cassette. This will be very easy to oedal but your bike doesn't go very far with each revolution of the cranks so you need to pedal faster to go at the same speed. There's a lot written about what the "right" pedalling cadence is, but there really isn't one - we all have a cadence that feels right for us. If you watch a group of cyclists, even professionals, riding together you will see a wide range. But generally speaking most people will do better oedalling more quickly in a lower gear, so experiment with the gears and see how it feels. Another really common mistake is to leave gear changes too late. If you're approaching a hill, change down into an easier gear sooner rather than later. Often people struggle on in too big a gear, getting slower and slower, then try to change down whilst the loads on the drivetrain are huge, and end up having to get off and walk. Changing diwn to a nice low gear sooner will enable you to maintain momentum and make hills easier.
When lockdown ends I'd strongly recommend you look for a Breeze group in your area. They are women only and free. You'll get a lot of good tops from more experienced cyclists that way and nobody ever gets left behind
It might turn out tg3at you need a lighter bike, or different gearing, but I'd start by trying to optimise the one that you have first.
Hope that helps a bit, and good luck.

Can you post a pic of the bike, op?

First question - do you actually want to cycle or this something DH has imposed on you?

Assuming it's something you want...

Do you always go out with him? Sounds like he sees himself as the better cyclist who needs to coach/instruct you. That doesn't always work well between husbands and wives/partners. Could you go out by yourself for a while so you get used to your own pace rather than trying to follow the one he sets?

Agree on raising the saddle. Can you put your foot flat on the ground while you are in the saddle? You shouldn't be able to. Tiptoe only. (In fact I can't touch the ground from my saddle at all - I hop off as I stop and back on as I start. That's not ideal - a compromise of being too small for a lot of bikes - but I mention it to highlight you really don't need a flat foot on the ground)

Would you try clips for a while? Then you can't move your foot too far forward. (Clips as in the old school cage things, no special shoes required and less practice needed to get your feet in and out of).

Do you drive? Then you know how to use gears. Think of working through the gears as you start off.

Are you pedalling fast or slow? If your feet at moving at walking pace it's too slow - drop down a gear and pedal lighter but faster. That might be why you are bobbing as well - you are having to push too hard with each stroke. You want the pedalling to be light - like once you get it up to momentum you are just keeping it spinning round not pushing on the pedals. (I used to think of Respect by Aretha Franklin - RESPECT, each one a stroke!)

Obviously in reality there will be times you pedal faster or slower, but try and make you usual cadence light and fast not heavy and slow.

Also all the above assumes you are cycling on road on a road bike or a sporty hybrid. If it's MTB then I have no idea :) and if it's a sit up and beg with a basket then you and DH are trying to do fundamentally different types of cycling.

On buying a new bike, unless there's a backstory here (suspect there may be), I'm actually not a fan of buying new kit until you've reached the limitations of your current stuff - which means not just "this doesn't work for me" but understanding why it doesn't work and therefore what you need to look for in the replacement. If your DH thinks the bike is ok it's probably ok for you for now.

That said, it might be worth (after lockdown) demoing some bikes at a bike shop anyway - that will show you quickly if it's your technique or the bike that's holding you back. Good bike shops let you book a demo and ride the bike around.

I had a similar problems to yours OP. I cycle to work but didn't get on with my old bike at all.

I bought a new one from a specialist bike shop. They let me try out various bikes for
size and confort (some of the models are used as hire bikes so was quite easy!)

The one I got in the end was nothing I had in mind originally... but it's perfect for me!
I am still not keen on cycling

Here is the link, maybe you just need a different style and get it properly adjusted for your size.
www.gazellebikes.com/en-gb/citygo-c7#pim_itemgenderframe%5B%5D=low-step&pim_itemcolorcodeonergb%5B%5D=91%2C111%2C128

@Ylvamoon

OP said they want make cycling easier not harder. The one you have linked is 18.6kg and only 7 gears. I cannot see any bikes on that website that will look suitable for OPs needs.

Will post a photo and answer all your questions a bit later!

@sandwiches77, can you tell us what the make and model of the bike is?

@JellyBabiesFan - I know it's not sexy or something to show off. But it's perfect for commuting and leasure use at the weekend. I actually cycle to our local farm shop on a Saturday which is a 2 hour round trip.

It's very smooth and easy to ride. But you wouldn't know as you probably haven't tried it.

@Ylvamoon

I dont need to try it. An upright 18.6kg 7 speed city bike will not be faster than a 15kg hybrid bike.

OP should ideally be looking at a road bike if they are inclined to replace the hybrid. Assuming they do not also venture off road.

Bikes are very personal. As I said upthread, I come from a cycling family: my sister's bike is very different from mine - she is very happy with hers and I love mine!

Isn’t it just that you need a lower gear?

DH has replaced chain, moved seat higher and serviced bike. Haven't invested in toe straps yet as wonder how I'll cope at traffic lights. Just been out for a short test ride, much smoother, haven't invested in toe straps yet as wondering how I'll cope at traffic lights.

If you can afford it, try an e-bike...I am a complete convert.

haven't invested in toe straps yet as wondering how I'll cope at traffic lights.
You just pull your foot out, it's not like clip-on shoes. Even so, it's best to ready yourself before reaching the lights by moving your foot back a bit.