New Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Also, don't overinflate your tires. I typically run mine between 10 and 20 psi less than the specified maximum pressure.

I also keep my tires at about 10-15 lbs less than the stated maximum. When I had them at max I noticed my spokes and wheels making funny noises, for one thing.
People sometimes assume that "maximum psi"=suggested psi. Max pressure simply means Don't go over that pressure or your tire might explode! It doens't mean that's the ideal pressure to ride on.

[cosc]

Your new road bike sounds glorious. I know what you mean about whizzing down a hill and trying to keep speed and bike under control. Sometimes my start position on a descent will be on the flats so I can bodily catch more air to slow, as I gain more speed I get into drops to use brakes more effectively. Feather your braking on a descent to have more control. I'm just a pokey cyclist, still learning and am sure many great cyclist on this board can help you.

[VeloVT]

I also keep my tires at about 10-15 lbs less than the stated maximum. When I had them at max I noticed my spokes and wheels making funny noises, for one thing.
People sometimes assume that "maximum psi"=suggested psi. Max pressure simply means Don't go over that pressure or your tire might explode! It doens't mean that's the ideal pressure to ride on.

I'm no expert on this, so someone may be able to add to this. (And by the way Lisa, I'm not quoting you because I'm about to disagree with you -- I don't disagree at all -- it was just a convenient way to continue the topic since your post was the most recent on this issue ).

But tire pressure is basically a trade-off. Higher PSI = harsher, but faster ride. Lower PSI = plusher, but slower ride (lower PSI will be slower b/c more of the tire contacts the road, thus there is greater resistance).

Currently, I'm inflating to 120 psi, though my new tires are rated to 145. Not sure us ordinary mortals will feel much speed difference between 100 pounds and 110 pounds, but if you've ever tried riding a bike with seriously underinflated tires, you'll see how much slower it feels (not that you should ever try this!).

[VeloVT]

Oh, and Teawoman, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BIKE!!!!!!!

[indysteel]

But tire pressure is basically a trade-off. Higher PSI = harsher, but faster ride. Lower PSI = plusher, but slower ride (lower PSI will be slower b/c more of the tire contacts the road, thus there is greater resistance).

Admittedly, there is some debate out there as to whether running tires at higher pressures increases speed on anything but the smoothest of surfaces, e.g., a track. That said, IMO stopping shy of max pressure can actually increase speed on the average road surface. Running at really high pressures will make you bounce more, causing you to lose speed as your tire loses contact with the road. Running a little less than max can also provide better cornering, which will also increase speed.

I maintain that it pays to play around with tire pressure both front and rear to see what pressure feels good to you. The ideal pressure at which you both maximize both speed and safety, achieve a comfortable ride and avoid pinch flats will depend on your weight, the tire tire size, rode surface and weather. Finally, you can always run a wider tire, like a 700 X 25 cc, without compromising much in speed if you'd like a plusher ride.

For more on tire pressure, take a look at http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure

[HappyAnika]

Congrats on the new bike, I'm happy to hear you say how much you like it. I just wanted to add that I agree about taking your bike back to the shop to ask about the brake levers. A lot of times they can be shimmed to make it easier for you to reach from the hoods. This is a common problem for a lot of women who tend to have smaller hands.

Also, take your time with the pedals. I started with cages because I wanted to get used to the bike and the STI shifters before I had to worry about my feet. I'm very glad I did this. However I quickly got to the point where I was comfortable shifting and handling, and the cages were starting to frustrate me. That's when I knew it was time to go clipless. Clipless has a lot of advantages, but I think it's important to get the hang of everything else first so you enjoy riding. I think some people get pushed into going clipless too soon, then they end up hating to ride (when its not really riding they don't like, its the pedals). So it may take you a couple of days, or a couple of years, just do what feels right for you. (At the same time, don't be too afraid to try it, yes it's a little scary at first, but you'll quickly realize how wonderful clipless are and you'll never look back). Enjoy your new ride!

[teawoman]

Thanks so much for all the feedback! Lots to play with and figure out!
Went for another 11 miles today! Braking was much easier, but I am still pretty scared on the steep hills...I am almost slower going down than up them right now. Still very comfortable otherwise!

I can't wait for my tri now!