I don't much like the idea of doing the commute on the MTB again. I couldn't believe how little effort it took to get the bike moving, and the hill about 5 mins from my house which usually leaves me out of breath and very hot was a doddle. It was a fun ride though, except for avoiding the awful road surfaces I'm used to just trundling over.
First road bike, first ride. Scared witless.
- Thread starter jo_e
- Start date
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I don't much like the idea of doing the commute on the MTB again. I couldn't believe how little effort it took to get the bike moving, and the hill about 5 mins from my house which usually leaves me out of breath and very hot was a doddle. It was a fun ride though, except for avoiding the awful road surfaces I'm used to just trundling over.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Road bikes feel a bit sketchy because they are responsive. Utterly so. Soon, you'll find that a positive trait as you work out the differences between the mountain and the road bike. I'm not a small or light person, and most often look like a bear on a bicycle, yet once I found my place on the racing cycle, I've found it to be a good alternative to the slower mountain bike. On the road bike, more stability comes with speed. So feel free to get out there and let things get a little faster. Be careful, and after a few days you won't notice the difference in handling. We've all been down this road (literally) before.
Inertia
I feel like I could... TAKE ON THE WORLD!!
Ive only just got a road bike myself and can agree with most of what you say. I dont ride on the drops for most of the journey though, I use the upper part and keep my fingers over the brakes. Ive been out for a few rides with the guys and also commuted a few times now so I feel pretty confident. Im still not totally confident in the clips though Im sure it will come with time.
I think you will get used to it quickly, the closest I have come to falling off since I got the road bike was when I got onto the mountain bike to nip down the shops. I handled it like the roadie and almost fell off, it felt so different.
I think you will get used to it quickly, the closest I have come to falling off since I got the road bike was when I got onto the mountain bike to nip down the shops. I handled it like the roadie and almost fell off, it felt so different.
I'm not quite brave enough to clip in yet. I took the SPD pedals off my mountain bike after faceplanting in the local park when a yorkshire terrier on a tripwire ran under my bike. I was so surprised I just fell off sideways.
I will probably try them next week once I've got a few miles in.
ayceejay
Guru
- Location
- Rural Quebec
I have been riding a road bike for a long time but then I fractured my pelvis and spent six weeks off the bike, added to the new found fear it was like starting all over again. I attached the bike to a trainer and did a few sessions before I went on the road and this helped a lot, rollers would have been better for re-learning balance but I was too fearful. Your road handling skills will improve with time just start slow.
Sara_H
Guru
Bought my first road bike yesterday, took it out for a spin tonight. Utterly terrifying. I'm used to a MTB so this feels entirely different.
I couldn't quite figure the gears out, came to a dead stop going uphill, (I'll get the hang of it) and then the brakes... yikes.
Was going to ride to work tomorrow but worried I'll end up in a ditch or something. Anyone else made the switch? How long does it take to not hug the brake levers for dear life and to feel like you have some control over the bike? I felt like I was starting from scratch.
I did try the bike before I bought it, and it felt fine, but there's a difference between pootling around a deserted car park and trying to avoid real obstacles, people and dogs on tripwires.
Jo
I had a go on a friends road bike a few weeks ago. I say "had a go", but once I sat astride it I felt insecure and unsafe that I didn't actually ride it at all. I sat there for a while saying "I don't feel safe, this doesn't feel right" etc whilst everyone laughed uproariously at me. Then I got off and scuttled back indoors
Fubar
Legendary Member
It may also help to "tilt" the handbars slightly up to make it easier to reach the brake levers from the hoods - there are 4 bolts at the front of the stem (in the middle of the handlebars from the front), loosen them off with an allen key and tilt the handlebars upwards until it feels comfortable (only slight movements) - remember to tighten the bolts back up again! I find the position on my road bike different to my commuter, as they are set up slightly differently. I'm never in the drops on my commuter and control the brakes comfortably from the hoods.
mustang1
Legendary Member
- Location
- London, UK
I recall my first time. I took a couple of pedal strokes and accidentally started going a lot faster than I anticipated. That was during the test ride and I knew I had to have it! The jittery sharp handling would have to be dealt with later!
Good lick, keep riding, but if you are nervous, ride around car parks or somewhere open a few times.
Good lick, keep riding, but if you are nervous, ride around car parks or somewhere open a few times.
ClaireSaud
Veteran
I've only been riding my road bike for 3 months so I can sympathise. My first ride was scary - especially trying to dodge potholes and road kill. I still have "hairy" moments every now and then due to the light handling but there is nothing like the adrenalin rush of riding a road bike. Keep riding it to get used to the saddle and positioning and you'll soon love your new found friend. In a month or so, you'll be giving advice and encouragement to a new road bike rider... good luck
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
I switched from a flat handlebar hybrid to a Dawes Giro 300 but I could never get on with the drop bars,no matter how much I persevered.So I took a hacksaw to the bars and cut most of the curved part off,turned the butchered bars upside down and fitted them 'bullhorn' style with the brakes positioned on the remaining section of the upward pointing curved end.
It may not be an elegant solution to the problem, but I find the bike feels a lot more comfortable to ride now.
That is utterly criminal!
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Crimes to bikes
Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
To the gallows, it is so bad there will be no last meal privilege!
NicciT
Active Member
- Location
- Leafy Buckinghamshire
Brilliant thread - brings back fun memories of handling my road bike. I got back on my old hybrid the other day - now that felt weird!
