Buying my first road bike

[theladybikes]

Hi to all. Just found this forum and am happy to read all the other wonderful supportive commentary. I've been biking my whole life but until recently, no more than 10-15 miles at a time - rather leisurely. In the last 2 months did 3 different local rides over 40 miles each (Saturday rides) and realize I really love the "road." I have a Cannondale hybrid but am in the process of buying a road bike and think I've set on the Specialized Sequoia Elite... very comfortable for me (I'm 5'10 and the XL frame feels great)... any thoughts or suggestions on what to do/not do in this process. I am looking forward to joining my local bike club for cammraderie...

[trigurl]

I rode in my first group ride last night, one man I was talking to has that same bike and really likes it! He said he tried several ones and bought that one.

I have the Allez and really like mine, one day when I win the lottery I may get a better one but for now mines fine.

[KSH]

Well... congrats! I know I bought my road bike last October... on a *whim* of sorts, because I had it in my head that I wanted to compete in triathlon's!

And... I LOVE MY BIKE! I seriously stare at it... and just *dream* of the day when I can ride again... without knee pain!

Which leads me to this... make sure your bike is fitted right... and that you don't over train. Also, if you are going with clipless... don't even mess around with the cleats and all that... go straight for the SpeedPlay pedals. So much better than being clipped in one permanent spot!

So, best of luck... it's so cool riding a bike that makes you feel like the wind!

[CorsairMac]

I don't have any knee issues and was told the Speedplays could Create knee problems because of the float. I've also heard from ppl that developed knee issues as a result of Speedplays. Clipless pedals are like seats, what is perfect for one person may not be right for another.

As for the road bike: I'm no help here, I ride a vintage Puegeot and LOVE it. There's a good chance I"m getting another road bike but it's a vintage Trek. (can you tell I like vintage??) Good luck on whatever you choose and go with KSH on making sure it's fitted properly. If it hurts to ride it, you won't!

and welcome to the board!......isn't that a great place to come "surf" to. If you get a chance (or maybe you already did?) there's a thread under the Open titled
"Getting to Know You", gives you a chance to meet us and -if you're so inclined-tell us about you!

[bikerchick68]

Hiya and welcome!

The one and only suggestion I have is to buy a bike like you would a car... test drive everything!!! I rode numerous bikes... for about 2 months and when I jumped on the bike I finally bought it only took two laps around a parking lot and I KNEW this was the bike... so ride everything that you can and when one just feels right... that's the bike! Keep us posted... can't wait to hear when you have your baby home!!!

[Rhonda]

It is so exciting buying your first road bike! I too rode a hybrid (Giant) up until last year when I got an entry level road bike, a Fuji Sagres. When I step up I'd like to take a look at the Specialized Sirrus, or the Fuji Royale, both of these are flat bar bikes, I just can't take the bending over.

Have fun shopping, let us know what you get.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I don't have any knee issues and was told the Speedplays could Create knee problems because of the float.

I've never heard that, and I kind of have a hard time believing it. The reason is that the pedals with float let your foot live where your body wants it to be. Of course it could be with some people that what their body says is right isn't really right. Oh well - I've been using Speedplay Frog pedals (and yes, I absolutely am using mountain bike pedals & shoes for my road bikes!) for years. I love them and my knees love them.

But what's really true is that we are all different, and each of us has to do what is right for our own body.

On the new bike front, I second the advice to test ride as many bikes as you can. And find a bike shop where they treat you with respect and where they listen to what you plan to do with the bike. Also - spending the money for a fit kit is well worth it to make sure that the bike fits properly and that it is set up properly for you.

--- Denise

[bikerchick68]

I actually was told that I had to get rid of my Speedplays and go to a no float pedal... this was after having severe knee pain (lateral collateral ligament) and getting a fit by John Howard (if you don't know who he is google him and be amazed!)... anyway, amongst other things he specifically told me I had to go to a no float pedal because it was allowing me to turn my knee outward, which can happen especially during climbing when you're tired!!! This was not the only issue, but a definite contributing factor... I now ride Zero's as they can be set for no float...

[emily_in_nc]

When I had ITB Syndrome a couple of years ago, I remember reading that in some cases unlimited float pedals like Speedplay could contribute to that for some folks. In other folks, the lack of float is a problem for knees. I've switched to Zeros recently and found (well, at least before my accident, I found) that I gained some speed and control thanks to the much smaller amount of float I could set, especially out of the saddle climbing. All that Speedplay X-Series float allowed my feet to wiggle around way too much, especially when tired or climbing, and I guess I lost some power that way. Also hit my heels on the crankarms from time to time. But we're all very different - some people's knees just gotta have the large amount of float. Mine don't. I think the main point is to remember that more float isn't either good or bad; it all depends on the rider.

Emily

[KSH]

Sounds like there is a good debate going on about having float or not on your pedals.

I know for me... having my cleats positioned incorrectly from the start... contributed to my knee issues. I just switched to the SpeedPlays... because I didn't want my knees in the hands of some bike shop guy anymore.

Sure, they are *trained*... but I wonder how many are really knowledgeable... and someone who THINKS they are right... when they aren't... will cause you PAIN in the end!

Which was my situation.

So, I will see how the SpeedPlays work out. I know that I managed to ride 65 miles this past weekend.... and I didn't get acute knee pain at mile 20 like I had been. Then again, I also kept it at 10 MPH and just kept spinning the whole time.

If they don't work for me... I still have my old equipment around.

I will say that I miss being able to walk in my biking shoes, and having COMFORTABLE shoes. I HATE the new shoes I had to get for the SpeedPlay cleats to fit on the bottom. The arch supports hurt... and the front of the shoe dug into my bone and hurt me.

[AutumnBreez]

Welcome to TE forum, glad you could make it
Cycling, I used to ride my heart out as a kid, and began riding again this year when my husband bought me my first road bike end of February 2005.
5'8" med/large build-I am now 153lbs.(173lbs in 2004) and losing more as I go...burn baby burn
I have a Bianchi SL-3 and love it!
Tri-gel Butterfly saddle by Terry
Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals and Shimano SH-R215 shoes
and the float is there but only set at 3 degrees presently.
I really like my pedals and don't have knee problems with this set up, I am prone to knee pain, but so far so good.
Riding road bike per ride 33/33/34 (=100miles weekly) or 33/33/17/17 (=100miles weekly)

Again as said before by someone else, it is an individual issue as fitting into that perfect saddle. Everyone is different and difficult to base others preferences to what you may find perfect and comfy.
Though it is nice to find out the ratio of those who like a product and references no doubt, but comfort is so variable.

See you here at the forums later..... -AutumnBreez