Been on first ride on new bike

[Lien Sdrawde]

Got my new road bike - been out for 1st ride in a while (30 years) - did 8 miles exactly on fairly level ground in blustery conditions indeed.

A*se tender - legs begining to stiffen - loved it! - top speed 28 mph (downwind)

Questions that arose are:

Gears (24) - some seem a bit out of whack (rattly), and do folks change very frequently between the top 2 cogs? and if so, is there a 'sweet zone'? I say this because some times my switches felt crap and made a lot of noise and didnt engage well.

Riding position - i've set the bike up as per most recommendations. When heading into the wind I tucked up (as best as my fat belly will allow) for streamlining, but found myself nowhere near the brakes - is this normal? - and there didnt seem much 'bar' on the underneath side of the handlebars.

Braking - is rear or front or both the most frequently prefered?

Thanks. Other questions may follow - appreciated all help so far.

 

[HLaB]

Sounds like you are enjoying you're new bike.

Don't worry you rse will toughen up (padded shorts help too)

Your cables may have stretched thats common in new bikes the first (6week approx) service will sort that out.

When you are droppind down low for streamlining, are you also dropping dow into the drop bars then you should be able to comfortably reach the brakes. Most folk ride for the majority on the hoods though and you should be able to comfortably reach the brakes there too.

The rear brake is used for control but the front brake is more effective for stopping so its best to learn to use both. Practice is the best way I tend to use the back brake to regulate speed but when I actually need to stop its followed up by use of the front.

Hope that helps