slightly neurotic newbie on a hybrid

[boy in a kilt]

I'll give this a second. I borrowed a bike that had them. They are some of the most comfortable ones I've ever used.

[beccaB]

I have a trek 7.3fx. Do I have to take off the rubber handle grips to install those?

[Zen]

I have the same bike and got those grips at the LBS. They put them on for me.
I got the ones with built in bar ends so I have the option of different hand positions.

Support your local bike shop.

[BarbaraAlys]

When I first started riding I was terrified going 7mph and if someone was approaching me I would shout out "New rider, absolutely no controle! Pass at your own risk!"

And my hands ached. I first got gloves which helped a lot. Then I put gel pads under the bar tape to make it bigger (I found that winding my hand tightly (too tightly) around the smaller size made my hands hurt a lot, but with a larger diameter it was relieved). Just recently I've been able to relax my hands enough to not have this be an issue.

I think that you will get over it with experience, but in the mean time taking steps to relieve the pain is important. As you learn to relax your hands you will find yourself going in a straighter line.

Have you thought about finding a bike club? Clubs that have various levels of riders can be a great way to learn and get over some of the 'newbie' issues.

Barbara

[Zen]

When I first started riding I was terrified going 7mph and if someone was approaching me I would shout out "New rider, absolutely no control! Pass at your own risk!"

I said "No brakes!" and "I only know how to turn left"

[Cloudymoor]

What an abudance of helpful replies. I'm very grateful and am definitely going to invest in those grips. I opted to NOT buy a bike with front suspension as I thought it would weigh me down too much. For the most part the trailway is flat but when you're out of shape a 2% incline seems insurmountable---especially with only 7 speeds.

[pardes]

I said "No brakes!" and "I only know how to turn left"

Oh Zen, that is sooooo funny!

[jenbug]

Hi! I'm a fairly new, clumsy rider on a hybrid too!

I have Repetitive Strain Injury in my hands and forearms so was fairly worried about pain in my hands and wrists. However, I bought some gloves with gel pads in them to reduce road vibration (these ones http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24347) which have really helped. I've found riding on roads rather than trails much more comfortable on my hands too.

I heard about a friend of a friend who stuck a learner's 'L' plate on her back for a while to warn cars and bikes to give her a wider berth. I think it worked quite well and amused other cyclists!

Stick with it - who cares if we're a bit rubbish? At least we're out there giving it a go!

[DebTX]

So glad to hear their are other newbies out there gripping for dear life!
I learned to ride last year on a hybrid (definitely easier for a terrified new rider) and I remember braking constantly and holding so tight, I went through 2 pair of padded gloves.

This year I bought a road bike, and I'm going through it all over again as I transition. I'm gripping too hard, braking all the time and feeling, once again, like I could easily end up in the ditch when cars or other riders pass by.

I'm confident that one day I'll feel as comfortable on this bike, as I grew to be on my hybrid. I just need to keep getting back in the saddle (20 miles every Saturday and Sunday!)