Today's the Big Day!!

[mom2twins]

Kathryn Congratulations on your new bike! it's always so exciting when you bring a new one home. It also sounds like your bike shop is awesome. I hope you had a nice ride today

[cusepack]

Had a wonderful ride this afternoon - miles and miles without my even realizing how far I had gone. I was telling a friend today . . .when I was on my bike, and I know this might sound strange, but I felt empowered . . . I felt strong, proud . . . just an amazing feeling and inasmuch as I wanted to continue to ride, the storm clouds came rolling in and I didn't want to get my baby wet!! And everything felt new . . new not in the sense of "brand new purchase", but new in the sense of the sounds, the feeling of the wind . . . it's was a really incredible feeling. I can't wait to go riding again tomorrow, but . . .I'm having a couple problems . . . the part of my hand, the cushioned area below my thumb is bothering me a bit. I've tried adjusting my hands in different positions and the fella at the LBS said it would take a bit of time for me to adjust, but I'm wondering of other's suffered from this too at the beginning. Also, I'm using clipless shoes with the pedals that came with the 2100 (they're Shimano 520's, I believe) and I'm having some pain on my bottome foot on the outside arch - is this normal, and something else I need to adjust to? Maybe I'm just use to my cruiser handlebars and big 'ole pedals?!?!?!

Kathryn

[Nanci]

Hi Kathryn,

My hands hurt, too, and it felt like I could never find a comfortable place except when they were in mountain bike position. But then, even the next ride it was better, and now it feels very natural.

I don't know about your feet. Could be the small pedals, and the cleats on your shoes could be in the wrong place, though if LBS set them up, I would doubt that. I've read that long distance bikers move the cleats back a bit from the ball of the foot to prevent foot tiredness. Or you could just have to get used to them. Mine hurt after a while on long rides. It helps a _lot_ to get off and walk around, or just be off the pedals for five minutes, every hour of riding.

Nanci

[bcipam]

I'm assuming during your fitting the LBS guy also positioned your pedals etc. Typically the pain you are experiencing is related to an improperly placed cleat. It should be right at the ball of your foot. You may have to move it back and forth. And the right shoes really make a difference. I love Sidi's. I tried a pair of Specialized Shoes. Paid alot of money for them, but had to go back to the Sidi's. My feet have thanked me profusely for the change. If you foot problem presist you may have to consdier a different pedal something with more of a platform like the Dura Ace or Look pedals.

As to a helmet, the most expensive and the cheapest do the same thing, protect your noggin'. The Atmos costs more cause it's lighter and has more ventilation but your other helmet will do as well. Just remember, one crash, helmet needs to be replaced. All helmets, no matetr the price are good for one crash only.

Have fun riding. It's alway fun to get a new machine!

[DirtDiva]

Are you getting the right amount of arch-support from your shoes? If shifting the cleats doesn't work, you might want to try replacing the insoles before you shell out a whole lot of cash for new shoes and/or pedals.

[cusepack]

I posted a little update in the "Tricks' forum, but I wanted to let you know my hands and feet are doing much better today. I sat back a bit more on the seat which helped my feet (although still not completely pain free) and by relaxing my shoulders more, my hands relaxed as well and the pain dissipated soon thereafter. If, after a few more days of riding I don't feel pain free in my feet, I'll take my shoes and bike in to the LBS to have my cleats adjusted and perhaps get some different pedals. My cleats are placed at the ball of my foot, but maybe a fraction of an adjustment will make the difference I need. The shoes feel great on my feet and the fella said they were very good, so maybe before purchasing a new pair, I'll do as tlkiwi suggested and purchase some insoles. Whatever I need to do, I'll do as I want the most comfortable ride possible.