Getting over the race bike phobia

[Brightski]

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....

You'll have to put a ladies saddle on it..

 

[Saluki]

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.

I was about to say the same thing. I have a Specialized Riva Ladies BG saddle. £25 from my LBS and it's great. Just take it steady and you will find that that 'twitchy' feeling very soon turns into a 'responsive' feeling

 

[Spinney]

I tried out my partner's road bike before getting my own. Was nearly wiped out on a corner because I couldn't brake hard enough - I still cannot brake with my hands on the hoods. So although riding in the drops may seem excessive for bimbling sections of your route (and possibly give you neck ache), it might be advisable so you can cover the brakes properly...

However once I got my own bike, it didn't take more than 10 or 20 miles for it to feel just right....

 

[Shadowfax]

You'll have to put a ladies saddle on it..

Can you explain why you would have to ? I've found saddles supposedly designed for men perfectly comfortable in the past. Get over the ladies gimmicks and find one of either gender, the right width in the right place and the right length and you should be just fine.

 

[Brightski]

Can you explain why you would have to ? I've found saddles supposedly designed for men perfectly comfortable in the past. Get over the ladies gimmicks and find one of either gender, the right width in the right place and the right length and you should be just fine.

You don't have to..
But if comfort is an issue it might be worth looking into...

 

[Shadowfax]

Female specific saddles are another opportunity for making money I'm afraid. I'm not saying some women find them comfortable they do the point is they would find any saddle with the same dimension comfortable as would a man trying a ladies saddle.

Before looking to change a saddle I would check the position of saddle first especially tilt angles for ladies.

 

[Lavender Rose]

Cool guys, thanks for the advice. Money is a little tight at the moment with everything breaking so I will see if I like it first before getting the saddle. We have a busy weekend ahead, and I am still recovering from cold - so it will probably be next weekend that I will get to captain it!

 

[MikeG]

Female specific saddles are another opportunity for making money I'm afraid. I'm not saying some women find them comfortable they do the point is they would find any saddle with the same dimension comfortable as would a man trying a ladies saddle.........

100%

The two most comfortable Specialized saddles I have tried were both women's saddles. If I had stuck with Specialized, it would have been one of them that I would have chosen, without any doubt. But then I discovered the Charge Spoon.........

 

[i hate hills]

I have a mtb. I'm afraid its all i know. I have thought about crossing over to a road bike but havnt been brave enough . Someday maybe......