Know what I am finding...going from a "comfort" road bike to a performance road bike sorta makes me feel like I've never before been on a road bike. Having spent nearly 4 months locked onto an indoor trainer is likely a factor, too. I haven't had to balance and I have a lot of sore muscles, especially in my neck and shoulders. These haven't gotten much of a bike workout in months.

I let my core go for about 3 months, too. I remember realizing last Summer that a strong midsection made a WORLD of difference in my strength and balance on the bike.

And my first few rides outdoors in the past 10 days have been a bit of a hit to the ego. The fitness I had last Fall is GONE. Running and 1/2 - 1/3 the bike miles I was logging before Winter is no substitute.

But something else I am finding...with every additional ride outdoors my bike feels more stable. I'll bet very few people just hop on a road bike and don't feel unstable and a little scared. Any road bike will take a bit of work to maneuver until one becomes accustomed to the handling, but the payoff is worth it.