big girl road bike

[Karma007]

So..untill 2 days ago, my ride was a MTB, with road tires (my monster! I rode the wheels off it, and my darling bf just bought me a TREK 2.1.

Relative to the old bike, it is hot, sexy sleek and light. Good. Feeling like a kindergartener with the training wheels off? A little unnerving. It's so different from the mountain bike, that I'll admit, I'm a little shaky on it. Other than just logging time on it, any suggestions for getting used to it? I just not used to riding a road bike, and I can't decide how long I should ride solo, before joining a group. (I recently moved, and and just settling in to my new town, leaving my old band of fiends ).

[ASammy1]

First of all, you have a great BF and congratulations on your first road bike! The only thing you can really do is just get out there and ride. Get comfortable changing the gears as they are vastly different from your mtb. This is where I had the most trouble when switching from my mtb to my road bike.

As far as group rides go, I can't think of a better way to meet people in your new community also you will get to know the roads! I would stick with the C or D pace groups to start with. They usually don't drop anyone and are a bit more social than some of the other paces. This is what I've encountered anyway.

Good luck and congratulations!

Andrea

[indysteel]

I got my feet wet riding my road bike on a route that my LBS pointed out to me. They use it as a training ride. It was marked and largely out in the country. I lost count of how many times I did it when I first started riding. It helped my comfort level tremendously in that I didn't have to worry too much about traffic but still had the experience of riding on a road.

I would start doing group rides when you feel stable on the bike and can hold a steady line and have a basic understanding of traffic laws and hand and voice signals. I would avoid group rides for the time being that involve pace lines. If and when you do join a group, don't be afaid to ask lots of questions and to identify yourself as a new road rider. Check with your various local shops to see if they offer a ride for beginners.

Good luck and have fun!

[Karma007]

Thanks. I do have 'sperience riding with a group, I think I just need a few days to zen out with the new bike...become one with it, if you will. I need to adjust the tension on the pedals, and I have a fitting scheduled for Friday. Moslty it is just so much lighter and responsive than my monster. I hope soon to do it justice. It still needs a name, reserved parking, and it's own blanket. (yes, it's in the bedroom, where I can whisper sweet nothings in its spokes).

[redrhodie]

Awww, new bike love! Congratulations!

Go to a low traffic area and just ride. You'll get it soon enough. It's just like riding a bike

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Go to an empty large parking lot and ride around, practice figure 8's. Practice quick stops and starting up. Do zig zags. All to get you used to the feel BEFORE you ride in traffic and have to turn or stop quickly.

[Karma007]

Awww, new bike love! Congratulations!

Go to a low traffic area and just ride. You'll get it soon enough. It's just like riding a bike

That's funny

[Lifesgreat]

Go to an empty large parking lot and ride around, practice figure 8's. Practice quick stops and starting up. Do zig zags. All to get you used to the feel BEFORE you ride in traffic and have to turn or stop quickly.

I really agree with what BSG said. I remember being really nervous looking over the bars at those s k i n n y little tires. After spending time practicing, I was OK.

[GraysonKelly]

Hi,
Congrats on the new bike! My transition from the mountain bike (aka Cappy) and the new road bike (Quinn) was really, really interesting. In fact, I stupidly tried to take it out the day after I got it while it was raining cats and dogs just because I couldn't wait. Very, very bad idea. Honestly I made the transition by going down to the rail trail and just riding. I did a few laps around the parking lot then took off. The hardest part to get used to for me the brakes. Mountain bikes stop very quickly and I just had to move my fingers to stop. Heh, not so on the road bike. I got REAL familiar with my handle bars and top tube a few times because I forgot to reach for my brakes. Just takes practice. I'm by no means an expert and I have no idea how I'd do in a group (I haven't found one yet). But you'll be surprised how quickly it feels natural. If you're like me though, you might start itching to be able to hop over curbs and other stuff...it's a little difficut to do that on a road bike. I wouldn't recommend it.

Have fun and congrats again!
Gray

[fidlfreek]

Try MapMyRide.com

I did it when I was new to biking and people post all kinds of rides that you can search etc. Its a great way to find new rides that are exactly as long as you want. If you're really nervous you can use google.com to "drive" the route with the new 360 degree camera shots they have of basically every address.

[Karma007]

To the parking lot it will be! That's a great idea, thanks! That is exactly what I need to do. Some ziggin and zaggin, without the risk of a head on collision!

[Tabby]

Hi tofu,

I, too, am new to a road bike. My new bf (who I met mtb-ing) is a roadie at heart. He said I'd love it if I road w/him, OK, he's right, I do. I have borrowed a bike from a girlfriend, fortunately only needed minor adjustments to her seat to fit me. BF has taken me out a couple times on paved path trails, first rides at 35 degrees! How many people actually start w/cold weather riding...I must be nuts! He's made sure I'm dressed weather appropriate, he's been patient, encouraging, supportive and has even picked out the bike he thinks would be a good fit for me. Now I need the bonus $$ to buy it.

It has been a bit different getting used to it, but I find road riding to be a nice fit, though I think mtb will always be my fav! What I need to learn most is nutrition for sustaining my energy, our rides have each been 25-30 miles (not a problem) but the return ride has had hearty winds.

We are heading out at noon for a nice 40 degree, 30 mile, Thanksgiving Day ride. Happy riding to you. When I get this new, sleek, skinny wheeled wonder, I'll show her off.

Tabby

[Geonz]

and explore the fit to make any adjustments...

and if it's new people as well as a new bike, welp, I'd wnat to know *one* of 'em at least

[ASammy1]

So where is a pic of your new ride? We love pictures!

[Karma007]

Here she is! (he is?) I'm still wokring on the name...
Trek 2.1 WSD