Newbie on a bike...period. LOL.

[rishsticks]

Hello! I cannot believe I found a site dedicated to women! I'm so excited. I've always been interested in road biking because I live in Virginia and every weekend morning I see people out on group rides, I can't help but wish I could do that one day. The only problem was that I could never find a bike that would fit someone my height, I'm fairly short - 5'0". Today I walked into Performance Bikes and my husband spotted a 44cm 2009 Fuji Finest 2.0 for $499.00. I just HAD to buy it...HAD TO. Lol.

The problem for me is that I am really wobbly on a bike, as a child I never really rode much...so I never got the chance to get comfortable. Getting on a road bike for the first time has been a whole new (little bit scary) experience! I need to learn how to balance. It's nerve-racking, I just need more experience. I feel silly being a 24 who can't ride a bike well.

Anyways, I look forward to reading more here and learning. My husband is more of a mtn bike guy so he's lost when it comes to these bikes. I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for reading!

[emily_in_nc]

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!

WARNING: It is astonishingly addictive. :D

[rishsticks]

Thanks! I hope I get addicted. Emily, I see your "Boston Terriers Rule". I own an Olde Boston Bulldogge. Cousins, I believe :-)

[Biciclista]

try riding around in an empty school playground. Lower the seat as far as it can go until you get used to riding. Good luck and have fun.

[Velocivixen]

Yes, definitely practice somewhere where you can concentrate on what you're doing. As you get comfortable, try more challenging places that are still safe. Practice turning, stopping, going down gentle slopes. Practice shifting gears. You'll have so much fun. Remember to be gentle with yourself and remember we all weren't just born knowing how to ride - it takes practice.

[azfiddle]

Welcome to TE. I rode that exact bike for 6000 miles!

You might ask around and see if you can find someone who is willing to mentor you on a few rides.

Have fun.

[lph]

Welcome to TE! Post all the questions you want here, or do a search - you're bound to find lots of useful answers.

[Catrin]

Welcome! And know that there are TE members who did not learn how to ride a bike until they were much older than you - you will do fine :)

[hebe]

Yes, 24 is a spring chicken for learning! My only tip, after spending a lot of time wobbling on my hybrid (last year :D), is that when the wobbles start do not look down or at the bike but focus on something ahead (tree, lamppost etc) and just aim for it. This always takes my mind off the wobble and gets me moving again, but I haven't yet ridden a road bike.

Welcome to TE and congratulations on your new bike!

eta once the wobble goes do not ride into the tree or lamppost.

[Roadtrip]

I've found that just more time on the bike will help with the wobblies. Also, it's a matter of speed too. I find I get really wobbly when going slower. When I first started out 8mph felt like I was absolutely flying and scared as all get out...which reminds me... Make sure your not gripping the bike with a death grip. Try and be loose and relaxed on the bike.

Good luck and welcome to TE!!

[Catrin]

Also do not start in too easy a gear, at least that always caused me to wobble when starting. It is a balance between too easy/hard a gear and that will come as you get more experience.

[Grog]

Welcome to TE!

[Tri Girl]

Welcome- we're glad you found us!!! This is a wonderfully supportive forum- so any and all questions you have- just ask and they shall be answered. Good luck getting comfy on your new bike- it will come in no time!!:D

oh- and we demand to see pictures of you and your new bike! ;)

[Kerry1976]

Welcome! I hope you enjoy many happy miles as you learn and enjoy riding your new bike!

[Melalvai]

try riding around in an empty school playground. Lower the seat as far as it can go until you get used to riding. Good luck and have fun.
Don't forget that once you are comfortable with riding, you need to raise the seat before you go on longer rides, or your knees will hurt.

[rishsticks]

Wow, thank you all for your advice and support! I feel a lot more confident now! What about pedals? How long did it take until you felt more comfortable to use those clipless pedals? I've tried using clipless pedals before on a MTB and was sort of getting the hang of it...sort of.

[lph]

I rode for years before I tried clipless, but that was just pure chance. I would think that once riding is pretty much automated so that you gear, brake etc without really thinking, that's a good time to try clipless. I learn best when I have enough "space in my head" to practice only one thing.

[Catrin]

I rode for years before I tried clipless, but that was just pure chance. I would think that once riding is pretty much automated so that you gear, brake etc without really thinking, that's a good time to try clipless. I learn best when I have enough "space in my head" to practice only one thing.

I found the same experience as LPH. The more new things we add at the same time the longer it takes to get comfortable. You do not have to go clipless until you are ready to - and you don't ever have to move to them if you do not want to do so.