New road bike question

[Bill93]

So i finally took the plunge and yesterday i picked up a specialized allez elite 2013 model and i am very pleased with it but I have one question. When I stand up and pedal it seems the bike is quite unstable and wobbles side to side pretty extremely? This may come across as really stupid as ive never ridden a road bike before so apologies!

It does feel as if im leaning over alot more than what im used to ( only had flat bar bikes ) but i think thats normal on a road bike so is it just a case of getting used to it or are you meant to ride on certain parts of the handle bar when climbing?

 

[L14M]

Are you correctly fitted onto it?

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VYhyppWTDc


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ34hed0qBw&list=PLUdAMlZtaV11U9AtszkMh0bpRqM4dtlDC&index=86

It will take a fair amount of getting used too, being fitted correctly will help massively!

 

[Old Plodder]

You may just be experiencing the difference in handling characteristics; likely your road bike has less 'trail' in it's steering geometry which makes for 'lively' (twitchy) steering.

 

[TeeShot]

I always prefer to climb with my hands on the hoods. The bike does rock a bit from side to side but nothing extreme

 

[Cycleops]

I think it may just be the geometry as Old Plodder says. MTB 's have a longer wheelbase and will feel more relaxed.

 

[zizou]

Sounds like you might be standing holding on to the flat bit of the bars? Try having your hands on the hoods or drops instead.

 

[vickster]

Be very careful when out of the saddle. This wobbliness may have been a contributing factor immediately being knocked off by an overtaking car! Albeit on hybrid with wide flatbars!!!