Shifting challenged...bar-ends that is

[Catrin]

I had a general thought...

You're trying to learn and integrate an AWFUL LOT of physical skills all at once, and while they will come, it will take time.... But I don't think any of us - including, it seems to me, your trainer - really, fully appreciates the effort it must be for you to put it all together, all at once.

As frustrating as it must be for you, I think the best and safest thing is more time and miles in the park. You'll get there.

This is a very good point, and I thought about it last night after I shut the computer down. On my Trek I am already riding country roads (and shifting, etc isn't a problem), but the touring bike does present different things to learn physically. Between the two bikes I only have 200 miles under my belt! Thankfully I will have much more time now to ride more consistently during the week instead of once every week and a half - that has got to help.

I still think that I will have the shifters moved to the top of my bars, but will hold off on changing everything else

Good point there about my trainer. As good as he is, and he is also a very avid mountain biker - but he has been riding since age 5 so that makes sense.

You might need shallower drops. I'd suggest you practice riding in the drops because once there, the bar end shifters are extremely convenient. And the drops are the place to be for stability on long downhills and provide a more powerful braking position. Start by riding on the hoods and lower your back/shoulders. ... You also need the correct saddle setback so you are balanced over the pedals without undo weight on your arms.

I am not even attempting the drops right now, even on the trainer it is way too uncomfortable to get down that low and there are saddle issues in that position as well. I am just waiting to get the bare minimum of miles on this bike to get a full fitting done - the LBS I am going to requires a min. 150 miles before this - but then the fit is guaranteed for the life of the bike.

....Can you get to somewhere quiet to practice, like an outdoor (flattish) velodrome, empty supermarket car park or similar? Then you can just cruise along quietly without worrying about traffic, moving your hand back and forth. Riding one-handed is one of many skills you'll conquer as you reach for your bidon, unpeel bananas and onwards to your victory salute. When I first got cleats I went down the velo and just clipped/unclipped for a while. It can take more than 60 miles to get comfy. Good luck.

This is a good idea - we do have a local velodrome and will check about gaining access to it. Parking lots in my area tend to be busy - and the empty ones are in less than good shape. My park has a lot of food/bike traffic, and to get serious about both shifting and starting practice it would probably be best to not have any other distractions.

Thankfully I can still road ride with my Trek Ok, country roads, but still roads! After that the park just seems so.....confining

Thanks to all for your great advice and ideas!