first ride

[newb]

hello again people. For those that are not aware I got a new bike last week, my first road bike. Since I bought it the weather has been really crap, because of my shiny new gatorskins I didnt dare go for a ride in fear of falling off. I have probably done about 3hrs on the turbo but have not been on the tarmac.

Well today was the day I have been waiting for, no ice, snow or rain so off I went. WOW!
How fast are road bikes please??? Hills? what hills? I love it!!!
The bike has a couple of niggles like the front derailer will not change gear so I have to go back but I have to say I am well and truly hooked.

Here is a pic of my trusty steed anyway, its a cannondale synapse 105 carbon

 

[PaulSecteur]

Since I bought it the weather has been really crap

LOL, Tell me about it! Seems to be the pattern, buy new bike - noah starts building a boat.

Never mind, soon be summer and and the weather will be good enough for some all day rides.

 

[newb]

I cant wait for the summer mate, getting really excited about it. Im going to try and make the most out of winter by getting dirty on the MTB and also beasting myself on the turbo.

Fingers crossed ill be slightly slimmer for the summer and able to wear lycra without fear of laughter lol

 

[fossyant]

Road bikes are great. Back on the Fixed Road bike today, and it's harsh as hell, but lightning quick. Three weeks plugging away on snow and ice on the MTB, whilst fun, is slow and steady..... makes a change though - mix it up !!

 

[newb]

I just cant believe how much quicker it is! Its amazing how easy it is to get up some smaller hills too! I struggle on a MTB on the hills near me but I think because of the weight of my roadbike I can fly up it.

You have no idea how happy I am, I was hoping that I would really get into cycling but now I know I already have, Im well and trully hooked

 

[Paul.G.]

Nice one!

 

[fossyant]

I just cant believe how much quicker it is! Its amazing how easy it is to get up some smaller hills too! I struggle on a MTB on the hills near me but I think because of the weight of my roadbike I can fly up it.

You have no idea how happy I am, I was hoping that I would really get into cycling but now I know I already have, Im well and trully hooked

You'll like them.

I had a 'racer' as a kid, then when I got a job at 16, I bought a good bike which was 531c and Shimano 600/Ultegra....OMG...it was so light and 'twitchy'........... scary to ride at first.......

So going from a MTB to road bike....yeh, you'll be amazed.

TBH I like riding my MTB off road...that's what it does, and I'm amazed what it does -it's old skool no suspension, but it suits me as don't need to go fast down hill........I need to be riding tomorrow...... not bashing my knee.

Glad you love it..

Even road bikes can differ and weight loading...... I'm finding it hard riding my road bikes having been riding a pannier equipped fixed road bike every day for work - but at weekends, I'm struggling to hold onto the road bikes.......takes an hour or so riding to re-adjust......

 

[newb]

You'll like them.

I had a 'racer' as a kid, then when I got a job at 16, I bought a good bike which was 531c and Shimano 600/Ultegra....OMG...it was so light and 'twitchy'........... scary to ride at first.......

So going from a MTB to road bike....yeh, you'll be amazed.

TBH I like riding my MTB off road...that's what it does, and I'm amazed what it does -it's old skool no suspension, but it suits me as don't need to go fast down hill........I need to be riding tomorrow...... not bashing my knee.

Glad you love it..

Even road bikes can differ and weight loading...... I'm finding it hard riding my road bikes having been riding a pannier equipped fixed road bike every day for work - but at weekends, I'm struggling to hold onto the road bikes.......takes an hour or so riding to re-adjust......

I noticed the "twitchy" thing yesterday, I was trying to move my hands onto the drops and the front was wobbling everywhere. It needs such little input to make it move. It was quite scary actually when being overtaken. Im not worried about this as I am sure I will get used to it.
As I write I am packing the bike into the car to go to the LBS to hopefully get the front derailler adjusted so I can change gear at the front if you know what I mean.

 

[Peter10]

The bike has a couple of niggles like the front derailer will not change gear so I have to go back but I have to say I am well and truly hooked.

Sounds like the cable has stretched (normal on new bikes). You just need to adjust it and tighten it a bit.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Glad you like the new bike Newb. You picked a good 'un.

 

[newb]

lbs fixed the derailer for me no probs today, really quick. Tonight I did a 4 mile commute to work (each way). I just cant get enough of it!!
Thanks Gerry, im made up mate

 

[JohnnyBoy]

Yeah nice bike, I've got a Synapse too love it handles great and smooth as silk certainly their rep for great frame design and technology is well deserved. Had to change saddle though as that was murder even on short rides..!

 

[JohnnyBoy]

Oh forgot to mention, if the weather remains crap and you're on the Turbo for days on end you should get a purpose made Turbo tyre for the rear wheel as the road ones wear flat very quick..!!

 

[newb]

Oh forgot to mention, if the weather remains crap and you're on the Turbo for days on end you should get a purpose made Turbo tyre for the rear wheel as the road ones wear flat very quick..!!

Thanks for the advice mate, I fully agree with you regarding the saddle, it is torture but it looks so good I think I'll try and toughen up my ass! The turbo I got is an elite that has a rubber round the wheel that meets the tyre. Designed to reduce tyre wear..... I'll see how it works.
Eventually I would like some spare wheels so if I get some I'll definitely be getting a training tyre.

 

[Caleb Spilchen]

hello again people. For those that are not aware I got a new bike last week, my first road bike. Since I bought it the weather has been really crap, because of my shiny new gatorskins I didnt dare go for a ride in fear of falling off. I have probably done about 3hrs on the turbo but have not been on the tarmac.

Well today was the day I have been waiting for, no ice, snow or rain so off I went. WOW!
How fast are road bikes please??? Hills? what hills? I love it!!!
The bike has a couple of niggles like the front derailer will not change gear so I have to go back but I have to say I am well and truly hooked.

Here is a pic of my trusty steed anyway, its a cannondale synapse 105 carbon

Hey,

That is one sexy bike. How fast can that actually do with you on it ... I've seen those bikes go pretty fast.

Caleb