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

[vkai]

I've ridden a Trek Navigator for the past few years. My Navigator is too big for me, but I've managed. Off and on I've tried road bikes, but I've never been able to feel steady on them. I'm not sure if it's the new position or what. The first thing that came to mind was that the bikes I was trying were too small (I feel very shaking riding the bikes), but I can't stand over anything taller. I'm 5'4" and I have short legs even for that. I've never really gotten the hang of mounting and dismounting, so I know that doesn't help. Oh, and I'm scared of my LBS.

I wonder if it's because of the tiny little tires and my 240lb body being supported by them.

I wonder if part of it is due to generally weak arms, but I broke the left one four years ago and had two surgeries two years later to repair and subsequently remove some cartilage in my wrist.

I wonder if I am just trying the wrong bikes.

I wonder if part of it is from being used to riding a bike that's too big.

I feel like I'm putting too much pressure on both my hands AND my butt. That can't be! (okay, maybe that's just my weight)

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have any advice. Is that unsteadiness likely due ot something specific? Is it just a matter of getting used to the bike/position?

[zoom-zoom]

It's been a little over a year since I got my first road bike. It felt HORRIBLY scary and unstable at first (I am about a half-inch shorter than you and also short-legged).

Now I am ready for my upgrade. By the end of Summer my bike felt TOO stable...not nearly as responsive as what I need at this point.

I also had sore hands and butt at first. What really helped with those things was riding more and doing regular core work so that my midsection would support my upper body and not just my hands bearing all the weight.

[jessmarimba]

I can't help much with bike stability tips except to say that I felt shaky and wobbly at first too. Shaky and wobbly that doesn't get better can be a size or fit issue, though. The bike could be the right size but might not be adjusted correctly for your specific needs. Did you have a bike fit after you bought it?

I'll second the core work and suggest maybe some shoulder strength as well.

I definitely understand being scared of the LBS! To me, most seem very intimidating - very guy-oriented, very Dad's-garage feel, too much stuff that I don't understand, and most of the employees don't seem to realize how to reach out and make them feel accommodating to newbies! Is there someone you could bring with you? Or a beginner group in your area who could "prep" you for the shop (like, suggest a certain person there to approach, or help you with fit questions specific to your bike)?

[zoom-zoom]

I definitely understand being scared of the LBS! To me, most seem very intimidating - very guy-oriented, very Dad's-garage feel, too much stuff that I don't understand, and most of the employees don't seem to realize how to reach out and make them feel accommodating to newbies!

This always makes me sad, but also blessed to have the LBS that we do. We ended up customers of this shop when my DH first joined up with our local JDRF ride team. The head coach owns our LBS. We actually have a shop that is closer...that is definitely a shop that makes me feel awkward and stupid and we only go there when there's something we need quick (our favorite shop is an hour away). It's big and sterile. Not at all like the relatively small shop that we call home. We won't even look at another shop for bike purchases. We walk into our favorite LBS and the guys are friendly and helpful. This is how they are with everyone who walks in the door, not just seasoned cyclists and/or friends. It's a really special place with a pretty loyal clientele.

vkai, any chance you could find a friendlier shop, even if it meant going a bit out of your way? I think the sacrifice in your time is worth it.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on finding a shop that treats you with patience and respect.

+1 on finding a bike that fits you well (with the assistance of said shop).

It will be an adjustment from your Navigator. A road bike is lighter, has a shorter wheelbase and a steeper head angle, and of course the riding position is different. Just going from a touring road bike to a roadracing bike was a big adjustment for me when I did that. It felt very twitchy at first. I got used to it after a few rides. So will you.

[JennK13]

My first bike was a Navigator, too. I was afraid of road bikes and that crazy positioning. I got a Giant Transend, a lighter, commuter bike with 700 slick tires. At first that felt weird because it was so light compared to the Trek, and more responsive. After 9 months on the Giant, I was so ready for more speed and got my Fuji. It's a cyclocross bike, though, so it has wider, knobbie tires which I'm sure made the transition easier. I now have a second wheelset, lighter with skinny road slicks on it, and I just swap them out depending on my ride. I find it a great "all-around", multipurpose bike and I have no problem keeping up with friends on "true" road bikes. One downside is the gearing - its not made for really big, long hills. I'm in Colorado, so I know mountains - I'm fine for most rides, and I've done triathlons on it, too. Just a suggestion

[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.