Intro

[guanajagirl]

Hi everyone, I just bought my first bike this past weekend and it should be here by end of next week. IAM EXCITED! This is my first road bike and iam ready to try give it a try. I got a Raleigh Cadent 1.0 from the really helpful guy at my local bike shop.
Just some me info: I just graduated with my BS degree in nursing this past may. I have been a nurse for about two years and I work at a small private hospital near Fort Worth TX. I still live in my small college town where there are lots of excellent roads to experence.
Lots of good info in the fourm and ill be reading and asking questions so thanks in advance!

[RoadRaven]

guanaja... new bikes - fabulous posts to read.

we have one raleigh in the stable and its been very reliable

looking forward to hearing about your adventures :D

[Bad JuJu]

And we want to see pix of your new bike!

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations on your new bike. Please post photos. :)

[guanajagirl]

Thanks for the welcome. Couple of newbe questions. Do you think its easier to switch to clip pedles or start off with them?
AND
Talk to me about shifting gears. What are some of the basics?

[guanajagirl]

WOOT i picked up the bike today at my LBS. Just gotta pick up some shorts before i ride...:)

[guanajagirl]

Took it out for a ride this evening. Was nice exept for the head wind;) Pedels are gonna be repalced soon! The stock on the bike were getting on my nerves. Does anyone have suggestions for good baisc clip-ins for a newbie?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Some things jump out that want to be changed on a new bike right away. But keep in mind that some things that seem very odd feeling on a bike at first become WONDERFUL after a few days of getting used to them. At least that's what happened to me. Try to resist the temptation to make hasty changes. Once you get riding for days and weeks and put 50-100 miles on your bike, it will become more clear what things really NEED changing, and what things were odd and new and just needed getting used to. Also, when you do make changes, like to your seat or handelbar positions, try to make them in SMALL increments, a bit at a time. Small changes make big differences on a bike.
Congrats on your new bike! Pictures!!!!

[wannaduacentury]

Congrats on the New bike :) I know you'll Love it :) I got mine Thursday. Jennifer

[guanajagirl]

Congrats wannadoacentery! Iam loving playing with my new bike. :D