Need Encouragement - Adjusting to new Road Bike (Long & Whiny)

[rij73]

You're doing great. I was terrified when I got my road bike and clipless pedals. I had some days that I just chickened out and stayed home! Took me a couple of weeks and a couple of falls to feel more confident. Now I feel fantastic, and I wonder what all the fuss was about. You'll get there. It will be very liberating when you do!

[cyclinnewbie]

the road bike feels entirely different than my hybrid, which it should. I'm trying to learn how to shift, brake, ride in the hoods, etc. and it seems overwhelming.

OMG Cindy...this is me in a nutshell!! I too bought my first road bike about a month or 6 weeks ago after having ridden a mountain bike for years. This whole road bike thing is a new world. I feel like I'm totally inept. Who'd have thought riding a freakin bike would be so INVOLVED?? And, to make matters worse....I don't even have the clipless pedals to deal with, AND I've STILL fallen off! I have spent days and days riding the same 10 miles up and down my road trying to shift, find my balance, etc, because I've been too scared to ride in traffic. There's a lot of bikers on my road so luckily, the folks who drive this road are bike-friendly.

The only thing I can say is just keep riding....I finally took my bike on a good long ride (for me....30'ish miles), and after the first 10 I felt like I got my rhythm (sp?). I think that maybe plain perserverence is what's called for, sometimes....


Hang in there....I think you'll find your "zone".

[sundial]

Cindy, Shimano has a pedal that is platform on one side, SPD on the other. You can clip in on one side and use the platform for the other foot until clipping in and out comes second nature.

I also found that practicing on grass will help me get over the fear of falling, which may be hindering your confidence about clipping in and out.

[farrellcollie]

I agree with trying pedals that have the clip on one side and are just plain on the other (I think I got mine from nashbar - they were called campus pedals) - I like it because somedays I just want to hop on bike and ride without worrying about shoes etc. Also I find it more convenient to commute without clipping in due to all the stoplights and stuff. It is possible that right now just getting used to the bike itself without worrying about clipping in may make you feel more comfortable.

[conurejade]

Sounds like you're on the right track. I too came from a hybrid to a road bike recently - I was surprised how quickly I got used to the road bike. I went to a nearby park to practice handling skills - in the huge empty parking lots and quiet roads there, I drilled on clipping in and out, gear changes, even getting the water bottle in and out of the holder. It really helped me to be able to concentrate on bike handling and not have to worry so much about traffic.

Keep up the good work!

[Zen]

I like to ride in the cemetery. Really, not kidding.
We have a beautiful cemetery here- http://www.mountolivetcemeteryinc.com/

[rij73]

Cool... We have a beautiful, hilly cemetery here too, but it's closed to bikes. I checked on that when I first started riding, because it would be an ideal place to ride. I guess it makes sense, though, out of respect.

[sundial]

I like to ride in the cemetery. Really, not kidding.

A cyclist camped overnight in the town's cemetery. He said it's the safest place to be.

[Susan126]

A cyclist camped overnight in the town's cemetery. He said it's the safest place to be.

It may be safe sundial but I wouldn't get a wink of sleep. I am one big scaredy cat! My imagination is my worst enemey when it comes to scary movies, houses, cemeteries, Joe and our kids just love to scare me.



Sue

[Zen]

I guess it makes sense, though, out of respect.

Cemeteries are for the living. There's nothing disrepectful about riding your bike at a leisurely pace and appreciating the park.

Cemetery crits are another thing.

Another cemetary I like, just thought I'd toss it in here.

[crazycanuck]

I have to say i enjoy old old old cemetaries..during the day..

[kelownagirl]

A cyclist camped overnight in the town's cemetery. He said it's the safest place to be.

I dunno about that. Some teens think it's a great place to vandalise at night.

[Savra]

I like to ride in the cemetery. Really, not kidding.
We have a beautiful cemetery here- http://www.mountolivetcemeteryinc.com/

I love toodling around the cemetery. When I want to cool down I start reading the head stones to find the oldest dates and end up feeling like a part of history. When my mother finally picks up her bike she intends to ride her bike around the cemetery to get used to it (she hasn't really ridden since she was a kid. I have pulled her into the obsession. )

[CindyVA]

I just rode 10 miles without a "pedal related incident". I feel so much better.

I almost didn't ride today because I was "afraid of my new bike" and I remembered someone posting that same sentiment. I decided to "get over it" and I'm so glad I did.

I did, however, clip out one foot WAY before stop signs and intersections.

Thanks again for all of your advice and encouragement. It has helped me a lot.

Cindy

[F8th637]

I did, however, clip out one foot WAY before stop signs and intersections.

I still do that. No shame.