Riding a road bike feels like trying to balance on a ball

I've ridden a Trek Navigator for the past few years. My Navigator is too big for me, but I've managed. Off and on I've tried road bikes, but I've never been able to feel steady on them. I'm not sure if it's the new position or what. The first thing that came to mind was that the bikes I was trying were too small (I feel very shaking riding the bikes), but I can't stand over anything taller. I'm 5'4" and I have short legs even for that. I've never really gotten the hang of mounting and dismounting, so I know that doesn't help. Oh, and I'm scared of my LBS.

I wonder if it's because of the tiny little tires and my 240lb body being supported by them.

I wonder if part of it is due to generally weak arms, but I broke the left one four years ago and had two surgeries two years later to repair and subsequently remove some cartilage in my wrist.

I wonder if I am just trying the wrong bikes.

I wonder if part of it is from being used to riding a bike that's too big.

I feel like I'm putting too much pressure on both my hands AND my butt. That can't be! (okay, maybe that's just my weight)

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have any advice. Is that unsteadiness likely due ot something specific? Is it just a matter of getting used to the bike/position?

It's been a little over a year since I got my first road bike. It felt HORRIBLY scary and unstable at first (I am about a half-inch shorter than you and also short-legged).

Now I am ready for my upgrade. By the end of Summer my bike felt TOO stable...not nearly as responsive as what I need at this point.

I also had sore hands and butt at first. What really helped with those things was riding more and doing regular core work so that my midsection would support my upper body and not just my hands bearing all the weight.

I can't help much with bike stability tips except to say that I felt shaky and wobbly at first too. Shaky and wobbly that doesn't get better can be a size or fit issue, though. The bike could be the right size but might not be adjusted correctly for your specific needs. Did you have a bike fit after you bought it?

I'll second the core work and suggest maybe some shoulder strength as well.

I definitely understand being scared of the LBS! To me, most seem very intimidating - very guy-oriented, very Dad's-garage feel, too much stuff that I don't understand, and most of the employees don't seem to realize how to reach out and make them feel accommodating to newbies! Is there someone you could bring with you? Or a beginner group in your area who could "prep" you for the shop (like, suggest a certain person there to approach, or help you with fit questions specific to your bike)?

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Originally Posted by jessmarimba

I definitely understand being scared of the LBS! To me, most seem very intimidating - very guy-oriented, very Dad's-garage feel, too much stuff that I don't understand, and most of the employees don't seem to realize how to reach out and make them feel accommodating to newbies!

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This always makes me sad, but also blessed to have the LBS that we do. We ended up customers of this shop when my DH first joined up with our local JDRF ride team. The head coach owns our LBS. We actually have a shop that is closer...that is definitely a shop that makes me feel awkward and stupid and we only go there when there's something we need quick (our favorite shop is an hour away). It's big and sterile. Not at all like the relatively small shop that we call home. We won't even look at another shop for bike purchases. We walk into our favorite LBS and the guys are friendly and helpful. This is how they are with everyone who walks in the door, not just seasoned cyclists and/or friends. It's a really special place with a pretty loyal clientele.

vkai, any chance you could find a friendlier shop, even if it meant going a bit out of your way? I think the sacrifice in your time is worth it.

+1 on finding a shop that treats you with patience and respect.

+1 on finding a bike that fits you well (with the assistance of said shop).

It will be an adjustment from your Navigator. A road bike is lighter, has a shorter wheelbase and a steeper head angle, and of course the riding position is different. Just going from a touring road bike to a roadracing bike was a big adjustment for me when I did that. It felt very twitchy at first. I got used to it after a few rides. So will you.

My first bike was a Navigator, too. I was afraid of road bikes and that crazy positioning. I got a Giant Transend, a lighter, commuter bike with 700 slick tires. At first that felt weird because it was so light compared to the Trek, and more responsive. After 9 months on the Giant, I was so ready for more speed and got my Fuji. It's a cyclocross bike, though, so it has wider, knobbie tires which I'm sure made the transition easier. I now have a second wheelset, lighter with skinny road slicks on it, and I just swap them out depending on my ride. I find it a great "all-around", multipurpose bike and I have no problem keeping up with friends on "true" road bikes. One downside is the gearing - its not made for really big, long hills. I'm in Colorado, so I know mountains - I'm fine for most rides, and I've done triathlons on it, too. Just a suggestion :)

I started riding a road bike at about the same weight as you are now. I am 5'5" on a good day. I never thought I would ride a road bike because of the bent over position. I was shocked when I went to my LBS (a great one by the way) and told them I wanted a bike that would go faster than my Trek 7.5 FX (first upgrade after the Navigator 2.0). The salesperson said, I think you're ready for a road bike. I was skeptical. After going through about a two hour fitting process, I walked out with my first road bike....54 cm Specialized Dolce Sport. I am now obsessed with them. As everyone always says, a good LBS and a good fit makes all the difference in the world. I have to admit that I did ride the road bike on the trainer for a couple of months before I got the courage to ride outside. That got me kinda of used to shifting and getting on and off. Hopefully, you will have as good of luck as I have with road bikes.

Good Luck,
P2

Thanks everyone. I guess I'm going to have to drive a good ways to find another bike shop. I'm in the middle of nowhere Texas and the LBS is the ONLY LBS around. And the one 30 minutes away is the same company!

The first road bike I tried was a Giant OCR CW, carbon. I thought maybe the lightness of it was part of why I couldn't feel steady, being so used to my heavy Navigator. Most recently I've tried the Surly Long Haul Trucker. I thought maybe by beeing a bit heavier, I might feel more stable. I really want to like that bike. I have no plans of racing, just being comfortable for long rides.

I just recently moved (there was a great LBS where I came from, but they'd only opened a month before I left). And all my stuff is in another state, but I think once I get my indoor trainer (I bought it so I could ride while my arm was broken ;), I might try again on the LHT. I think that then I might be able to tell more if it's the fit or my own unsteadiness. . . you know, if the bike is being held up on its own.

I'm not sure why I chose cycling. I have terrible balance and hand-eye coordination!

I do not have good balance or hand-eye coordination either. I started with a hybrid, and eventually put road tires on it. I love my LBS - they are VERY supportive and encouraging. My husband is supportive as well, although he is very athletic and does not understand some of my issues, and was very confused when I kept falling after I got clips. I felt very unsure of myself for over two months. I was about 180 pounds when I started riding. My butt hurt, my hands and wrists hurt, everything hurt. I just kept going three times a week, and as my core got stronger everything got better. I have lost 35 pounds and ordered a road bike - the LBS guys say I am ready and deserve it. I would just keep going into the shop and asking questions. When they see you are persevering I am sure they will be more supportive. Try to find a no drop group ride - luckily my LBS has one twice a week and the group is very helpful. Hang in there - it will get better!

I had a trek 800 mtb for years and then got a Navigator a year and a half ago. This summer I bought a used road bike and liked it OK. Then got a great road bike and now I love it. It feels like an extension to my own body. I often marvel at how I now feel so comfortable on it because earlier in the summer when I started road biking (with clipless pedals) I was very nervous. I was even having anxiety!

All I can say is ride small rides to build up the confidence and then ride as long and as much as you can. Perhaps the flat bar fitness bike would be a good choice.

About 2 weeks ago I sold off my Navigator! I definitely sold it at a loss but I really didn't like how upright I had been sitting after becoming accustomed to a more horizontal position.

Best wishes!

After not riding a bike for 11 or so years, I regained my balance on a cheap, heavy mountain bike. Then I bought the road bike. My first ride was terrifying. I had a hard time balancing, I felt shaky and the bike was twitchy. I promise, it gets easier.

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Originally Posted by Owlie

After not riding a bike for 11 or so years, I regained my balance on a cheap, heavy mountain bike. Then I bought the road bike. My first ride was terrifying. I had a hard time balancing, I felt shaky and the bike was twitchy. I promise, it gets easier.

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It truly does. After I fractured my pelvis in 2005, I couldn't ride for quite awhile. When I started back, it was first on a mountain bike, riding very slow and easy. The first ride on my road bike was terrifying. I couldn't believe I had ever ridden that tiny little twitchy thing! After about 2 rides, I quickly got used to it again. It may take you a little longer since you don't have the history of riding road bikes that I did, but believe you me, you will get used to it, adapt, and most likely love it in time!

Yeah, I totally second (or 3rd, 4th, 5th?) the thing about road bikes being scary to ride at first.

It's quite surprising how different they really feel. I found it almost as scary as riding clipless for the first time! I guess there must be a different centre of gravity with the drop bars, not to mention the thinner tyres, shorter wheelbase, different geometry, different brake/gear levers etc.

My first few rides were so wobbly, I almost felt like a beginner again! But a few months later, I've ridden a century on the road bike, cycled in wet and dry, just starting to feel comfortable riding in the drops, loving cornering at speed (NEVER thought I'd say that!) and getting used to the downhills. Oh and the best thing - it makes hills almost fun after riding a heavy hybrid that would leave me gasping for breath after a small hill, and struggling to keep going on the flats in a headwind :D

AND I don't think I'm particularly coordinated when it comes to most things.

Stick with it, and I'm sure you will come to enjoy the road bike soon also!

I'm so glad to hear that. I have been riding a heavy hybrid and am about to switch to a road bike. I think I am a little better prepared now, and hope the hills are easier!

Klesko, you'll love it once you get used to it - but I warn you, your poor hybrid might suddenly be banished to the back of the shed, gathering dust, once you find how much easier and fun it is on the road bike!

Mmmm...a Trek Madone - very nice, I'm jealous! :p