Well they [Road bikes] are certainly different!

[Seigi]

So we've finally went to pick up my new road bike and I decided to ride it home and had a road-bike newb moment - I was cycling thinking "this gear is quite hard, how do I shift down?" so I started looking all around and I noticed there was a little tab sticking out the side, hit that and it went up a gear, I was seeing if I could pull that tab up to go down but to no avail. So I stopped, looked all around the shifter and couldn't see anything to which I checked online and realise I had to press the brake lever right (or left)....Ah, I felt like such a plonker after that.. ;p

Riding back was...different, it's certainly different to a MTB, especially the position you ride in, it was comfortable, but different (If you get what I'm saying?), it was also much easier to pick up speed on the road than with a MTB however I was very wary as it felt different having something so light beneath me when being used to the heavy MTB, it felt like it'd be a lot easier to fall off it but I'm sure once I build up more confidence it'll be fine. One of the first things I did when I got home was pick up both bikes and feel the difference, the MTB feels like picking up a car in comparison.

Here's a picture:

 

[NeilEB]

Lol - a colleague just brought his road bike to work. I couldn't work out where the gear shift was either.
Not sure I liked the little tab to change up (or is it down?) - I could reach it when holding the flat bits at the bottom of the handles

 

[HLaB]

Lol, when I bought my Campy equipped bike the lbs actually gave me instructions the shop where I bought the 105 equipped bike never but fortunately I already knew.

Edit: ps nice bike

 

[LosingFocus]

I spent ages working out how to change back on my roadie when I got it home. Being a man, I refused my wife's advice to "have a look at the manual" and just played with everything I could move. Eventually found it!

 

[fossyant]

Even road bikes can feel very different. I ride to work on a fixed road bike, and it's essentially the same dimensions as my two road bikes, but I have panniers on it.

Jumping on the 'non-laden' road bikes is a bit tricky when you jump out of the saddle - no weight - the things just fly off the other direction. Takes a good few miles to get used to them again.

 

[ChrisRicho]

I am in the very same position currently. I am just trying to get use to the lightness and cornering.

In truth its a bit nerve racking, but the speed and comfort is great!

The problem i have is standing up its a tad strange at the moment, a few wobbly moments!

Also my left clipless feels like there is too much float.

 

[Simba]

Nice bike but them reflectors weigh a tonne, remove them asap

 

[ray.m]

You might need to watch out for a difference in braking efficiency if you're used to an mtb.

 

[Seigi]

My mountain bike was pretty old (2004/5) so it didn't have disc brakes, just the normal rim brakes so I don't think it's too bad. The brake levers are a little stiff though, think they need loosened a smidgen.

 

[Seigi]

So just got back from doing a quick 10 miles (to try and get used to it) and I've come back with a sore lower back and sore palms, I seem to find that I have a tendency to lock my arms and try and ride in a more upright position with being used to a MTB, does anyone else have this problem? Do you think this is what is causing the back ache? (It's kind of like, I have a tendency to lock my arms and try and sit up, and by doing so I find it hard to reach the hoods comfortably.

Any help would be appreciated...

 

[pshore]

I can't quite see in the picture, but you might be able to flip the stem the other way up so the bars are raised a little.

Its a bit easier in your back and also allows a slightly better view of traffic in town. Ain't so good for top speed though.

 

[martint235]

Wait till you try SRAM shifters, they are just really confusing!!!

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

Coming from someone who used to own a hybrid....

Yes, the ride position is the most obvious change for me, for the most part my road bike is quite comfortable, but after about 15 miles I begin to feel it in the groin, it can be reasonably painful. I hope though this is something I'll adapt too.

Brakes are crap in comparison to my disc brakes - but it's pretty minor really. And finally, pot holes, cracks in the road can be a major shock when you don't see them coming.

But generally speeking, I love it!

My average speed went from around 12mph to 15/16 mph over night too

 

[on the road]

the MTB feels like picking up a car in comparison.

So what You're trying to say is that You're Clark Kent

 

[NeilEB]

Is that a technical term?

Absolutely!

Well, ok it probably isn't, but as I don't know the technical term, then it'll have to do.

And if Doctor Who can get away with "timey-wimey stuff", I can get away with "flat bits at the bottom of the handles"