My new Bike, Thanks to Kathi!

[Smilie]

Here is my new bike! From Kathi's recommendations, I went to a bike store that was very helpful in picking out a new bike. She was even there to help me figure out what bike would work for me! It was great being able to meet someone from 'cyberspace' and ride the trails. Kathi has a beautiful bike! It was great riding with her, as she knows a lot about bike components. Thanks again Kathi, too bad we couldn't treat you to lunch!

I took the new bike out yesterday on a 28 mile ride up Fremont Canyon. Lots of climbs and hills. Quite the ride. Rode with a local group of friends that are hardcore cyclists. I made the ride, but it was hard! The bike was great, but the seat needs a bit of adjustment, as I was burning a bit, and not just in my glutes! I think the seat needs to slant down just a tad, then otherwise it felt great, no soreness at all.

That was my first ride on a road bike. Going fast down hills is a bit scary still. I used my brakes a bit since I don't much like going over 30mph. I think that is where my speed topped out a bit, or actually where I let it. What does everyone else like to ride at? Going on the flats we did around 20-25mph, which was a good clip for me.

I am sure going fast downhill gets easier...right? I don't think going uphill will ever get easier though.

[Kathi]

So glad you're enjoying your bike. I enjoyed meeting the both of you and assessing the quality of the shop. Sounds like you had a great ride yesterday. I'm glad that you chose the bike that you did with the better components. The carbon frame and 105 components will make your rides much more pleasureable.

At this point I suggest that you leave your saddle alone. Let your body adjust to the changes. You're used to your old bike, and even if you're a half a cm off from the old bike you will feel it. Ride it 4 or 5 more times, keep your rides short and then decide. If the saddle is still bothering you it may not be the right one. If your handlebar height is correct chances are lowering the nose could put stress on your hands and shoulders.

Finally, did you use any kind of cream for your sensitive parts. I use A&D but there are specific creams for such issues. And move around on the bike.

Remember how I told you that I made changes to my old bike and rode to many miles to fast. For about a month I hated everything I had done, (saddle hurt, shoulders, back, etc.)then one day I realized how great the changes were, nothing hurt, everything was perfect. My body finally adjusted to the changes. No one told me to take it easy for awhile!

If you do decide to move the saddle mark where it was so you can put it back in case you don't like what you did.

On the downhills were you in your drops? I find I'm a lot more comfortable in my drops because I can reach the brakes better and have more leverage on them. Practice getting into the drops on easy comfortable hills and before you know it you'll just drop down into them without thinking.

Enjoy your bike, I'm so happy you found a good one. Let me know if you need anything else.

[Flur]

Congrats on the new bike, it looks gorgeous! Sounds like you're already having fun on it!

[Smilie]

Thanks Flur! It is fun.

Kathi, I put Body Glide where I normally rub-the upper thigh area. I have never had that 'burning' feeling anywhere. Made me think of those saddles that have the cut out for women! It burned the most when I was pushing hard going up the steep inclines, so that made me think the saddle is higher than normal as I was burning on the labia, which is never where I feel discomfort. An odd feeling that is for sure.

My shoulders and neck were tight, but I know that is because this is a new form from my mountain bike, and even the tandem. So that will just take time to get used to.

I really appreciate all your help! One of the guys that rode with us on Sunday is going to Denver this week, and is going to go check out the bikes at Treads. He was very interested in the great deals they had. They were great help, I am glad you recommended them to us! I bet they are glad too, they should give you a great deal on your next purchase!

[mimitabby]

It is really scary for me to go over 30 mph unless I have visibility for a long long ways AND am on a really good road.

take your time and have fun. enjoy your new bike.

[Smilie]

I am glad I am not the only one that going over 30 is scary! On our century ride, one of the support ladies said she had to close her eyes when we were all descending. I told her I did too! Of course I was on a tandem, so it was okay!

The road we were on had a lot of patches, and was pretty bumpy, so that stressed me out a bit. So I was very careful!