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

[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!

[Librarygirl]

Yeah, I totally second (or 3rd, 4th, 5th?) the thing about road bikes being scary to ride at first.

It's quite surprising how different they really feel. I found it almost as scary as riding clipless for the first time! I guess there must be a different centre of gravity with the drop bars, not to mention the thinner tyres, shorter wheelbase, different geometry, different brake/gear levers etc.

My first few rides were so wobbly, I almost felt like a beginner again! But a few months later, I've ridden a century on the road bike, cycled in wet and dry, just starting to feel comfortable riding in the drops, loving cornering at speed (NEVER thought I'd say that!) and getting used to the downhills. Oh and the best thing - it makes hills almost fun after riding a heavy hybrid that would leave me gasping for breath after a small hill, and struggling to keep going on the flats in a headwind

AND I don't think I'm particularly coordinated when it comes to most things.

Stick with it, and I'm sure you will come to enjoy the road bike soon also!

[klesko]

I'm so glad to hear that. I have been riding a heavy hybrid and am about to switch to a road bike. I think I am a little better prepared now, and hope the hills are easier!