Newbie on a bike...period. LOL.

[rishsticks]

Hello! I cannot believe I found a site dedicated to women! I'm so excited. I've always been interested in road biking because I live in Virginia and every weekend morning I see people out on group rides, I can't help but wish I could do that one day. The only problem was that I could never find a bike that would fit someone my height, I'm fairly short - 5'0". Today I walked into Performance Bikes and my husband spotted a 44cm 2009 Fuji Finest 2.0 for $499.00. I just HAD to buy it...HAD TO. Lol.

The problem for me is that I am really wobbly on a bike, as a child I never really rode much...so I never got the chance to get comfortable. Getting on a road bike for the first time has been a whole new (little bit scary) experience! I need to learn how to balance. It's nerve-racking, I just need more experience. I feel silly being a 24 who can't ride a bike well.

Anyways, I look forward to reading more here and learning. My husband is more of a mtn bike guy so he's lost when it comes to these bikes. I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for reading!

[emily_in_nc]

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling!

WARNING: It is astonishingly addictive.

[rishsticks]

Thanks! I hope I get addicted. Emily, I see your "Boston Terriers Rule". I own an Olde Boston Bulldogge. Cousins, I believe :-)

[Biciclista]

try riding around in an empty school playground. Lower the seat as far as it can go until you get used to riding. Good luck and have fun.

[Velocivixen]

Yes, definitely practice somewhere where you can concentrate on what you're doing. As you get comfortable, try more challenging places that are still safe. Practice turning, stopping, going down gentle slopes. Practice shifting gears. You'll have so much fun. Remember to be gentle with yourself and remember we all weren't just born knowing how to ride - it takes practice.

[azfiddle]

Welcome to TE. I rode that exact bike for 6000 miles!

You might ask around and see if you can find someone who is willing to mentor you on a few rides.

Have fun.

[Melalvai]

try riding around in an empty school playground. Lower the seat as far as it can go until you get used to riding. Good luck and have fun.

Don't forget that once you are comfortable with riding, you need to raise the seat before you go on longer rides, or your knees will hurt.

[rishsticks]

Wow, thank you all for your advice and support! I feel a lot more confident now! What about pedals? How long did it take until you felt more comfortable to use those clipless pedals? I've tried using clipless pedals before on a MTB and was sort of getting the hang of it...sort of.