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.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Welcome!

You don't have to ride fast to enjoy riding a road bike! It's simply more efficient for riding on roads than a mtn bike!

You can stick with plain pedals for a while too (or forever), until you are comfortable with your bike. You can start at slower speeds and work up gradually as you feel comfortable.
Your body will go through a few changes adapting to the new position, so be prepared for a few muscles to object at first.

Try riding a few road bikes around the block or whatever at the bike shop to get a feeling of how they fit you differently. The more of them you test ride the better you will be at sensing which ones fit you well. Don't buy the first bike you see, and don't let salesmen talk you into anything if you are not ready yet.

Have fun window shopping for a little while and building your knowledge base.

[Zen]

A lot of women here do tri and biathelons without high $$ fancy bikes.
The best piece of advice I have is to take your time buying a bike. Ride LOTS of different bikes and buy the bike that fits you, don't buy a bike and then try and make it fit you because it cost less/was red/had nice wheels/or whatever.

Gotta have gloves.
They make you look cool

[twiggjlm]

Thank you all for your advice! I can’t believe how helpful this site has been already. I start shopping for my new bike this weekend and will take all of these tips with me. I’ve been reading up on a few different brands, and have some idea what I am looking for, but honestly will not know until I find the one that fits me best. Like I said, as for the gloves I am getting them tomorrow! I didn’t realize how important they really were. (and looking cool never hurt either)

I can’t wait to wake up and ride tomorrow!!

[indiyon]

Hey twiggjlm. I am also very new at cycling... I just gave away (an old) Mongoose hybrid and bought a Trek (see my avatar). It's either a hybrid or city bike, not sure. It's just to ride on a bicycle path but I would someday like to advance to a road bike and do this more seriously. You're way ahead of me in knowledge so please keep me informed of your progress and what you wind up buying. I think I'm on the right track... I have the bike, a helmet and gloves but as for the rest, I have a long way to go! Good luck on your journey.

[twiggjlm]

Indiyon, thanks for the post! I still have a lot to learn, and hopefully we can share some of our tips! And good luck on your journey as well!

I am actually ordering a book today called, Training Plans for Multisport Athletes, by Gale Bernhardt. Has anyone read that? It looked like a good one to me and it was rated one of the top 10 on www.trifind.com.

BTW-Biofreeze with Ilex works wonders on soar, stiff muscles!! I have the roll on. I had to use some this morning...ouch! It doesn't have that strong medicine smell either, it dissipates after a minute or two...luv it!

[Python]

I've got two road bikes - one vintage Raleigh and a new Specialized Dolce Elite I only got on Saturday. I've been used to flat pedals with my Raleigh. The Dolce has clips and straps - and I don't like them. Putting clipless on when I get paid at the weekend.

I wear cycling shorts, helmet and gloves. Bought a new pair of Specialized gloves when I picked up my new bike on Saturday. They have really thick gel inserts in the palms and are very comfortable.

I'm getting used to my new bike now and love the ease I can climb hills with. The only snag is instead of going to work in the morning I'm so tempted to just ride on by and keep going...and going...and going...

[sundial]

Hi Twig, welcome aboard! You sound like a very ambitious rider and I think you'll meet other folks here who have similar training goals. Good to hear that you are enjoying both running and cycling.

Now, about that bike.......

My first "road" bike was a mountain bike with slicks on it. Talk about a workout! By the time I got my first road bike, I felt like I was flying down the road. Just think how quick you'll be on your road bike if you decide to get one.

There are many types of road bikes out there so take your time researching and riding different types of bikes. Some people like steel frames (Bianchi), others like aluminum, (Specialized Sequoia) and some like the really cool carbon fiber (Trek Madone). In choosing a road bike, consider first what your budget will be (you can actually get a decent road bike for around $500 bucks or so), then how many miles you'll ride on average a week, and where. Also, do you want to ride a more aggressive road bike or an upright bike?

Next, locate a bike shop and talk to the mechanics. Developing a really good rapport with the LBS should help you tremendously when choosing a bike. Your bike guys should not only make sure of the fit, but offer support and services to help you enjoy your new ride. Also, with the '08's coming out, you might find a great discount on the '07 models. Some bike shops will also let you trade in your bike for a discounted new one as well.

Let us know what you decide and once you get your new set of wheels, be sure and post pics of your new ride. Good luck and I hope this helps.

[Python]

Developing a really good rapport with the LBS should help you tremendously when choosing a bike.

And if you build up a good rapport you will often get good discount on other things you buy like shorts etc.

[Starfish]

I don't really have anything to add here, except another welcome. It's wonderful that you are looking forward to getting up and riding...this is how it begins!

Also, you have probably noticed this already, but you will find lots of older threads on these boards about people with all kinds of different questions about the bikes they are considering buying. I have learned a lot just be reading all those discussions...a lot of the issues will be the ones you face as you shop.

Keep us posted! And, when you get your bike...I demand pictures!