Need a new bike, but I'm scared!

[twiggjlm]

So, I have had a Trek mountain bike since 2003. Every spring I get my bike out and ride the local rails to trails 4-5 days per week. I usually ride 7-15 miles at a time. Doesn't sound like much to most, but for the past few years I've just done it to stay in shape and for leisure. Now I want to start training for a Dualthon! I've been riding longer and running before my rides. The other day I ran 2 miles, rode 11 miles then ran 1 mile....whew... I have read so many threads that talk about road bikes! I don't have a road bike! I've also read a lot of threads about people wiping out on their road bikes...ouch!! I've only done it once on my mountain bike and that was not pretty! I don't ride that fast, but I know if I train for a dualthon I am obviously going to have to ride fast! That I am okay with! But, I don't know what kind of bike to buy; I don't know anything about "clipless pedals" or special shoes or any of that! I ride in shorts a tank top and my running shoes! Am I in over my head here?!

[mimitabby]

hey, take it one step at a time; first of all; welcome to TE.

Road bikes don't fall any easier or more often than MTBikes.

I myself have fallen more on my hybrid than i did on my road bike.
We talk about our falls a lot, us roadies; the MTB'ers don't because they fall ALL THE TIME and they get bored talking about it.

you're not in over your head; but soon enough you will decide to change to more comfortable shorts. And I hope you're wearing a helmet and gloves because they are protective.

worry about the pedals a little later; but even us old ladies can switch from a lifetime of regular pedals to clip ins without a lot of pain and torment. (I fell once)

[twiggjlm]

Thank you for the reply, and for the warm welcome!! I am reading so much useful information already!

Thank you also for the words of encouragement! I will definitely be taking it one step at a time. As for the shorts, yes, I am already thinking of switching to a more comfortable pair. The helmet I wear, the gloves no, but I am starting to think I should!

[mimitabby]

gloves are cheap. hands aren't.

My son and his girlfriend (both in their late 20's) were horsing around on their bikes at VERY slow speed and to avoid crashing into her; he went down and ripped his palm up. what a mess! That macho guy won't ride without gloves anymore.

I promise, a lot more people will be posting. check back often.

[twiggjlm]

I will be sure to go out and buy a pair tomorrow, and shorts!

Hope your son is all healed up!!

[farrellcollie]

Road bikes are fun - and I will be back on mine as soon as the broken finger and wrist heal and the skin grows back etc. Seriously though, I have been biking for years on a hybrid and for two yrs on road bikes and I have had only one real serious incident - and I believe it was kind of a freaky thing with the small stick getting stuck in my front spokes. But along with helmet I really suggest gloves - I lost some skin through the gloves I was wearing on Sunday - but it would have been a lot worse without them.