New Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!

Woohoo! I am so happy! My first road bike! (and an accompanying novel)

I just got a new road bike--found a good price on a 2007 Giant OCR1w (S). The fit is *really* good...better than the smaller reg bikes I tried (Trek 1600, Felt Z80, a few others). I'm 5-4. The big diff for me was in the handlebars--narrower to the width of my shoulders and MUCH more comfortable. I felt very splayed on the others. The proportions as far as KOP and the other measurements went were closer than the other bikes too. The t-mobile one didn't fit as well, and was more money than I was willing to spend when it came down to it (fantasizing aside :D), especially after I tried the ocr. Some people say that there is actually no diff between the women's sizes and the regular for giant bikes except for the xs and lower, but something about it feels much better than the others I tried. I didn't get as many pressure points in the crotch and hands as compared to almost all the other reg sized bikes. Compact geometry, whatever it is, it's good!

http://www.giant-bicycle.com/en-CA/b...oad/425/26745/

It's white with black and silver accents. I discovered I really like the look of white bikes. :D Tho really, I wouldn't have cared about the colour if it fit well.

I was lucky to find a good lbs guy who spent 2 x 45 min sessions with me fitting it--before I said I'd buy the thing-- and tweaking it and asking questions and not being condescending about my triathlon goals--it's a small shop and he and his wife own it. I get 10% off everything for a year and free service for a year. I went to 4 different shops...one other one had a woman who spent a lot of time answering my questions and tweaking a couple of bikes for fit--woulda gone with them if I had found the ocr there. The other 2...not treated badly, but not really taken seriously either.

Anyway, last night I took it out for 5 miles around my neighbourhood and boy is it *fast*! On one of the fast flat routes with couple of lil hills I've ridden on my hybrid, I am much less tired and it takes me 22 as opposed to 34 mins! Wow! I stopped and stared at the computer in disbelief for a minute. It feels like riding a stick on two wheels (in a good way) :D compared to my hybrid.

Today I went for another ride that I think was a bit too challenging for me, so I am a bit more nervous. There was a long, busy, two-lane road with a valley and I got super nervous with the speed going down and my hands cramped so I couldn't brake very well. I found it a bit wobbly to drop and brake, so that was scary, and my hand/forearm strength sucks anyway. After that I was a bit paranoid, so I moved to a bike path and just went very slowly and practiced dropping to reach the brakes and steering. There were a couple of scary moments (my hand being still cramped) when people stepped out in front of me or I had to brake for a light when I couldn't stop fast enough for fear of wobbling, but I didn't fall over. I kind of jumped out of the pedals and shuffled on the ground :p. I was too skeered to be really concerned with speed (even though I'm dying to know how much faster I'll be in my tri!).

The default pedals are clipless, but I had them switched out for cages for now. In the winter, I am going to get them put back on so I can practice on my trainer.

Some other diffferences:

-road vibration...saddle is comfortable as far as shape goes, but I can feel every little bump through it...probably will get a new one. Obviously this is different from having what people call a "comfort" bike.
-pedals: I every time I jump on after a stop sign I have real trouble getting the other leg in the cage...it's getting better, tho.
-Aches and pains. Not as many as I thought I'd have. I did raise my saddle more because my knees do sometimes bug me and they were twinging a bit after last night. Better this time. I had moments where I thought, "I'd be quite comfortable if I wasn't so durn tense!" :D There is one spot just above my lower back on the right that gets kinda a kink in it every so often. I think I was just tense from the braking issues. They are a bit disconcerting.
-gearing...I actually did pretty well on this...only one time I accidentally shifted to the big chain ring up a hill.

Anyway, this has given me the courage to at least think about trying 2 more triathlons this summer...one has an open water swim, a 17 mile bike and a mass start, so there's more risk of being last, but I already know what that's like :D, so am more excited than scared!!!!!!!

I've just lost about 40 pounds of weight on my rides...20 for me (as opposed to my first tri) and 20 for the bike!

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Anyway, thank you for all the advice and encouragement--this forum is amazing!

WooHooooooo~~ !! Congratulations!!:D

Good luck with it! It's a beauty!!!

I gotta say, the thought of riding in cages would terrify me! Clipless is much less restrictive, in my opinion!

Good luck and safe riding!

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Good luck with it! It's a beauty!!!

I gotta say, the thought of riding in cages would terrify me! Clipless is much less restrictive, in my opinion!

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Thanks! The whole durn world says go clipless :D , but I am as yet too uncoordinated with the steering. I don't think I can think too much about both my hands and feet at the same time. :D I really will do it...I sorta see how it could be better.

Many happy miles on your new bike!

I agree Pedal Wench--cages terrify me. You might try the Shimano MP 324s (I think that's the pedal number---dual spd/platform---that way you can use the platforms while you adapt to clipless).

As for road vibration---you might get used to it. Unless the saddle is killing you, I'd see if you adjust to the feel of your new bike. ;) What kind of seatpost do you have? Is it carbon? That might dampen some of that vibration, if it's really bothering you.

Don't worry. With time in the saddle comes confidence. Just keep getting out there. I guarantee that with miles, you will be less tense and worry less about wiping out. You'll be hammering down hills before you know it.

What do you mean by "dropping and braking?" Are your hands on the hoods or flats of your handlebar? Are the brake levers too big for your hands?

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Originally Posted by Velobambina

Many happy miles on your new bike!
What do you mean by "dropping and braking?" Are your hands on the hoods or flats of your handlebar? Are the brake levers too big for your hands?

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I mean I was braking from the hoods and I found that very hard on the hill. I was too scared to move my hands down the bars. When I drop my hands (into the curve of the handlebar) down so I can grasp the levers at the bottom, I get a faster stop, but I wobble while I move my hands down there. I expect I should have done that at the top of the hill :p. ....ok I looked it up...it's "braking from the drops". :p

I don't know if they are too big or maybe stiff...I was fine last night...it was a pretty steep hill and I was going fast. I am not used to those speeds.

I used cages for years. Get used to the bike, take your time. You might also consider powergrips before you start clipping your feet into the pedals

and congrats on the new bike!

Congrats on the bike! I just found a really good year end deal on an OCR as well. I completely agree on the powergrips idea. The idea of being attached to my bike was too scary for me at first- the powergrips were a much easier mental leap, and totally trained me to twist my foot in and out as I started and stopped. I switched to spd clipless a month ago, and the transition was a piece of cake. I still have them on the loosest setting, and I got double sided ones, and it has been completely painless. In fact, the powergrips are more of a challenge in reality, but I needed that mental handholding.

Congrats. I, too, love white bikes! It sounds like you found a good LBS in that they took the time to fit you on the bike. That's great; not all shops are that attentive.

I, too, think that cages are scarier than clipless pedals. You might try a pedal that has a clip on one side and a regular platform on the other. Otherwise, I'd just bite the bullet and start climbing the clipless pedal learning curve. They're really not that bad and don't take that long to get used to.

Regarding the road vibrations, are you using padded gloves and a good pair of cycling shorts? One word of advice regarding bumps and what not on a road bike. Keep your grip light and some bend in your arms, especially when going over rough pavement. Also, don't overinflate your tires. I typically run mine between 10 and 20 psi less than the specified maximum pressure. You might play around with it a bit to see what feels best for you.

I, too, am not sure what you mean by "drop and brake." You should be able to reach your brakes while in "the hoods." If you can't, you might take it back to your LBS and see about getting shorter reach brakes.

Just keep practicing. Before you know it, everything will feel very natural to you. I hope you have lots of fun and safe miles ahead of you.

Oh, and you have to give your bike a name!!!!

Wow- she's a beeeeeeauuuuty!!! :D I love the look of the white and black- very classy!! Soooo glad you found a bike that you love (and that loves you in return by being super comfortable).

Congrats on the latest addition to your family! May you have lots of fun together!

Doesn't it help when bike shop people are interested and pleased for you just because you want to ride... and feel your goals are real because you are passionate and it doesn't matter if you will never make it to the Olymppics, because those goals are yours...

I have a Giant TCR2 for time-trialling on and its a fabulous bike. We have several Giants in our fold and I think you will find it will stand you in good stead and support you well in your tris.

Congrats on the adition to your household :p

I definitely cannot grasp the brakes nearly as fully from the hoods as from the drops. I will brake in the hoods for gentle hills and slopes, but for real security down hills, I like the drops.

I also think the drops are safer for downhills and braking downhill because you can shift your weight back and push into the drops, stabilizing your center of gravity, etc.

Just my .02 ...I really enjoyed reading your post...you are really on the right track and doing great. Now, it is just a matter of time and riding, and you will relax, enjoy, and learn what kinds of things you will want to tweak on your bike as you go.

Beauty of a bike, too!

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Originally Posted by Starfish

I definitely cannot grasp the brakes nearly as fully from the hoods as from the drops. I will brake in the hoods for gentle hills and slopes, but for real security down hills, I like the drops.

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Whew. That's exactly what I mean.

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Originally Posted by Starfish

Just my .02 ...I really enjoyed reading your post...you are really on the right track and doing great. Now, it is just a matter of time and riding, and you will relax, enjoy, and learn what kinds of things you will want to tweak on your bike as you go.

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Aww, thanks. I was pretty active as a kid, but other priorities took over as I got older and getting out there took a back seat...and I gained weight, yada yada. I am so excited to be doing stuff like this!

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Originally Posted by indysteel

Regarding the road vibrations, are you using padded gloves and a good pair of cycling shorts? One word of advice regarding bumps and what not on a road bike. Keep your grip light and some bend in your arms, especially when going over rough pavement. Also, don't overinflate your tires. I typically run mine between 10 and 20 psi less than the specified maximum pressure. You might play around with it a bit to see what feels best for you.

Oh, and you have to give your bike a name!!!!

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Yeah...I was wearing my tri shorts, so it will prolly help to get real bike shorts. I have gloves. And I should add our city roads are in pretty crappy condition as roads go...we have been mass whining about it lately so there's construction all over to resurface. Several bad Canuck winters and no repair in the Spring have made them horrible. The 4 blocks that run by my house have just been redone and feel great...I could just do that loop about 70 gabillion times :D.

Hmm...dunno what to name her. She is very classy looking, so something kind of over-the-top classy.

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Originally Posted by teawoman

I am so excited to be doing stuff like this!

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Just wait, you will be amazed at what you will end up doing. One of the things that keeps me hooked on riding is that it has exploded the limitations I used to believe about what I can do. I am doing a ride this weekend that I am not at all sure I can actually do. But, I will attempt it, because every year for the past few since I started riding (on a 40 pound bike on flat paved paths), I keep pushing through to doing things that I couldn't have believed just the previous year.

Although I am a little scared of my ride this weekend, I will give it everything I have, and I know that in another year, I will look back and see it as another moment for breaking through my own ceiling. It has brought real fun, joy and positive expectation for the future to me. Now, I daydream about what I might possibly accomplish next year (at 42 years old), and five years from now, and ten years from now! I believe I'll be stronger and doing more in ten years than I am now. I bet you will be, too. You are embarking on an amazing adventure, one step at a time, and we're right there with you!

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Originally Posted by Starfish

Now, I daydream about what I might possibly accomplish next year (at 42 years old), and five years from now, and ten years from now! I believe I'll be stronger and doing more in ten years than I am now. I bet you will be, too. You are embarking on an amazing adventure, one step at a time, and we're right there with you!

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Neat! We are the same age! I am even thinking I could do an oly, and that was *not* in my mind even remotely when I tried that first tri.

What event are you doing?

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Originally Posted by wiseowl

Congrats on the bike! I just found a really good year end deal on an OCR as well.

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Ooo! Sistahs in OCR-ness! :D :D :cool:

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Originally Posted by teawoman

What event are you doing?

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The Shasta Summit Century, in Mt. Shasta, CA. It's a climbing century...a big stretch for me.

But, I just bought a book called Marathoning for Mortals! I have some friends in my home town who do Ironman Triathlons. One of them did her first Ironman at age 50, and the thought keeps tugging at me, although I haven't run for 20 years, and wrecked my knee doing it (stupid overuse and lack of brains as a college student...didn't listen to my body and rest).

I need to lose some weight before I submit my joints to actual running, but I can swim, and I've been thinking that a winter-long cross training program of walking, swimming, cycling (spinning classes, maybe, in winter) and weight training might be perfect for losing weight and improving my power-to-weight ratio for whatever comes next year. I really, really want to maximize my power on the bike this winter and get lighter and faster for next year.

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Originally Posted by Starfish

The Shasta Summit Century, in Mt. Shasta, CA. It's a climbing century...a big stretch for me.

But, I just bought a book called Marathoning for Mortals! I have some friends in my home town who do Ironman Triathlons. One of them did her first Ironman at age 50, and the thought keeps tugging at me, although I haven't run for 20 years, and wrecked my knee doing it (stupid overuse and lack of brains as a college student...didn't listen to my body and rest).

I need to lose some weight before I submit my joints to actual running, but I can swim, and I've been thinking that a winter-long cross training program of walking, swimming, cycling (spinning classes, maybe, in winter) and weight training might be perfect for losing weight and improving my power-to-weight ratio for whatever comes next year. I really, really want to maximize my power on the bike this winter and get lighter and faster for next year.

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Wow. A century is scary enough to think about...but a *climbing century*...I didn't know there was such a thing :D. I actually started triathlon because the first thing I did to get fit was a run-walk program and I found that as I increased distance it bugged my knees. I thought biking would help, so I started that, and I had done a lot of swimming when I was a kid, so it made sense to think about triathlon.

John "the Penguin" Bingham's books are just great! Very encouraging to read. Even Lance Armstrong got a stress fracture when he ran a marathon--he had not accustomed his body to the pounding. I feel better about my running when I remember that!

Your winter plan sounds similar to mine! (prolly mine is a bit smaller scale, tho!) I am a bit scared of losing fitness because we get a lot of snow here and my job is busy in the fall. I can run in the snow, but not bike.

I will look out for your report on the century!

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Originally Posted by teawoman

Wow. A century is scary enough to think about...but a *climbing century*...I didn't know there was such a thing :D.

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Well, this is the thing I'm talking about. Two years ago I did my first century...a really, really flat & easy one. I am excited to see what might happen two years from now. The possibility of achievement and improvement really tugs me along.

I really admire you with the Tri's. My thinking sounds a little similar to yours...I know I can swim, and I'm getting better on the bike, so if I can just rehab my knee to some run/walk stuff...well, a Tri seems like a natural thing to, well, try ;) someday!

Had to pop in here and say congratulations on the new bike! Way to go!!

yippeee!!! Congrats on the new bike! I am going to start looking for a new bike this weekend! I am so excited! Right now I ride a Trek Mtn bike. I love it, but I want something faster! I am a little nervous because I have never ridden a road bike before, but I’m up for the challenge! :cool:

Hope you have fun on the new bike! BTW-white is SWEET!!! :D

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Originally Posted by twiggjlm

yippeee!!! Congrats on the new bike! I am going to start looking for a new bike this weekend! I am so excited! Right now I ride a Trek Mtn bike. I love it, but I want something faster! I am a little nervous because I have never ridden a road bike before, but I’m up for the challenge! :cool:

Hope you have fun on the new bike! BTW-white is SWEET!!! :D

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Yay! Let us know how it goes. I read your post about being scared and I feel the same way... I am gonna stick to the bike paths for practice for awhile. :)

Also, don't overinflate your tires. I typically run mine between 10 and 20 psi less than the specified maximum pressure. You might play around with it a bit to see what feels best for you. [/QUOTE]


I found that when I did this I kept getting punctures. When I inflated them to the recommended pressure, no more flat since. (Bet that comment jinxes me for the weekend!)

congrats on the new bike, you must be in cloud nine from the sounds of it..i remember getting my new bike and it was like cloud nine. i rode for a little bit with the toe cages, and found that i actually had more incidents of non-safety issues than i did riding clipless. i fell over more because i couldn;t ever get my feet out in time. so i took the straps off for awhile but didn't like how my feet would slop all over the pedal. i bit the bullet and went with mtb. bike shoes and spd peddals. so worth it, but it took several months for me to go to that..i got used to my bike, the road, shifting, etc, then i made the plunge. good luck and enjoy your new beauty!!!

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Originally Posted by nomummytummy

Also, don't overinflate your tires. I typically run mine between 10 and 20 psi less than the specified maximum pressure.

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I also keep my tires at about 10-15 lbs less than the stated maximum. When I had them at max I noticed my spokes and wheels making funny noises, for one thing.
People sometimes assume that "maximum psi"=suggested psi. Max pressure simply means Don't go over that pressure or your tire might explode! It doens't mean that's the ideal pressure to ride on.

Your new road bike sounds glorious. I know what you mean about whizzing down a hill and trying to keep speed and bike under control. Sometimes my start position on a descent will be on the flats so I can bodily catch more air to slow, as I gain more speed I get into drops to use brakes more effectively. Feather your braking on a descent to have more control. I'm just a pokey cyclist, still learning and am sure many great cyclist on this board can help you.

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

I also keep my tires at about 10-15 lbs less than the stated maximum. When I had them at max I noticed my spokes and wheels making funny noises, for one thing.
People sometimes assume that "maximum psi"=suggested psi. Max pressure simply means Don't go over that pressure or your tire might explode! It doens't mean that's the ideal pressure to ride on.

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I'm no expert on this, so someone may be able to add to this. (And by the way Lisa, I'm not quoting you because I'm about to disagree with you -- I don't disagree at all -- it was just a convenient way to continue the topic since your post was the most recent on this issue :) ).

But tire pressure is basically a trade-off. Higher PSI = harsher, but faster ride. Lower PSI = plusher, but slower ride (lower PSI will be slower b/c more of the tire contacts the road, thus there is greater resistance).

Currently, I'm inflating to 120 psi, though my new tires are rated to 145. Not sure us ordinary mortals will feel much speed difference between 100 pounds and 110 pounds, but if you've ever tried riding a bike with seriously underinflated tires, you'll see how much slower it feels (not that you should ever try this!).

Oh, and Teawoman, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BIKE!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by liza

But tire pressure is basically a trade-off. Higher PSI = harsher, but faster ride. Lower PSI = plusher, but slower ride (lower PSI will be slower b/c more of the tire contacts the road, thus there is greater resistance).

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Admittedly, there is some debate out there as to whether running tires at higher pressures increases speed on anything but the smoothest of surfaces, e.g., a track. That said, IMO stopping shy of max pressure can actually increase speed on the average road surface. Running at really high pressures will make you bounce more, causing you to lose speed as your tire loses contact with the road. Running a little less than max can also provide better cornering, which will also increase speed.

I maintain that it pays to play around with tire pressure both front and rear to see what pressure feels good to you. The ideal pressure at which you both maximize both speed and safety, achieve a comfortable ride and avoid pinch flats will depend on your weight, the tire tire size, rode surface and weather. Finally, you can always run a wider tire, like a 700 X 25 cc, without compromising much in speed if you'd like a plusher ride.

For more on tire pressure, take a look at http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure

Congrats on the new bike, I'm happy to hear you say how much you like it. I just wanted to add that I agree about taking your bike back to the shop to ask about the brake levers. A lot of times they can be shimmed to make it easier for you to reach from the hoods. This is a common problem for a lot of women who tend to have smaller hands.

Also, take your time with the pedals. I started with cages because I wanted to get used to the bike and the STI shifters before I had to worry about my feet. I'm very glad I did this. However I quickly got to the point where I was comfortable shifting and handling, and the cages were starting to frustrate me. That's when I knew it was time to go clipless. Clipless has a lot of advantages, but I think it's important to get the hang of everything else first so you enjoy riding. I think some people get pushed into going clipless too soon, then they end up hating to ride (when its not really riding they don't like, its the pedals). So it may take you a couple of days, or a couple of years, just do what feels right for you. (At the same time, don't be too afraid to try it, yes it's a little scary at first, but you'll quickly realize how wonderful clipless are and you'll never look back). Enjoy your new ride! :D

Thanks so much for all the feedback! Lots to play with and figure out!
Went for another 11 miles today! Braking was much easier, but I am still pretty scared on the steep hills...I am almost slower going down than up them right now. :D Still very comfortable otherwise!

I can't wait for my tri now!