Road Cycling - How do I hang on to this thing???

I took my new road bike out for it's maiden voyage this afternoon and it was fun.... super easy to cruise between 17 and 20 miles. However.... as stupid as I know this sounds... I'm not too sure about shifting and braking. I think it's done from the hoods as it's awkward to shift from the "down" position. The brakes are amazing on this thing.. one finger can bring me to a screechig halt with excellent modulation.
What is considered a "cruising" position? Or is it what feels good at the time?
It's also a little awkward coming out of the aero bars.. I get a wobble but I imagine this will get better with practice. Also, the aero bars make it so that I cannot use the horizontal part of the handlebar. Is this normal?
Thanks!!
Doug

Being relatively new to the road as well myself I can relate.

I guess with all things it just comes with practice. Sometimes I still think, "Am I doing this right?" I would say, just put your hands where ever they are comfortable. I move around a lot on my bars so my hands don't get sore or numb. So far I spend a good deal of the time switching between the hoods and the flat part of the bar. I don't spend a lot of time in the drops. I too also believe that while you can shift and brake from the drops. Its more comfortable, at least to me, to do both from the hoods.

I don't have aero bars, so I can't give an opinion on those.
Personally I probably wouldn't use them, unless I was in a Time Trail, or triathalon where keeping an aero position is important. This by no means, implies that you should get rid of yours. If you like em, use them. :thumbup:

If your contact weight shifts on the aero bars as you get on or off it will move the bike. Move your arms together or adjust with the saddle nose.

cAPS

I shift while on the hoods. of course you can shift and brake from the drops too..

As far as the aerobars, i think you should decide if you really need those or not.. While on the bars, handling is a bit difficult, and since you're still starting out, i think you should refrain from using it until you are more familiar with the handling characteristics on your bike.

To get in and out, you have to move both arms together as capslock said.

Have you moved from another bike to a road bike, or are you new to cycling?

The normal cruising position is usually the brake hoods. The drops are there for headwinds, descents, or if you want to get aerodynamic for a fast burst of speed. You should be able to use the brakes and shifters from either position.

As you seem a little unsure, I would suggest you avoid the aerobars. Some bikes are designed specially for aerobars (time trial and triathalon) and these have a more stable steering geometry. Freeing up the tops of the bars will also let you ride in a relaxed style , for eating and drinking.

Unless you're doing a time trial, I've never been sure what the point of aero bars is. It's like cheating. Seems like you'll get a better workout being in a less aero position. I mean, you can't use them while racing, so what's the point of training with them?

I find myself changing hand positions a lot. I stay on the hoods most of the time. I use the top of the bars to stretch out or when I'm spinning up a big hill. I use the drops quite a bit on flats and downhills. I also find that the drops give me more steering control and better leverage on the brakes. Being a mounatin bike convert, my road bike was awkward at first, but I got used to it after a couple rides. You will, too.

And I suggest you ditch the aero bars until you get a better feel for the bike on its own. You can always put them back on if you really want to.

It sounds like this is your first road bike. I'm curious why you'd install aero bars at all at this stage.

You should become comfortable and proficient with the bike without the aero bars first. Riding "on the hoods" most of the time is normal for most roadies, even during races.

Start experimenting with aero bars only after your hands can instinctively find the brake levers and operate them without conscious thought, from any position. A cyclist on aerobars who can find the brakes is a dangerous thing indeed.

RichC

ditch the weenie bars.
what % of your rides are level or at a slight decline straight into the wind where you can't simulate the aero position by getting in a crouch and getting after it.

aerobars? too far from the brakes. too switchy-y. too weenie-ie. too unecessary-y.

Hi,
after you ditch the aerboars, consider this. I have 2 sets of brakes on my road bike. On top I have Paul's Love Levers which plug right into STI shifters.
Makes life a little easier in traffic.

Ditto the aerobar comments. Once you're used to the bike, we'll all talk about whether or not you should use them. I spend most of my time on the hoods or the top of the bars. But I'll echo the notion that it will become easier for you to shift and brake from the drops as you get used to them. It's just a matter of getting used to the feel of the bike. Without aero bars on it.

Uh...Laggard...Cheating? I don't think so...You can race with aerobars if you are doing Tri's...

Teski

Originally posted by Teski
Uh...Laggard...Cheating? I don't think so...You can race with aerobars if you are doing Tri's...


I meant road races which are the most common type of race. Why train with them when you can't use 'em.

Thanks for all the help folks. I put over a thousand miles on my touring bike this spring but It's a converted MTB with a straight bar. The aero bars were on the bike when I got it so.... I figured I give them a try. They're coming off tomorrow though :)
I haven't ridden a road in well over 20 years.. and then it was a cheap coast to coast 10 speed :)
I REALLY like the bike so far and sure appreciate the info you guys gave...
Doug