My new Bike, Thanks to Kathi!

[Smilie]

Here is my new bike! From Kathi's recommendations, I went to a bike store that was very helpful in picking out a new bike. She was even there to help me figure out what bike would work for me! It was great being able to meet someone from 'cyberspace' and ride the trails. Kathi has a beautiful bike! It was great riding with her, as she knows a lot about bike components. Thanks again Kathi, too bad we couldn't treat you to lunch!

I took the new bike out yesterday on a 28 mile ride up Fremont Canyon. Lots of climbs and hills. Quite the ride. Rode with a local group of friends that are hardcore cyclists. I made the ride, but it was hard! The bike was great, but the seat needs a bit of adjustment, as I was burning a bit, and not just in my glutes! I think the seat needs to slant down just a tad, then otherwise it felt great, no soreness at all.

That was my first ride on a road bike. Going fast down hills is a bit scary still. I used my brakes a bit since I don't much like going over 30mph. I think that is where my speed topped out a bit, or actually where I let it. What does everyone else like to ride at? Going on the flats we did around 20-25mph, which was a good clip for me.

I am sure going fast downhill gets easier...right? I don't think going uphill will ever get easier though.

[Kathi]

So glad you're enjoying your bike. I enjoyed meeting the both of you and assessing the quality of the shop. Sounds like you had a great ride yesterday. I'm glad that you chose the bike that you did with the better components. The carbon frame and 105 components will make your rides much more pleasureable.

At this point I suggest that you leave your saddle alone. Let your body adjust to the changes. You're used to your old bike, and even if you're a half a cm off from the old bike you will feel it. Ride it 4 or 5 more times, keep your rides short and then decide. If the saddle is still bothering you it may not be the right one. If your handlebar height is correct chances are lowering the nose could put stress on your hands and shoulders.

Finally, did you use any kind of cream for your sensitive parts. I use A&D but there are specific creams for such issues. And move around on the bike.

Remember how I told you that I made changes to my old bike and rode to many miles to fast. For about a month I hated everything I had done, (saddle hurt, shoulders, back, etc.)then one day I realized how great the changes were, nothing hurt, everything was perfect. My body finally adjusted to the changes. No one told me to take it easy for awhile!

If you do decide to move the saddle mark where it was so you can put it back in case you don't like what you did.

On the downhills were you in your drops? I find I'm a lot more comfortable in my drops because I can reach the brakes better and have more leverage on them. Practice getting into the drops on easy comfortable hills and before you know it you'll just drop down into them without thinking.

Enjoy your bike, I'm so happy you found a good one. Let me know if you need anything else.

[Flur]

Congrats on the new bike, it looks gorgeous! Sounds like you're already having fun on it!

[Smilie]

Thanks Flur! It is fun.

Kathi, I put Body Glide where I normally rub-the upper thigh area. I have never had that 'burning' feeling anywhere. Made me think of those saddles that have the cut out for women! It burned the most when I was pushing hard going up the steep inclines, so that made me think the saddle is higher than normal as I was burning on the labia, which is never where I feel discomfort. An odd feeling that is for sure.

My shoulders and neck were tight, but I know that is because this is a new form from my mountain bike, and even the tandem. So that will just take time to get used to.

I really appreciate all your help! One of the guys that rode with us on Sunday is going to Denver this week, and is going to go check out the bikes at Treads. He was very interested in the great deals they had. They were great help, I am glad you recommended them to us! I bet they are glad too, they should give you a great deal on your next purchase!

[mimitabby]

It is really scary for me to go over 30 mph unless I have visibility for a long long ways AND am on a really good road.

take your time and have fun. enjoy your new bike.

[Smilie]

I am glad I am not the only one that going over 30 is scary! On our century ride, one of the support ladies said she had to close her eyes when we were all descending. I told her I did too! Of course I was on a tandem, so it was okay!

The road we were on had a lot of patches, and was pretty bumpy, so that stressed me out a bit. So I was very careful!

[sbctwin]

Congratulations on the new bike...I hope you have lots of fun miles on her...

[bikerchic]

Sweeeeeet ride, enjoy your new bike!

[Smilie]

Thanks all! Rode around the neighborhood last night, as time was short.

I really want to get in better shape to keep up with the 'big boys'. Do you all have any specific recommendations to do this besides more riding?

[Jiffer]

Sweet bike! I have a Cannondale CAAD9. Welcome to the Cannondale club.

Downhill will get less freaky the more you do it, but a little bit of freakiness is good as it keeps you focused. I don't generally do much more than 30, maybe 35 down a hill unless I'm on the tandem. We've gone at least 45 on that. Exhilarating and scary at the same time! (But more stable on the heavier bike with two people.)

I don't like going down to my drop bars much because I, personally, feel safer and more in control up higher (opposite of Kathi). So, go with what feels right to you. I did go down to them recently on a downhill for a bit and felt more comfortable than I used to, so it might be an acquired thing.

I highly recommend a professional bike fit. I didn't get one when I got my bike and this was shortly after dh had learned how wonderful they can be. Yet, he felt he knew enough to fit me and wanted me to just try it for a while and see if I had any issues. Well, after a year, I was still having some neck and back issues and finally went and got the fit. I'm so glad I did and wish I had in the beginning. Not only did he move my seat, but I learned so much, like how I'm "actually" pedaling, as opposed to how I "should" be pedaling. I had no idea I was pulling up more with the left and pushing down more with the right and was, over all, getting more power out of my left. I'm right handed, so assumed, if anything, I would have been getting more power out of the right. He also told me that I needed to focus a lot more on pushing forward across the top of the pedal. I thought I had been doing this, but man, what a difference when I really started focusing on this. It DEFINITELY helped improve my hill climbing, something I had struggled with a lot and was really frustrated with, so if this is something you don't already do, work on that skill.

Also, I learned at my bike fit that I need to relax more on the handlebars, meaning I was putting too much weight down on them, which was causing some of my neck and back pain. Your hands should sort of float on the bars and it's your abdomen that should hold you up, not your arms. This means putting more pressure on the pelvic area, which sucks. This is something I'm still working on getting used to.

20-25 on the flats is fast! You go girl! Just remember when you ride by yourself, it is unlikely you'll go as fast as with a group, so don't get discouraged.

Congrats on the new bike! Have fun with her!

[Smilie]

Thanks Jiffer! The tandem is definitely fast! Riders love the draft from it! I really don't like going down steep hills fast on that. I just had to trust my captain to keep us safe, and that is a bit scary!

I also tried the drop position, and didn't feel very stable either. I figured I just need to ride more and get used to it. I am just like you in not feeling very comfortable yet.

The guy (Bill) that fit me, gave me the analogy of pretend you have a glass of water on the top of your foot. Pedal so you don't spill it, and you will have great form. I will have to see how the pushing across the pedal compares to the water analogy. Thanks! Hills suck. (or they make me suck...a LOT of air!)

I am used to letting my hands 'float' as sometimes my hands to get a bit tingly. Bill told me to RELAX my shoulders, and it was great as my elbows bent and gave me better form. I have problems relaxing the shoulders, another thing to get used to for me.

I shall see how fast and for how long I can go on the flats all by myself! I will be the only one pushing myself!