My First real road bike!

**happysurfer** · 10-07-2011, 07:59 PM

After weeks of online research, reading all the cycling blogs (esp TE!)...I finally took the plunge and picked up this beauty today! I took the advice of the experienced cyclists and got a bike I could "grow into". I think cycling is something I will really get into and enjoy. Thanks all for sharing your tips on TE so that clueless newbies like myself can make a sound decision. Can't wait to put some miles on the bike!
Question: I didn't get the pedals with the cage...should I? would it help my transition to clipless in the future?
thanks!

**jyyanks** · 10-07-2011, 08:07 PM

Congratulations! It's a beauty and welcome!

**happysurfer** · 10-07-2011, 08:14 PM

thanks! It's my birthday present to myself! Was able to get a great deal on a 2011 model

**Koronin** · 10-07-2011, 08:16 PM

Very nice. Congratulations and welcome.

**CAL** · 10-07-2011, 09:09 PM

gorgeous bike, enjoy!

**azfiddle** · 10-07-2011, 09:12 PM

beautiful! I love my Ruby, and I'm sure you will love yours, too!

**Hi Ho Silver** · 10-08-2011, 05:14 AM

You picked a winner - you are going to love it! Wish you any happy miles.

**Sardine** · 10-08-2011, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by happysurfer

thanks! It's my birthday present to myself! Was able to get a great deal on a 2011 model

Congratulations on the lovely bike and a belated happy birthday! I think that I like my presents to myself best since I always get exactly what I want - lol - and what's better than a bike right?

Re cages, this is purely my own experience, but I didn't feel that they gave me any advantage in terms of graduating to clipless pedals. The action is totally different when releasing – you pull out of cages but there is generally a twisting motion to unclip.

**happysurfer** · 10-08-2011, 11:57 AM

thanks all!
I'll check out past threads on pedals. I took it out today for my first "ride" on the SART and I noticed that when I downshift my foot kept slipping off the pedal. Maybe I just need practice but I think the cages would've helped keep my feet in place...

**tzvia** · 10-08-2011, 10:29 PM

Sweet- That Ruby will grow on you- I love mine, and the more I ride it, the more it feels like 'home'. Sorta like a good pair of jeans, you wash, wear, wash, and they seem to mold to your body. And at the end of the day, I don't feel all banged up; the ride is so silky.

Without cages, the typical road cycling shoe, if that is what you are using, is going to have too slick a sole for pedals without cages. I would use mountain type shoes for platform pedals, or those grippy-soled downhill style shoes that look like beefy sneakers. My feelings on cages have been aired before; I hate those things. It is easier to use clipless provided you setup a shoe/pedal system that works for you IMO, flipping pedals over to snag the cage is not fun; playing with those straps is not fun.

You may or may not find clipless to your liking, down the road. For now, choose a shoe with a sole that grips the pedals well.

**happysurfer** · 10-09-2011, 01:45 AM

I'm almost thinking of just going straight into clipless while i'm getting used to my new bike. Otherwise I might get too comfortable and not want to go clipless at all later! I'm personally not "afraid" of clipless...what's the worst that could happen besides falling at slow speeds?

**Roadtrip** · 10-09-2011, 07:06 AM

Ooooooooo... Very pretty!!! I'm sure she rides like a dream!!!

Shannon

**Owlie** · 10-09-2011, 07:10 AM

Very, very nice!

**pll** · 10-09-2011, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by happysurfer

what's the worst that could happen besides falling at slow speeds?

Falling at slow speeds in front of people. Not dignified.

**ClockworkOrange** · 10-09-2011, 03:14 PM

Very tasty bike, now ride safe.

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