Hi New,

I did things in reverse of you. Last year I rode a 7.5 FX and swore I would never ride a road bike. I just wanted to do some charity rides, group rides, etc.

I found that while the FX was perfectly fine for riding those long distances, I had trouble keeping up with folks on road bikes, and I became a bit uncomfortable on the bike after about 20 or so miles.

This year, I bought a new road bike and was so excited about it. When I took it on my first ride, only about 10 miles, I ....well, i HATED it. My back hurt, my arms hurt, I couldn't remember how to shift. I was a mess on the bike. I really thought I had made a mistake.

After going back to the LBS to have my fit checked, and frankly, just to whine a bit, they told me the bike fit fine, and to keep at it.

They were right. It took me a few rides to really get teh hang of shifting and the different position, but I love my road bike now. I'm a very casual rider, but feel like I can keep up on group rides, and it will let me go much farther more easily than the FX ever would.

I'd recommend asking your LBS to review shifting with you. Maybe they could put you up on the trainer and let you play around so you get the hang of it. Also, others are right, there was another thread on here not too long ago about someone who was struggling with her new bike, and it turned out to be a mechanical issue.

Give your new bike a chance and ask your LBS for help! Hope it all works out for you!