Need a new bike, but I'm scared!

[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!

[wiseowl]

You sound overwhelmed to me, but also really excited, which is cool! The very first time I got onto my bike, WHILE I WAS STILL TEST RIDING IT IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE STORE, I crashed. I figured since the thing I was scared of had already happened, I would go for it. I loved that bike, and it got me over the early stages of overcoming fear. I also was really hard on it, learning to shift right, etc. It is a "fitness bike" which I found to be a great intermediary between mtn and road, and is more like a road bike than a hybrid is. It wasn't too scary or aggressive or expensive, and I rode it for two years. That said, I just plunked down my deposit for a full carbon road bike! I am still scared of that road bike, but I am SO much farther along now, and I could not have bought a road bike right out the starting gate. And if my fitness bike had fit a little better, I may not even have been so tempted to make the change. I just left a post elsewhere about how great powergrips are as an intermediary step towards clipless pedals, too. Baby steps are what got me to where I am today, and proud of it! Good luck to you! Let us know how things go!

[twiggjlm]

Wow...all of this info is really great and helpful!

Yes, I am a little overwhelmed, but it is so worth it! I am a single-mother of one, with a very demanding full time job and a part time job and I start college again this fall! I have a ton going on but whenever I get on my bike, it's as if I ride away from everything...at least for the next 7 miles or so!

Anyway, enough whining! I just love riding so much and wanted to take my passion even further. It's very heartwarming to read all of your replies and realize there are other people who share this passion as well. *tear* j/k

As soon as I find my bike I will definitely post pictures!

FYI-Biofreeze with Ilex works great on soar and stiff muscles! I had to use some today...ouch! I got the roll on from my Chiropractor and I love it! It doesn't have that obnoxious medicine smell like the other stuff. After about two minutes whatever smell it has dissipates. And it's all natural!

[sandra]

FYI-Biofreeze with Ilex works great on soar and stiff muscles

Ditto this. I use it also if I have a crick in my neck, etc.