My First real road bike!

[happysurfer]

After weeks of online research, reading all the cycling blogs (esp TE!)...I finally took the plunge and picked up this beauty today! I took the advice of the experienced cyclists and got a bike I could "grow into". I think cycling is something I will really get into and enjoy. Thanks all for sharing your tips on TE so that clueless newbies like myself can make a sound decision. Can't wait to put some miles on the bike!
Question: I didn't get the pedals with the cage...should I? would it help my transition to clipless in the future?
thanks!

[jyyanks]

Congratulations! It's a beauty and welcome!

[happysurfer]

thanks! It's my birthday present to myself! Was able to get a great deal on a 2011 model

[Koronin]

Very nice. Congratulations and welcome.

[CAL]

gorgeous bike, enjoy!

[azfiddle]

beautiful! I love my Ruby, and I'm sure you will love yours, too!

[Hi Ho Silver]

You picked a winner - you are going to love it! Wish you any happy miles.

[Sardine]

thanks! It's my birthday present to myself! Was able to get a great deal on a 2011 model

Congratulations on the lovely bike and a belated happy birthday! I think that I like my presents to myself best since I always get exactly what I want - lol - and what's better than a bike right?

Re cages, this is purely my own experience, but I didn't feel that they gave me any advantage in terms of graduating to clipless pedals. The action is totally different when releasing – you pull out of cages but there is generally a twisting motion to unclip.

[happysurfer]

thanks all!
I'll check out past threads on pedals. I took it out today for my first "ride" on the SART and I noticed that when I downshift my foot kept slipping off the pedal. Maybe I just need practice but I think the cages would've helped keep my feet in place...

[tzvia]

Sweet- That Ruby will grow on you- I love mine, and the more I ride it, the more it feels like 'home'. Sorta like a good pair of jeans, you wash, wear, wash, and they seem to mold to your body. And at the end of the day, I don't feel all banged up; the ride is so silky.

Without cages, the typical road cycling shoe, if that is what you are using, is going to have too slick a sole for pedals without cages. I would use mountain type shoes for platform pedals, or those grippy-soled downhill style shoes that look like beefy sneakers. My feelings on cages have been aired before; I hate those things. It is easier to use clipless provided you setup a shoe/pedal system that works for you IMO, flipping pedals over to snag the cage is not fun; playing with those straps is not fun.

You may or may not find clipless to your liking, down the road. For now, choose a shoe with a sole that grips the pedals well.

[happysurfer]

I'm almost thinking of just going straight into clipless while i'm getting used to my new bike. Otherwise I might get too comfortable and not want to go clipless at all later! I'm personally not "afraid" of clipless...what's the worst that could happen besides falling at slow speeds?

[Roadtrip]

Ooooooooo... Very pretty!!! I'm sure she rides like a dream!!!

Shannon

[Owlie]

Very, very nice!

[pll]

what's the worst that could happen besides falling at slow speeds?

Falling at slow speeds in front of people. Not dignified.

[ClockworkOrange]

Very tasty bike, now ride safe. ;)