Getting over the race bike phobia

[Lavender Rose]

I've decided to try my partners road bike this weekend. He hardly uses it and I might enjoy it if it's set up properly this time.

Last time it was awful....mainly the small seat and perched position....

 

[Cuchilo]

Go for it ! Road bikes are great fun You may need two pairs of muddy fox padding on though as they are built for speed not comfort .
What bike is it ?

 

[Lavender Rose]

Blue carrera thing!

 

[Cuchilo]

Ahhhhh blue ones are fast . Not as fast as white ones but fast .

 

[slowmotion]

Wear padded gloves and padded shorts. More importantly, make a few adjustments. The ever wonderful Christopher shows how....
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View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk
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[fossyant]

Get it set up properly.

If it's not right for you it will feel uncomfortable.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Comparisons are odious but what are you riding now?

After years of mtb only the first time I got on a road race bike it felt nervous, twitchy, unstable, and seem to accelerate like it was rocket powered.

Having gone over to the dark side for transport, my mtb's, lovely though they all are, feel heavy slow and lumpen on the road nowadays.

 

[Lavender Rose]

Yeah I will watch some videos before I jump on! This is what I have to work with - Carrera Virtuoso. Bf is changing tyre on it this week.

 

[smokeysmoo]

THIS is a good site for getting started with bike fit as well.

When I first rode a modern road bike, (I'd not ridden a 'racer' for nigh on 20 years by this time), and I was coming from MTB's with 2.2 tyres on, I have to admit I felt like a pig on ice skates!

They do feel very twitchy to begin with, but get the fit right, take your time and your patience will be rewarded in spades.

 

[Lavender Rose]

Thanks all of you guys - I will let you know how it goes

 

[Lavender Rose]

OMG yes! although, I don't think it will go with my wide wardrobe of purples/pinks and lilacs....but I will give it a shot

 

[jarlrmai]

You really should get a ladies specific saddle for the bike and check the fit.

The drops will feel a bit twitchy as your position over the front wheel changes, that's the biggest difference I notice going from my SS commuter to my road bike.

 

[MikeG]

Are you and your BF roughly the same height, Charlotte? If not, then I fear that you could be put off road bikes by sitting on something entirely the wrong size. The wrong size of bike is worse than having the wrong type of bike, I reckon.

 

[cyberknight]

I have used a blue virtuoso for years as a commuter and winter bike and its still going strong.

 

[Bryony]

I bought my first ever road bike last summer and my first ride on it was scary!! I felt so wobbly on it, it reminded me of when I learnt to ride without stabilisers! But now I love it! If your BF's isn't the right size for you you're welcome to come and try mine, it's women's specific so might feel more comfy for you.