Quote Originally Posted by Cyclesome
Anyway, I am thinking about the handle bars of a road bike. How difficult is it for someone riding a hybrid to adjust to drops? What about the shifters? My LBS says the lower end shifters up high on the drops are difficult to manage at first. What are cheater brakes? Are they necessary? Does anyone ride a flat bar road bike? Would this be a better transition for me?

Please advice.
I have been going through the throes of getting used to a roadbike. I have had hybrid type bikes always, but hubby and all of our riding friends do roadbikes so i figured i ought to at least try. It took about 60 miles of riding (several rides) before i even got used to the different shifting mechanisms.

the jury is still out; the bike is in the shop getting a new fork so i can raise the bars to where i can comfortably use them. I might get those cheater brakes put on too. I'll let you all know, my appt is in one week.
The thing of it is, the roadbike (a Bianchi VELOCE) is really faster. I noticed that immediately. It is a startling difference; and the bike itself isn't that much lighter (heck, it's got a steel frame!)

so look before you leap! there IS an adjustment!

Mimi