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

[Karma007]

When I first went from my MTB to my Trek road bike, I was terrified. I felt like a kindergartener trying to balance without training wheels. What helped? Many early mornings in a church parking lot, where I could ride without fear of cars or anything. Figure 8's seemed to help a great deal. After that it was an afternoon in a skills building class. I left feeling much more confident. I think it just takes time to feel like the bike is an extension of yourself. You'll be great!

[Kerry1976]

I did my first "on roads" ride on Sunday on my Fuji and wasn't necessarily terrified but certainly didn't find it fun in any way, shape or form - I felt wobbly, slow, ungainly, and certainly not in good control. I decided to go back and read this thread from start to finish and try to gain a different perspective. Thanks for these great posts.

[vkai]

It's amazing the difference a bike can make. When I originally posted this, I'd tried out several bikes and I felt so unsteady on all. I was so frustrated. Then I went to Performance Bike and test rode a Scattante and it felt great right from the start. It was a great size for me and apparently whoever set it up set it up just for me I love it. I've become comfortable enough to cross the busy street outside my apartment complex on it, and even ride on some quieter roads. It's great!

[Kerry1976]

It's amazing the difference a bike can make. When I originally posted this, I'd tried out several bikes and I felt so unsteady on all. I was so frustrated. Then I went to Performance Bike and test rode a Scattante and it felt great right from the start. It was a great size for me and apparently whoever set it up set it up just for me I love it. I've become comfortable enough to cross the busy street outside my apartment complex on it, and even ride on some quieter roads. It's great!

My first ride required that I cross the busy street (aka highway) twice - going out and coming back. I even rode a few blocks on the highway (glad it was 4 lane) to get home.

A victory was that I was able to clip in and out successfully and start/stop the bike without issue. One of my "challenges" was to learn to ride a bike whereon my butt was on the saddle without my feet touching the ground at the same time.