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

My husband is also having issues attempting to adjust to a road bike. He's always had mountain bikes and loves them. He just can't fully get comfortable on the road bike. He's had his for about 3 months. I got my first road bike at the beginning of July. I must be odd, because within minutes of getting on the road bike for the first time I loved it. To me it just felt right and very comfortable. On the other hand I do not like mountain bikes. We've been working on adjusting my mountain bike to have a more aggressive "road bike" type position to get me more comfortable on it.

IMO I would get a comfortable bike like a hybrid first and ride that until you outgrow it. I still spent a decent amount of money on mine--a Speecialized Sirrus Comp, but it felt much more stable to me than a properly fit road bike. You won't ride enough if you are uncomfortable or timid, so get what you will use (don't get a cheap bike). After you're comfortable, stable and more fit you'll know when (or if) you want a road bike. For some reason all of our LBS advised me to go straight to the road bike, but I knew I needed the comfort and stability first and that was the best decision for me. A hybrid does not have to be heavy either--mine has a carbon fork and carbon seatstays and is very light. I like the slightly wider tires but I definitely got them slick because it takes too much effort to push the knobby ones around and you just tire faster. I am 5'4" with very short legs but a lot less weight and I don't think the weight is the issue because you just need a learning bike that you feel more comfortable and stable on before you move up. Good luck.

I have been riding a hybrid with road tires for about a year, and just got fitted on my road bike yesterday. It is fun to ride, but felt a little twitchy when I stood up on my test ride. I think I will get used to it quickly - I could accelerate really fast!

I am going out on my first ride tomorrow (not counting my test ride after fitting). Our regular no-drop group ride was canceled this morning due to rain, so I am going to try a 40 mile ride with the hard core riders tomorrow. It is invitation only and they invited me when they saw how sad I was not to be able to ride today. I will ride with them until I get dropped, and a couple of guys said they will stay with me. Then again, if I pick up a couple of miles an hour like I am hoping - I might be able to stick with them. Wish me luck!

I'm the reverse of you. I just got my first road bike and am realizing I have never ridden in this type of posture. I've always ridden upright. It is so strange.

Today was a rare day this far into winter where the pavement had some dry spots. So, I took my new bike out to see if I could even mount, clip in and move forward without killing myself. I rode around our fairly empty apartment complex parking complex (the students that live here are all away for holiday break) and did one easy mile. I didn't crash and burn but was close. I have a lot to work on in terms of mounting and dismounting the bike (basically - having a bike in which my feet can't touch the ground while my butt is in the saddle), and clipping in. Also have to work on posture and steering. Found myself over- or under-correcting. But all in all, it was fun. I look at this as a challenge. And I had to laugh - I was going so "slow" at 10.5 mph - but that was fast on my Trek Pure!

I've been riding my road bike since April and it gets easier as time goes on. I love my road bike and don't be afraid to make minor adjustment if anything hurts. My hands and wrists were sore for a while and I asked my LBS what they would recommend. My hands are small and when I got tired after a long ride - I could barely reach the brakes, thus causing pain & strain. They rotated the bar for me slightly, which has helped stop the pain and I can reach the brake easier now. I also read about this on Terry Bicycle's website.

I have been riding about 2 years now (with about a 25 year break). I've gone thru 3 bikes since starting. My first bike was a Specialized Globe hybrid. It definitely was comfortable and easy to ride, but heavy and slow. I felt like W would never fall off of it. The transition to my next bike - Specialized Vita - was easy and I wished I had bought that one first. Then I got my road bike - Specialized Ruby. I had no problem transitioning to that bike. It was perfect and not at all twitchy.

I think that some road bikes have more aggressive geometry than the Ruby. Those bikes might feel more intimidating.

My specialized ruby never felt twitchy either. It always felt pretty stable. It was the different bike geometry and handling of the bike that I had to get used to. I now find it great to have the different options to place my hands when I ride. Though, I still have a little fear of the drops, and haven't yet been completely able to go down very steep downhills on the drops quite yet. In do time - with more practice.

When I first went from my MTB to my Trek road bike, I was terrified. I felt like a kindergartener trying to balance without training wheels. What helped? Many early mornings in a church parking lot, where I could ride without fear of cars or anything. Figure 8's seemed to help a great deal. After that it was an afternoon in a skills building class. I left feeling much more confident. I think it just takes time to feel like the bike is an extension of yourself. You'll be great!

I did my first "on roads" ride on Sunday on my Fuji and wasn't necessarily terrified but certainly didn't find it fun in any way, shape or form - I felt wobbly, slow, ungainly, and certainly not in good control. I decided to go back and read this thread from start to finish and try to gain a different perspective. Thanks for these great posts.

It's amazing the difference a bike can make. When I originally posted this, I'd tried out several bikes and I felt so unsteady on all. I was so frustrated. Then I went to Performance Bike and test rode a Scattante and it felt great right from the start. It was a great size for me and apparently whoever set it up set it up just for me ;) I love it. I've become comfortable enough to cross the busy street outside my apartment complex on it, and even ride on some quieter roads. It's great!

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Originally Posted by vkai

It's amazing the difference a bike can make. When I originally posted this, I'd tried out several bikes and I felt so unsteady on all. I was so frustrated. Then I went to Performance Bike and test rode a Scattante and it felt great right from the start. It was a great size for me and apparently whoever set it up set it up just for me ;) I love it. I've become comfortable enough to cross the busy street outside my apartment complex on it, and even ride on some quieter roads. It's great!

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My first ride required that I cross the busy street (aka highway) twice - going out and coming back. I even rode a few blocks on the highway (glad it was 4 lane) to get home.

A victory was that I was able to clip in and out successfully and start/stop the bike without issue. One of my "challenges" was to learn to ride a bike whereon my butt was on the saddle without my feet touching the ground at the same time.

Know what I am finding...going from a "comfort" road bike to a performance road bike sorta makes me feel like I've never before been on a road bike. Having spent nearly 4 months locked onto an indoor trainer is likely a factor, too. I haven't had to balance and I have a lot of sore muscles, especially in my neck and shoulders. These haven't gotten much of a bike workout in months.

I let my core go for about 3 months, too. I remember realizing last Summer that a strong midsection made a WORLD of difference in my strength and balance on the bike.

And my first few rides outdoors in the past 10 days have been a bit of a hit to the ego. The fitness I had last Fall is GONE. Running and 1/2 - 1/3 the bike miles I was logging before Winter is no substitute.

But something else I am finding...with every additional ride outdoors my bike feels more stable. I'll bet very few people just hop on a road bike and don't feel unstable and a little scared. Any road bike will take a bit of work to maneuver until one becomes accustomed to the handling, but the payoff is worth it.

Reading this post really gave me good perspective and a better way to approach a second ride on Rosey the Road Bike.

I'm on vacation and our local university and schools are closed for spring break, so this was a good week to get out. However, it was incredibly windy much of the week.

I finally got out today around 1:30 (waiting for lunch hour traffic to die off).

To leave my apt complex, have to either cross or ride on a highway. I rode on it. I also had to cross a set of reasonably smooth railroad tracks and was able to do so. Feeling reasonable, I took went through some residential areas and again was on a busy street before hitting country roads. I returned on the same really busy road and decided I wanted to challenge myself, so I took a different route back wherein I had to cross another set of much rougher train tracks (was going to have to cross eventually anyway) and was pleased to have done so while getting buzzed by a jerk in a Jeep. I finished my ride by again riding down the 4 lane highway.

My Garmin showed 11.9 miles, but that is false cuz I forgot to turn it on. (oops!) It showed I went about 13 mph, which is better than I expected given the wind and given I was working on a variety of skills (like just riding the bike, clipping in, not crashing, etc).

Am I comfortable on Rosey? Not yet. But am I in a better place than after the first ride? Hell yes! I actually smiled for a little during the ride. I still need to get used to the body position (my arms/wrists/hands are stiff) and the responsiveness, but I feel like I can actually do it.

Thank you again for this thread....it made a world of difference for me.

I also need to add, I want to thank you all for a second thread (or group of threads) about starting a bike. In learning to ride Rosey, I also had to learn a very critical skill - starting a bike from a stop wherein your butt ends up on the saddle and your feet can't touch the ground. I never knew how to do this and had to learn on Rosey. It was by way of reading a variety of threads here and seeing a Sheldon Brown video (also posted somewhere on TE forums) that I figured out the mechanics to be able to do the skill. I'm almost 35 and am thrilled that I was able to learn something I never had and always wanted to know.

Thank you again, TE forums!

You totally made my day, Kerry. I am so glad that you are in a better place with your bike, now. :)