Did I make a mistake?

[goldfinch]

If it's a triple: Largest ring is for going really fast on flats or downhills (generally); I still haven't quite built up enough strength for it. Smallest one is for hills, and the one in the middle can do both, depending on what gear you're using in back. Many people (me included) spend most of their time there.

She has the Ruby Apex Compact so she has a double on the front rather than a triple. Given that, it makes sense to do a lot of riding while she gets comfortable in the small ring in the front and practice shifting on the rear. The empty parking lot is a good idea.

Good point on the fact that the gearing is different on road bike. I was wondering if newtothis was trying to ride around in the big chain ring on the front (the "hard" gear).

[Owlie]

She has the Ruby Apex Compact so she has a double on the front rather than a triple. Given that, it makes sense to do a lot of riding while she gets comfortable in the small ring in the front and practice shifting on the rear. The empty parking lot is a good idea.

Good point on the fact that the gearing is different on road bike. I was wondering if newtothis was trying to ride around in the big chain ring on the front (the "hard" gear).

Thanks. I haven't had enough coffee this morning for proper reading comprehension.

OP, I can't really talk about compact doubles because I don't have one (and didn't like them on the bikes I rode that have them), but my suggestion still stands on the parking lot. The small chainring isn't comfortable for me except on hills, but you're not me. You might find it works for you.

[TsPoet]

Alright, so these ladies are smarter than I. So, this is not to be a trouble maker, this is what *I* did.
Spin the tires - do they spin freely?
Make sure there is no brake rub...
Make sure the tires are fully inflated...

All of what everyone else is saying is probably exactly right, but I'd go back to the basics and just make sure your new bike is mechanically smooth sailing and you aren't having a mechanical issue.
I've done these things, ridden 10 miles "uphill" only to find my brakes were rubbing!

[OakLeaf]

Very true. Riding buddy of mine was just dying on her brand new road bike. I was with her, we took two short cuts and rode very very slowly, and I never noticed the problem. Her ginormous handlebar bag was rubbing on the front tire... (not sure why the LBS sold her the thing or why she wanted it for a planned 30-mile ride, but whatev')

[Jo-n-NY]

Alright, so these ladies are smarter than I. So, this is not to be a trouble maker, this is what *I* did.
Spin the tires - do they spin freely?
Make sure there is no brake rub...
Make sure the tires are fully inflated...

All of what everyone else is saying is probably exactly right, but I'd go back to the basics and just make sure your new bike is mechanically smooth sailing and you aren't having a mechanical issue.
I've done these things, ridden 10 miles "uphill" only to find my brakes were rubbing!

Very true. Make sure you brakes are not rubbing. Even if you are in the larger chain ring, you should not be working harder on this bike if you are in the easier gears in the back (cogs). There was a past post from someone that said the same thing and found her brakes were rubbing.

[goldfinch]

Alright, so these ladies are smarter than I. So, this is not to be a trouble maker, this is what *I* did.
Spin the tires - do they spin freely?
Make sure there is no brake rub...
Make sure the tires are fully inflated...

All of what everyone else is saying is probably exactly right, but I'd go back to the basics and just make sure your new bike is mechanically smooth sailing and you aren't having a mechanical issue.
I've done these things, ridden 10 miles "uphill" only to find my brakes were rubbing!

Good point on the brakes! I think another new person here not long ago was struggling on their new road bike and it turned out that the brakes were rubbing.