Getting used to a road bike

[Deanno1dad]

I've taken the plunge and the new roadies arrived a GT GTR series 2..I've only used a hybrid bike before and tried the new road bike for a couple of miles yesterday.
The only trickiness so far is firstly the shifters..obviously going from hybrid handlebar trigger style to a road bike brake lever shifter is strange..to be honest before I used to mainly leave my hybrid on the middle of the 3 front rings and just shift the rear gears..now I have 2 rings up front so will have to go through the full range.
My main issue is hand positioning..I like to leave my fingers close to the brake levers when cycling..the only decent way to do this is to ride on the hoods..I'd imagine as the hoods are not covered in gel/foam would this be uncomfy on longer rides? any decent tips to get the most out of the new steed would be appreciated.
I did switch the saddle from my hybrid to the road bike as the scott saddle feels better then the stock GT one.
cheers Dean

 

[BSRU]

Riding on the hoods is the main position for road bikes, it is very rare I use the drops.
When I changed from a hybrid it took a while to really feel at ease on the road bike, so all you can really do is get out there and much some miles .

 

[Nearly there]

I wear fingerless gloves with a padded gel area this helps,Riding a road bike is strange at first getting used to the shifters etc but you soon adapt im sure you'll play around with saddle height etc too and find your most comfortable position.

 

[numbnuts]

I always ride on the hood, I have tried the drops a couple of times, but I don't like it.

 

[zizou]

Yeah like BSRU says the hoods are the main position for most people. Should be comfortable, if not then a pair of cycling gloves or mitts will help out.

 

[Deanno1dad]

too be honest i normally use gloves..but didnt bother yesterday for 2 miles trial

 

[jonny jeez]

Hoods for me, I don't wear gloves at all most times even though i had to, to begin with (I know, I know what if i fall...) but I did start to get a little carpel tunnel stuff after the first 20 or so rides, now it's all but gone (except for very long rides where, frankly, everything goes a bit numb).

it seems that any initial discomfort is soon washed away with adrenaline and endorphins.

 

[Berties]

I use hoods for cruising but for speeding or going down hill the drops every time,I find I have more confidence in the brakes,gearing is a personal thing I Try to ride with a average of 90 cadence,so spin I watch my work rate but again it depends on ride length and or distance

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

As all above, you will get more comfortable as you use it more.
Try transitioning between the curves on the top flat ends of the bars to ease your hands a bit.
It's usually easy to get used to it and getting to the brakes/shifters quickly.

 

[Rob3rt]

TBH, you will go through a period of discomfort regardless, but you will get used to them pretty quick, you will also become used to not being right on the brake all the time and will be able to ride with your hands in many positions for a bit of variation i.e. on the tops, curves and the ends of the drops. I ride mostly on the hoods or on the ends of the drops.

Just ride it for a while and make subtle changes to get things to suit you as and when.

 

[roseparkk]

I was pretty stubborn for a while and refused to wear gloves in the warmer seasons. I've noticed that on longer rides my fingers tend to get numb from the pressure on my palms. I finally broke down and bought a pair the other day and boy it has made quite the difference. It's truly just preference. You also have to consider that when riding in the drops there is only rubber between you and the metal. Also to relieve discomfort you may want to get properly fitted. i.e. saddle positioning and the length of your stem.

 

[roseparkk]

HOODS*

 

[speedygoo]

ride on the hoods unless your wide open and then if you route is clear can switch to the flat bar position, a pair of gloves is a great aid.

you say your going to switch your saddle out with your hybrid is that becasue your GT saddle is too hard? i would suggest sticking with the harder saddle if so it absorbs less of your energy and to make things a little more gentle get a pair of shorts or padded boxers.

 

[speedygoo]

also gloves are great for the moment you take a tumble on the tarmac

 

[defy-one]

Roll the hoods back and squash a thin bit of foam in under them. Then roll them back. It helps when your first adjusting to a roadie