big girl road bike

[Karma007]

So..untill 2 days ago, my ride was a MTB, with road tires (my monster! I rode the wheels off it, and my darling bf just bought me a TREK 2.1.

Relative to the old bike, it is hot, sexy sleek and light. Good. Feeling like a kindergartener with the training wheels off? A little unnerving. It's so different from the mountain bike, that I'll admit, I'm a little shaky on it. Other than just logging time on it, any suggestions for getting used to it? I just not used to riding a road bike, and I can't decide how long I should ride solo, before joining a group. (I recently moved, and and just settling in to my new town, leaving my old band of fiends ).

[ASammy1]

First of all, you have a great BF and congratulations on your first road bike! The only thing you can really do is just get out there and ride. Get comfortable changing the gears as they are vastly different from your mtb. This is where I had the most trouble when switching from my mtb to my road bike.

As far as group rides go, I can't think of a better way to meet people in your new community also you will get to know the roads! I would stick with the C or D pace groups to start with. They usually don't drop anyone and are a bit more social than some of the other paces. This is what I've encountered anyway.

Good luck and congratulations!

Andrea

[indysteel]

I got my feet wet riding my road bike on a route that my LBS pointed out to me. They use it as a training ride. It was marked and largely out in the country. I lost count of how many times I did it when I first started riding. It helped my comfort level tremendously in that I didn't have to worry too much about traffic but still had the experience of riding on a road.

I would start doing group rides when you feel stable on the bike and can hold a steady line and have a basic understanding of traffic laws and hand and voice signals. I would avoid group rides for the time being that involve pace lines. If and when you do join a group, don't be afaid to ask lots of questions and to identify yourself as a new road rider. Check with your various local shops to see if they offer a ride for beginners.

Good luck and have fun!

[Karma007]

Thanks. I do have 'sperience riding with a group, I think I just need a few days to zen out with the new bike...become one with it, if you will. I need to adjust the tension on the pedals, and I have a fitting scheduled for Friday. Moslty it is just so much lighter and responsive than my monster. I hope soon to do it justice. It still needs a name, reserved parking, and it's own blanket. (yes, it's in the bedroom, where I can whisper sweet nothings in its spokes).

[redrhodie]

Awww, new bike love! Congratulations!

Go to a low traffic area and just ride. You'll get it soon enough. It's just like riding a bike

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Go to an empty large parking lot and ride around, practice figure 8's. Practice quick stops and starting up. Do zig zags. All to get you used to the feel BEFORE you ride in traffic and have to turn or stop quickly.

[Karma007]

Awww, new bike love! Congratulations!

Go to a low traffic area and just ride. You'll get it soon enough. It's just like riding a bike

That's funny