Road Cycling - First Ride n New Road Bike

Well, I did it. Took my first ride on my new road bike (Bianchi "Brava"). First time I have ever used clipless pedals and loved em. Plus I didn`t fall once. Now that is an accomplishment.

Managed to go thru all the gears by feel (My old bike had the gear numbers on the shifter). Spent a lot of time just cruising along shifting gears. It is almost second nature already.

I am amazed at the speeds I can attain versus a hybrid. I am going to have to be careful and be a defensive bike rider.

I am still not used to the steering and balance yet. I have a lot to learn about handling the bike but so far love it.

Really looking forward to warmer days and longer trips.

Good for you! It's such a cool feeling to be on a new bike that you almost feel like a kid again. Suddenly you're faster, lighter, and more free than you can ever remember.
It's great to race and train hard, but there's nothing like that feeling of flight and ease that comes from just riding a great bike at 60% or so of your maximum.

Ditto MikeC. Gears will be second nature in no time... just pick the one that feels right and go. Speed vs. effort on a road bike is way better than any other type of bike. Theres nothing like the feel of the open road when there's a tailwind, smooth pavement, and low traffic.

Originally posted by Rider72
Well, I did it. Took my first ride on my new road bike (Bianchi "Brava"). First time I have ever used clipless pedals and loved em. Plus I didn`t fall once. Now that is an accomplishment.

Managed to go thru all the gears by feel (My old bike had the gear numbers on the shifter). Spent a lot of time just cruising along shifting gears. It is almost second nature already.

I am amazed at the speeds I can attain versus a hybrid. I am going to have to be careful and be a defensive bike rider.

I am still not used to the steering and balance yet. I have a lot to learn about handling the bike but so far love it.

Really looking forward to warmer days and longer trips.
So after about two months hows the bike and your riding, welcome to bike forum, looks like your busy and has stop at post number 4,

Welcome to the world of road bikes!! I just changed to a road bike from a hybrid about 3 weeks ago, and I am having a ball! The first thing I noticed was that my average speed with the road bike is 4 MPH faster than the hybrid, with really no more effort. The next thing is how much more responsive the road bike is to a little extra effort on the pedals. Then, of course, with your feet locked to the pedals, you can pull up with one leg at the same time you are pushing down with the other, and get some extra power. I am still learning, but loving it!
Enjoy!!