Riding a road bike feels like trying to balance on a ball

[JennK13]

My first bike was a Navigator, too. I was afraid of road bikes and that crazy positioning. I got a Giant Transend, a lighter, commuter bike with 700 slick tires. At first that felt weird because it was so light compared to the Trek, and more responsive. After 9 months on the Giant, I was so ready for more speed and got my Fuji. It's a cyclocross bike, though, so it has wider, knobbie tires which I'm sure made the transition easier. I now have a second wheelset, lighter with skinny road slicks on it, and I just swap them out depending on my ride. I find it a great "all-around", multipurpose bike and I have no problem keeping up with friends on "true" road bikes. One downside is the gearing - its not made for really big, long hills. I'm in Colorado, so I know mountains - I'm fine for most rides, and I've done triathlons on it, too. Just a suggestion

[pinsonp2]

I started riding a road bike at about the same weight as you are now. I am 5'5" on a good day. I never thought I would ride a road bike because of the bent over position. I was shocked when I went to my LBS (a great one by the way) and told them I wanted a bike that would go faster than my Trek 7.5 FX (first upgrade after the Navigator 2.0). The salesperson said, I think you're ready for a road bike. I was skeptical. After going through about a two hour fitting process, I walked out with my first road bike....54 cm Specialized Dolce Sport. I am now obsessed with them. As everyone always says, a good LBS and a good fit makes all the difference in the world. I have to admit that I did ride the road bike on the trainer for a couple of months before I got the courage to ride outside. That got me kinda of used to shifting and getting on and off. Hopefully, you will have as good of luck as I have with road bikes.

Good Luck,
P2

[vkai]

Thanks everyone. I guess I'm going to have to drive a good ways to find another bike shop. I'm in the middle of nowhere Texas and the LBS is the ONLY LBS around. And the one 30 minutes away is the same company!

The first road bike I tried was a Giant OCR CW, carbon. I thought maybe the lightness of it was part of why I couldn't feel steady, being so used to my heavy Navigator. Most recently I've tried the Surly Long Haul Trucker. I thought maybe by beeing a bit heavier, I might feel more stable. I really want to like that bike. I have no plans of racing, just being comfortable for long rides.

I just recently moved (there was a great LBS where I came from, but they'd only opened a month before I left). And all my stuff is in another state, but I think once I get my indoor trainer (I bought it so I could ride while my arm was broken , I might try again on the LHT. I think that then I might be able to tell more if it's the fit or my own unsteadiness. . . you know, if the bike is being held up on its own.

I'm not sure why I chose cycling. I have terrible balance and hand-eye coordination!

[klesko]

I do not have good balance or hand-eye coordination either. I started with a hybrid, and eventually put road tires on it. I love my LBS - they are VERY supportive and encouraging. My husband is supportive as well, although he is very athletic and does not understand some of my issues, and was very confused when I kept falling after I got clips. I felt very unsure of myself for over two months. I was about 180 pounds when I started riding. My butt hurt, my hands and wrists hurt, everything hurt. I just kept going three times a week, and as my core got stronger everything got better. I have lost 35 pounds and ordered a road bike - the LBS guys say I am ready and deserve it. I would just keep going into the shop and asking questions. When they see you are persevering I am sure they will be more supportive. Try to find a no drop group ride - luckily my LBS has one twice a week and the group is very helpful. Hang in there - it will get better!

[warneral]

I had a trek 800 mtb for years and then got a Navigator a year and a half ago. This summer I bought a used road bike and liked it OK. Then got a great road bike and now I love it. It feels like an extension to my own body. I often marvel at how I now feel so comfortable on it because earlier in the summer when I started road biking (with clipless pedals) I was very nervous. I was even having anxiety!

All I can say is ride small rides to build up the confidence and then ride as long and as much as you can. Perhaps the flat bar fitness bike would be a good choice.

About 2 weeks ago I sold off my Navigator! I definitely sold it at a loss but I really didn't like how upright I had been sitting after becoming accustomed to a more horizontal position.

Best wishes!

[Owlie]

After not riding a bike for 11 or so years, I regained my balance on a cheap, heavy mountain bike. Then I bought the road bike. My first ride was terrifying. I had a hard time balancing, I felt shaky and the bike was twitchy. I promise, it gets easier.

[emily_in_nc]

After not riding a bike for 11 or so years, I regained my balance on a cheap, heavy mountain bike. Then I bought the road bike. My first ride was terrifying. I had a hard time balancing, I felt shaky and the bike was twitchy. I promise, it gets easier.

It truly does. After I fractured my pelvis in 2005, I couldn't ride for quite awhile. When I started back, it was first on a mountain bike, riding very slow and easy. The first ride on my road bike was terrifying. I couldn't believe I had ever ridden that tiny little twitchy thing! After about 2 rides, I quickly got used to it again. It may take you a little longer since you don't have the history of riding road bikes that I did, but believe you me, you will get used to it, adapt, and most likely love it in time!