Observations of a road bike newbie - Handling takes some getitng used to !

D3PO

Well lads and lassies I've been on this forum for manys a moon posting mainly in the pro race threads, but I was the ultimate armchair commentator having never owned or ridden a road bike.

That is until yesterday, when I finally pulled my finger out my backside bought an entry level road bike and went for a spin.

Well I say spin but I did a smidge over 8km :eek: not because my legs were screaming at me to stop but for a far more basic reason, namely I felt really really unstable on the bike to the point cycling in traffic didn't feel safe to me. I think it may have been a combination of being over cautious given using SPDs for the first time, the different geometry of a road bike versus a mountain bike, getting used to the hoods and drops and of course mentally getting over the narrower tyres.

back out again today and I did a bit of a longer spin. 21km this time the reason for stopping was I was on my lunch break and didn't have time to go further I felt a lot more stable on the bike having watched a few videos online on bike handling but I still wouldn't call myself comfortable on the bike yet particularly when it comes to signaling for a turn. In fact I went straight at 2 junctions purely and simply because I didn't feel safe enough to signal so waited for an empty junction and turned when no traffic around and went the long way.

I also didn't feel very safe looking over my shoulder to check on traffic. So whilst I felt a hell of a lot safer on the bike today there's still a ways to go.

and since Ive started this thread may as well throw some other questions out there too lol.

• Can anybody recommend some good padded cycling shorts ? I can feel my backside a little today after just 21km on the bike and should I be looking at some kind of gel saddle in future if im going to be doing decent length spins ?

• Id like to get myself into enough shape to join a club to do some spins next year. What kind of speed and distance do I need to be comfortable doing to be able to do so ?

• Can anybody recommend any good spins on the southside of Dublin worth doing that are relatively free of traffic lights so I can get a good rhythm going on the bike

thanks

jon1981

Fair play! In time your stability and handling will improve. I was a little shaky with the hand signalling but now it's instinctive and I feel very comfortable with one hand on the handlebar while signalling. Always check well ahead & take a mental note for bumps or other obstacles/hazards before you turn your head around to check behind you. Just remember to always unclip on the left

1) I find the DHB range good value on Wiggle (Aeron race and pro versions depending on distance... http://www.wiggle.com/dhb/lycra-cycling-shorts/), I'm a bib short man too, more comfy and secure I find

2) This is my goal and most clubs have varying groups that ride at different levels. My local club has a group that average 23-25 kph and another 27-28kph and higher. I'm up about the 26-27 kph mark when on a solo cycle so probably ready for a club, just been lazy about it.

3) When I used to live near Clonskeagh I regularly headed out to Enniskerry (up through Sandyford), it's a grand run with very few lights and roads are ok. Nice long drag out of Enniskerry on the way back to get the heart racing. Also you have options for climbing up to Glencullen should the mood take you.

D3PO

Thanks Jon exactly the response I was looking for. I averaged 23.8kph today without killing myself so looks like I will be ok find a club to do spins in next year once Im able to handle the bike well enough to cycle in a group.

will check out those DHB shorts and that cycling route thanks.

Luxman

Just keep getting out on the bike, your confidence will increase as you spend more time out there. This will come as the miles go up. In relation to a club most welcome you with open arms no matter what level you are at. However there is a need for even more confidence if you are riding in a group, so plan on getting out on your own until the nerves are gone, then ring up your local club, they will guide you when getting to grips with group riding.

diomed

You will quickly get used to a road bike.
When I started I had to stop and get off the bike when I wanted to take a drink from the bike bottle.

Brian?

Fair play for getting out. You'll get used to a road bike very quickly, just get out on it as much as possible. Have you had a bike fit done?

For shorts, don't go cheap. Castelli and up, you won't regret it. They'll last you longer and keep you comfortable longer.

Where in South Dublin?

Colonel Panic

I switched from flat bars and platform pedals to drops and SPDs a few months ago for my 15km commute. You do get used to it really quickly. Just take it handy at first and you'll gain confidence.

D3PO

Brian? wrote: »

Fair play for getting out. You'll get used to a road bike very quickly, just get out on it as much as possible. Have you had a bike fit done?

For shorts, don't go cheap. Castelli and up, you won't regret it. They'll last you longer and keep you comfortable longer.

Where in South Dublin?

Thanks Brian yes had a bike fit done. Im in Firhouse but I want to get up to doing spins of 40 - 60km fairly quickly so any routes in south Dublin are fine

D3PO

thank you all for your replies just reading them is helping. I will just keep getting out on the bike every day and hope that the confidence comes with time in the saddle.

D3PO

diomed wrote: »

You will quickly get used to a road bike.
When I started I had to stop and get off the bike when I wanted to take a drink from the bike bottle.

that's me right now !

Brian?

D3PO wrote: »

Thanks Brian yes had a bike fit done. Im in Firhouse but I want to get up to doing spins of 40 - 60km fairly quickly so any routes in south Dublin are fine

Firhouse is a great place to live if you're a cyclist. Head into Wicklow, you've 3 or 4 different options at your doorstep!

crosstownk

D3PO wrote: »

Im in Firhouse but I want to get up to doing spins of 40 - 60km fairly quickly so any routes in south Dublin are fine

Lots of folks don't like the N81 but I find it grand.....

Head out to Blessington and back. Out the N81, left at Lisheens and on through Manor Kilbride to Blessington. After the bridge at the lake go right and back to Manor Kilbride via Threecastles. Alternatively, go left at the bridge and back the whole way on the N81 - great if you've a decent SW wind behind you but otherwise it can be somewhat boring.

You also have the option of turning right at Brittas on the way back and descending Ballinascorney to Firhouse.

That should clock 50km. You can add bits to increase the distance.

listermint

Brian? wrote: »

Fair play for getting out. You'll get used to a road bike very quickly, just get out on it as much as possible. Have you had a bike fit done?

For shorts, don't go cheap. Castelli and up, you won't regret it. They'll last you longer and keep you comfortable longer.

Where in South Dublin?

Agree to disgree but the dhb aeron pro are a fantastic short extremely comfortable and don't cost the earth. There is a fallacy out there that you have to spend 150 up on shorts. It's exactly that.

Can't fault the dhb at all.

wheelo01

I do a lot of my routes through Tallaght area, you have as suggested the N81 to blessington, left over the bridge, around by baltyboys and straight on home, or up the hills via pine forest/ Sallys gap around to enniskerry, etc. If it is any use to you, have a look at some of my Strava cycles, there might be something you could adapt for yourself.

I got back on a road bike for the first time in about 20 years about three years ago, and I absoluely love it. you find the confidence to go no hands, pick up the bottle for a drink, get some food from the back pocket, etc all come with time, as has been said, just keep at it.

My Strava >> https://www.strava.com/athletes/2070686

Teachmor

Don't go where people tell you to go. Buy a Discovery sheet 56 or East West Mapping map of West Wicklow and explore your own backyard. That way you can escape from "ritual" training and get into real life expanding your knowledge. There is a universe to explore between the Naas Road and the Military Road

When you started to walk you had to hold onto things and kept falling but you mastered the skill in a couple of weeks and learning to adapt to a different style of bike is easier than learning to walk. Use the bike as much as you can outside formal "spins". With tongue in cheek I would suggest that during the tv ad breaks you jump on the bike and cycle around the block. Practice makes perfect

CamperMan

after riding MTB's for many many years, I got a road bike.. what a nightmare the first few rides were, it felt so twitchy, the slightest sneeze and the bike was all over the place.. obviously a road bike is completely different from an MTB.. after a few rides on the road bike, I started to get used to it to the point it became natural, and riding in towns was not a problem.. until you hit a pothole,.. I am back to riding the MTB due to the state of the roads where I am..

Cee-Jay-Cee

Your actually doing very well for someone just starting out. My first time out on a road bike in nearly 20 years was much similar experience to yours. Your ahead of the game already using SPD's, I had toe clips for the first 2 months. Looking over my shoulder was also a daunting affair but it comes to you quickly once you get used to the bike, one thing to remember is not to grip the handlebars too tight as the motion of you moving your head/shoulders to look
Around can steer you off course, so loosen the grip slightly being aware of what's ahead of you before looking behind. Also it can be easier to sit bolt upright on the bike and hold the bike steady with your left hand and swing your right arm behind you and follow it around with your entire torso. You'll soon get the hang of it.

On my first spin, I was taking a drink after a killer climb (approx 100m long and about 4degree gradient ha ha) and I dropped the bottle putting it back in the cage, I then nearly killed myself stopping and nearly fell off as I turned to go back for it. I done 14km that day and I was fcuked when I got home. That was 4 years ago....I done Mizen to Malin last September over 5 days (approx 140km a day)