Transitioning to Road Bike

[DebTX]

I know there's been much discussion about this here and it was helpful to read as I decided this past year whether to transition from my hybrid to a road bike.

I learned to ride last year (at 40+, and I'm no athlete!). My LBS suggested an inexpensive hybrid as the easiest starting point and it was great advice. I transitioned to clipless pedals about 2 months in and I've been absolutely loving this sport. I'm certainly not a "good rider" yet, but I love going out each weekend and beating my own best performance, trying a bit harder each time. I try to ride 15-20 miles each Sat/Sun. I enjoyed my hybrid, got used to gearing in it, and worried that I "didn't have it in me" to learn the nuances of a road bike, nor the new posture.

Well, yesterday I took the plunge, after much deliberation. Got fitted and picked up the bike and took to the road this AM on my new WSB.

It'll take a while to figure out the gearing but I got up the hills and made my usual 17 mile course with faster speed. Cadence wasn't great as I rarely felt like I was in the right gear, but I"ll get better at it, I know it!

Looking forward to gaining skill and learning from all of you in the forums!

Deb

[wannaduacentury]

Congrats on your new bike. I started with a hybrid and moved up. Now I have a road and mtn bike and love them both. The transition was fairly easy for me. It takes time to tweak the bike to fit you, but it can be done. Pay attention to little things comfort wise such as seat, stem, seat height , handlebar angle etc. they can be adjusted. Happy Riding. Jenn

[LainiePants]

That's exciting, Deb! Congrats! You're gonna love the faster speeds with the new bike, and I'm sure you'll figure out the gearing pretty fast. One piece of advice I'd offer: It's very important to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure, so check it often. btw, what bike did you get?

[NbyNW]

woohoo! enjoy the new bike, and show us pictures!

[Flur]

Congrats and welcome to TE. Please post pics of your new bike