Road Cycling - Just bought my first road bike-now I have to learn how to use it!

Let me preface by saying I am totally new to biking but have wanted to get a nice road bike for a long time. I did some preliminary research and ended up picking up this Bianchi Vigorelli today on ebay. Heres a link:Bianchi Vigorelli (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3618175874&category=7298)

I know I probably paid a little too much but I wanted to get a bike that I can grow a little with. I also don't want to buy another bike so I bought the best I could afford. I looked at litespeed too but they are a tad too expensive. Are there any special considerations I need to take when I get the bike and have to put the wheels and peddles and handlebar back on? Any other things I might need or comments to someone who knows absolutley nothing about road biking is appreciated.
I've got a lot of great roads to ride here and am really looking forward to this bike! I'll probably make a pest of myself asking questions.

Hi Peddler, That looks like a nice bike. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. Regarding assembling the bicycle when you get it.

First, make sure the seller includes the Owners Manual with the bicycle. This may have valuable instructions in it that can help you avoid problems.

Second, Before assembling, go to the library or book store and find a book that covers the points pertinent to the assembly procedures you will have to do. Or go the the Bicycle Mechanics section of this forum and and go the the Barnett's Manuals thread and find the manual that addresses those points. The Barnett's manuals are an industry standard for repair techniques.

Third, Find a book that covers all aspects of the type of riding you'll be doing and read it. For competitive cycling and serious road riding, I like Serious Cycling, by Ed Burke. There are many other books available on the subject of road riding. You can also go to www.Roadbikerider.com for more info.

Fourth, if you can hook up with a club for regular rides, you will learn much faster.

Have Fun!

looks like a sweet ride.... love that bright yellow color. I am sure you will get lots of use out of it. The price did not see too out of line, the value is what you will get out of it.

Originally posted by Peddler
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I've got a lot of great roads to ride here and am really looking forward to this bike! I'll probably make a pest of myself asking questions.

First... nice bike and I hope you get great miles on it.:D Secondly, as a recent member myself, you won't be a pain in the butt by posting questions. There are some cool members & mod's that :love: you just the same.

We are all learning here! Welcome aboard, Peddler.

Italia..:beer::love:

Nice! Yellow is such a cool color on a bicycle, and you have a triple ring so you have gears galore. I'd love to have a triple on mine but the cost to buy and install one would be at least twice what I paid for the whole bike, I imagine. :rolleyes:

Congratulations!

Congrats on the new bike, Peddler. My LBS has the same ride on sale for $1499, so you got a good deal, I'd say. I must say that I'm tempted to pick one up, too. Don't hesitate to ask questions here - that's the idea behind the forums. Lots of great folks here eager to help out. Welcome.

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

Ah nice bike :) Especially the color, which is the same on my Bianchi, anyways I hope you will be happy with your bicycle!!

I have sort of the same bicycle as you, a bit different though since Bianchi have different models for the US and Europe (living in Sweden so). Very happy with my one though.

Don't know if this makes you feel better about your deal, but LBS in Columbus quoted me $1699 for a Vigorelli (I was underwhelmed with the next model down, whose name I forget).

NICE BIKE!! Seriously, love that color.

Nice bike, I have the EXACT same one. You're going to love it. Enjoy it. If I wasn't such a wimp, I'd be out enjoying mine, but it's too freaking humid in DC for me to ride lately. Can't wait for the fall.

Originally posted by 2k2S4
it's too freaking humid in DC for me to ride lately. Can't wait for the fall. The magic word is early- the temps are much more bearable earlier in the day. Also, camelbacks are cooler looking than dehydrated cyclists.

Originally posted by FOG
The magic word is early- the temps are much more bearable earlier in the day. Also, camelbacks are cooler looking than dehydrated cyclists.

Excellent idea, I do need to get one of those camelbacks. Now I just need the motivation to get up at 5 AM. :sleep:

Well I just talked to the BS selling and shipping the Vigorelli to me as I wanted to see how difficult it will be to put the bike back together after it arrives and a big concern of mine was alleviated-they do NOT remove the rear wheel. According to the BS its a very simple thing to put it back together; handle bars back on, peddles and front wheel. I think I can handle that. Guy at the BS also said its a nice bike and that I'll love it when it arrives. I've been reading(and printing) the manuals and what a resource they are. A big thank you for that. I'll post a pic of my own when the bike arrives.

Looks like a sweet bike! I bought one a week ago on eBay and got it today (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7298&item=3616889313)! Don't worry about the posting! I've already slapped up a few. We'll work it together!

As for assembly, maintenance, etc, I'm now a ?former? mountain bike guy and these are some generic bike links I've found helpful in saving a few bucks by avoiding the bike shop.

http://www.rockbottombikes.com/assemblyinstructions.asp
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml

As for assembly out of the box, if it's anything like mine was and you're somewhat mechanically saavy, you'll be up in less than an hour. One suggestion: lay the box on its side and open it up. Don't try to lift the bike out from the top since too many things are interconnected and one "too strong tug" could bend a spoke, etc...

beautiful:D

Seems like a good buy Carl, hope you'll like it!

Yeah, I do. Taking a bit to get used to it, but I can tell the Trek and I are gonna become good friends :D