Fifty Plus (50+) - Searching for new road bike

Hi! I am a 54 yr. old gal who is getting back into biking after many years. I miss riding and want to get back into it. I used to ride a Puch Pathfinder, so that will tell you how long it's been. I am trying to find out if anyone has had any experience with the following bikes. I have looked at the following WSD bikes: Specialized Dolce, Gary Fisher ARC Super GS, ARC Pro GS, Trek 1.5 WSD, Cannondale Synapse 5 WSD, Giant FCR 1 W and Trek 7.5 fx WSD. Perhaps you have a suggestion, also. The bikes I have test driven with drop handlebars I have found to be uncomfortable braking because it is such a reach. The dealer suggested shims. Should I look into that or figure that it doesn't fit and go try another bike? Or perhaps it is just me and I should get used to it, but it really is uncomfortable to reach for the brake. I am totally confused and would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

If you are interested in road riding- then a road bike would be better. There are shims available for short hands for the brakes and I believe some WSD bikes do have these fitted.

The bikes you have listed are all good so no problem there. I won't comment on any one as you are looking at WSD bikes and no experience of them.

Perhaps some of the grls here can adcise you better.

My wife got a Fuji Finest 1.0 last year and loves it. It is a WSD and the brifters came with 2 thicknesses of shims. As Stapfam said, if you plan to ride on the road, a road bike is your best bet. Just keep test riding till you fins one that feels right.

When I took my wife shopping for her Fuji, the scene in the bike store was similar to the cartoons you see of a woman in a shoe store surrounded by the boxes of shoes she's tried on except she was surrounded by the bikes she'd test-ridden. The staff at the bike store was very patient and didn't bat an eye when we left without buying. It took her a few days to accept that the Fuji was the one for her (it was the most expensive one she test rode) but it was all worth it to get the right fit.

Brake levers and brifters are all manufactured by component makers, then used on bikes made by frame makers, just like Detroit used to sub-contract engine parts. You won't find much variation in the components speced at a given price point, so don't keep trying different bikes if it is just one component that doesn't work for you. The big difference will be if it is Campy or Shimano equipped. Usually the brifter has to match the manufacturer of the derailleurs. Some folks say Campy works better for small hands, but my hands are pretty small and I use Shimano 105 with a shim quite nicely. Shims are used on a lot of WSD bikes to make the reach easier. They work well, and more than one can be put in. The shop will just have to readjust the brake after they are put in.

Spend your time on the bike evaluating the fit of the frame, are you too stretched out? Feel hunched up? etc. You can only make minor adjustments to the frame fit. You can make a lot of adjustments with the components, and if you talk to the shop they may even let you change some components on a new bike for cheaper than buying them after the initial sale. Be sure to get fitted on the frame.

Hi! I am a 54 yr. old gal who is getting back into biking after many years. I miss riding and want to get back into it. I used to ride a Puch Pathfinder, so that will tell you how long it's been. I am trying to find out if anyone has had any experience with the following bikes. I have looked at the following WSD bikes: Specialized Dolce, Gary Fisher ARC Super GS, ARC Pro GS, Trek 1.5 WSD, Cannondale Synapse 5 WSD, Giant FCR 1 W and Trek 7.5 fx WSD. Perhaps you have a suggestion, also. The bikes I have test driven with drop handlebars I have found to be uncomfortable braking because it is such a reach. The dealer suggested shims. Should I look into that or figure that it doesn't fit and go try another bike? Or perhaps it is just me and I should get used to it, but it really is uncomfortable to reach for the brake. I am totally confused and would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

When you say "hard to reach" and the dealer mentions shims, then I make the assumption that you are having trouble reaching the brakes when your hands are down on the drop bar. If this is true, then you really should try the shims before buying.....it's only a matter of a couple of minutes for the shims to be installed by a good mechanic. (they may have to adjust the brakes a bit)

I would not accept the fact that shims "will solve your problem" without trying them first.

Also, do you mean it's a reach for your hands or for your arms? I'm a 53-year-old woman with bad elbows who just got a new road bike. My brake levers are at a good distance for my small hands, but I wasn't feeling confident. I fiddled with my fit and found that rotating the bars back just a couple of degrees made a big difference in my comfort on the bars and brakes.

My wife just placed an order today for a Cannondale Synapse Fem 6 (tripple rings). The Fem has a smaller distance from the handle bar and the shift/brake lever.
She was riding a Giant FCR 1W, but wanted the road bike because of better position on the bike. This gives her more power for climbing hills also.

Perhaps someone on the Women's forum would have some good advice. Who would be able to invite Suzieque to that forum?

Before you fall in love with any type of bike, you should go to a good shop and be measured. Some women fit WSD bikes wonderfully, and some actually fit better on a non-WSD bike. If the person doing the initial measuring and final fitting really knows what they are doing, you should end up with a very comfortable bike which will allow you to ride faster and for longer periods of time.

Thanks for all the help. To be honest, I really don't know what I am exactly doing. I shall try shims before purchasing. I didn't know I could ask them to put them on before I bought a bike. When I first started looking at bikes, I thought all I could handle was a step-through. There are a lot of hills near where I live and I thought I'd be lumbering up the hills in a heavy Trek Navigator type bike. So then I started looking at the trek 7.5 fx and liked it but thought my hands and arms would get tired and then I'd regret buying that bike. So next I gravitated to the Trek 1.5, then the Gary Fisher ARC Super GS (all the while the price increasing) and then Specialized Dolce and Cannondale Synapse 5 or whatever. It is getting daunting.

So tomorrow I am going to look at the Specialized and Cannondale. I talked to a guy at a LBS and he really sounded like he knew how to fit a bike, saying it is more important to get the correct fit before focusing on all the componentry. I am hoping the Spec. or Cannon. will not leave me uncomfortable with the brakes. I have read some great things about the Synapse. The Trek at this point just didn't quite do it for me to make me commit to buying it. I feel that finding the right bike can be kind of a chore. I so much want to get out and ride and here the summer is more than half over and I am still trying to find that bike. I have my helmet, gloves and bike rack ready to go and still no bike. I guess the '10 model year is coming out soon, too. I really want to feel happy and comfortable riding the bike and not have to give things like brakes a second thought, like when I was younger.

Also, I don't want to get the base model so I don't regret not getting a little better bike down the road.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Some of the other guys on here or your LBS guy might remember which model they are, but Shimano at least made a set of brifters that were shorter reach for smaller hands. This meant that the brake levers were not quite as far from the bars. Might have been the R600 models.

Suzieque,
I can only say that the advice so far is good so other than that I am happy that you are so excited about getting back on a bike and wanting to ride. I hope you can find that bike you are so looking to get and get back out there! Good luck and happy riding!

Good luck with your choice. You've assembled a great short-list.

You asked for accounts of experience with any on the list. My wife (same age as you) loves her Trek 7.5 fx wsd. 2 years old now, with tours Helsinki to Stockholm, Amman to Aqaba, Esberg to Copenhagen, round the Brittany coast and a couple of pretty long rides every weekend morning here in Bahrain. Fast enough for her (and I find her a bit of a challenge to hang on to though I'd never admit it!), well up with the averages in the group we ride with, and it suits her fine. No mechanical problems at all in getting on for 3500 miles in that time.

When we were shopping for it I was a bit inclined to push/suggest/influence towards a wsd drop bar machine - but in truth I only use the drops on mine for less than 5% of my riding, and she's more sensible and found the flat bars suit her fine.

Happy shopping. Fit, first criterion. Emotional appeal second, colour and appearance matter and everyone deserves a bike they like to look at. Componentry third, because it's all very similar these days and it all works!

Thanks for your experience, Wobbly. I liked the Trek 7.5 fx WSD but then I got distracted looking at the drop handlebars and have been hung up ever since. I may go back to the 7.5 if I don't get more comfortable with the drop handlebars. I am going to check out Specialized and Cannondale today and if I am not happy, I will go back and look at the straight-across handlebars. I will not end up riding a bike that I am not comfortable on, just like the old bike I hadn't ridden for 20 years after I stupidly put toe clips on it - what one LBS referred to as death traps. I just want to get on my ultimate bike.

You can always put bar ends on a straight handlebar for a second hand position while riding.
The nice thing about hybrids is they usually accomodate a larger tire. You can put a 700 X 25 on for riding only on pavement, or use the 700 X 32, or maybe a 700 X 35 for touring or riding on crushed limestone trails.

My wife just bought a Specialized Ruby, very similar in geometry to the Dolce. She has a small mens' Giant, but her torso is too short for the top-tube. Even though she is over 5'6" the new ride has a 51cm top tube. I don't know that the drops are a big issue one way or the other since many riders spend a high percentage of their time on the hoods with braking accomplished with the lower part of your hand. My wife also likes interrupter brake levers which are easy to add on and inexpensive. Good luck.

How tall are you? Do you want to just ride and enjoy the scenery or would you also like to join women's group rides and go fast? IOW, in your mind, what do you see when you think about riding your new bike.

Are your legs long or short?

What's the most you'd spend?

I am 5'3" and my legs are 30" from the bottom of my foot to the inside of the top of my thigh. I just want to enjoy the scenery and ride briskly. I am not good enough yet to go with a group. I'm sure I'd have trouble keeping up, but that could be an option someday. Sounds like fun. The most I'd really like to spend is around $1200, because by the time you add a few things, like shoes, shorts, upgrade the pedals or seat, get a lock, etc., you've added a several hundred dollars to the bottom line. I hope to find a nice bike for that price.

I did not know you could put bar ends on straight handlebars or interrupter brake levers. Neither of these have been mentioned to me by the salespeople I have spoken with after I asked questions regarding those issues, except for the shims, which I found out could be put on for me to try out. Hmm.

Thanks for helping me become more informed.

Some of the other guys on here or your LBS guy might remember which model they are, but Shimano at least made a set of brifters that were shorter reach for smaller hands. This meant that the brake levers were not quite as far from the bars. Might have been the R600 models.

I was just going to mention this. Its very possible that either for free or a small exchange charge, the shop will if necessary swap brifters so you can have the smaller ones, again if you need it. What they are willing to do along these lines may well be a key to selecting the best shop.

Thanks for your experience, Wobbly. I liked the Trek 7.5 fx WSD but then I got distracted looking at the drop handlebars and have been hung up ever since. I may go back to the 7.5 if I don't get more comfortable with the drop handlebars. I am going to check out Specialized and Cannondale today and if I am not happy, I will go back and look at the straight-across handlebars. I will not end up riding a bike that I am not comfortable on, just like the old bike I hadn't ridden for 20 years after I stupidly put toe clips on it - what one LBS referred to as death traps. I just want to get on my ultimate bike.

Until I read this, I was going to suggest trying to find another Puch Pathfinder on Craigslist or eBay, so you'd have something with which you already were familiar. (That's what I did when I started riding again last year after a twenty-year hiatus; I bought a used Univega Gran Turismo from the early '80s that is essentially a higher-end 15-speed version of the 10-speed I bought in 1973.)

If the only thing you didn't like about your old bike was the toe clips, couldn't you just take them off? (Although it's hard for me to imagine not liking toe clips. That's one of the things I insisted on having on my "new" bike because I always used them on my old one.)

Widsith, I looked at my old Puch in the garage and just don't think it's worth fixing up. It's been sitting there for 17 years. Bikes have vastly improved since then and I'd like to move on, especially after test riding the Specialized Dolce Comp. I am certain I am not an expert rider like you because toe clips scare me. I was never comfortable in them and I think that's one reason I subconsciously quit biking for so long was because of those darn toe clips. Plus I got into running.

I tried out the Specialized Dolce Comp tonight and it is one nice bike. Does anyone have one or know someone who does and how you/they like it? It's a little more than I want to pay, but I think I just might be persuaded. (It's eight times more than I paid for my Puch in the '80s.) I felt more comfortable on this bike than the Trek 1.5 or Gary Fisher ARC Super GS. I liked putting my hands on the hoods and could reach the brake nicely there as well as at the bottom. I liked the shifters in back of the brake better than closer to the straight part of the handlebars, eliminating the need to move the hands to a different spot to shift. The bike is very fast going downhill and I found myself riding the brake, although I'm sure I could get used to enjoying the speed. It is such a light bike. You can easily pick it up. If I get this bike, I will get the Dolce Comp Triple, since it's hilly where I live.

This is one nice bike that I am for sure getting excited about. I can't imagine being unhappy with this bike. We'll see if my LBS can get the triple and see what happens.

If the price of the Dolce Comp is higher than you want, have you looked at the Dolce Elite? Slightly lower level components, but still a very nice bike.

A couple of the women in my club have the Dolce, and they love them. I don't think they have the new model with the carbon seatstays, though. The carbon stays and fork with the zert inserts should take care of a lot of road buzz. A bike that fits you is the one you'll loved cranking out the miles on. Stick with the LBS that is more concerned about your fit on the bike. If you really like the way it rides, I say go for it. It's designed for women, so being able to reach the levers easily is designed in.
I didn't see where someone suggested the interrupter brake levers, but bar ends on a flat bar bike is common. On the drop bars, I never rode in the drops, but on the tops of the bars, on the hoods, and in between the tops and hoods on the curve of the bars. Three hand positions.

Good catch, BluesDawg. For the hills, she could always ask them to swap out the cassette for the tallest that her rear derailer can handle. The Tiagra components will last her thousands of miles.

The Dolce Triple has a 50-39-30 crank and a 12-27 cassette (the Dolce Comp). The 30-27 should with some riding handle most any hill. My wife wanted a 51cm Dolce Comp Triple, but Specialized was out of that size and had ended their 2009 production. We went with a Ruby Elite which we picked up today.

Widsith, I looked at my old Puch in the garage and just don't think it's worth fixing up. It's been sitting there for 17 years. Bikes have vastly improved since then and I'd like to move on, especially after test riding the Specialized Dolce Comp. I am certain I am not an expert rider like you because toe clips scare me. I was never comfortable in them and I think that's one reason I subconsciously quit biking for so long was because of those darn toe clips. Plus I got into running.

I wouldn't consider myself an expert rider. It's just that when I first tried toe clips 36 years ago, at the age of 18, they made a night-and-day difference in the ease of pedaling for me and I've never wanted to go back. I've always kept the straps loose enough that my feet can be slipped easily out of them, though; I'm not one of those guys who tightens them so much that I'd have to reach down and loosen them by hand before getting my feet out. That would scare me for sure! :)

Anyway, the important thing is to find something that you'll be comfortable riding and that will encourage you to get out and ride more. For me, that's a steel-framed bike with a freewheel and toe clips and friction shifters and all those other "old school" features that I grew up riding and repairing. If a newer-technology bike makes you fall in love with riding again, then that's what you should get.

Rdtompki, the same thing happened to me. My heart sank. And after all the searching. I wanted to get the Dolce Comp Triple and Specialized is out of it and so I either have to go with the Dolce Comp or check out the Ruby Elite or Dolce Elite as has been suggested.

I am just wondering if I will really notice the difference and can be happy without the triple. Has anybody ever decided not to get a triple and been happy? Any help would be appreciated. In the meantime, it's back to the LBS to check out the Ruby Elite and Dolce Elite.

You can always put bar ends on a straight handlebar for a second hand position while riding.
The nice thing about hybrids is they usually accomodate a larger tire. You can put a 700 X 25 on for riding only on pavement, or use the 700 X 32, or maybe a 700 X 35 for touring or riding on crushed limestone trails.

+1, if you are not comfortable with the drops, a flat bar with bar ends is the way to go. This configuration will give you several hand positions and you can do some fairly lengthy rides without a problem.

Doubles, Compact doubles, and triples

There's a world of debate!

I have a triple on my 20 year old steel Specialized tourer. I use it like travel insurance - maybe 50 out of its 20,000 miles have been on the little ring! And those, I'd have been quicker walking. Reassuring to have, though.

I have a compact double (50/34) on my current best bike. I've never been up any big mountains on it, so I have hardly ever used the smaller ring. But I live on a flat island here, and I haven't yet used it overseas.

We have a triple on our tandem. Tandems are a bit heavy, we've toured in hilly places on it, and the triple has got a lot of use.

I could make a cheap shot here and say that we use the little ring on the tandem 'cos 'er on the back isn't doing much - but that's not the case. She certainly is an equal contributor, and it's good to twiddle a heavy machine up the steeps.

And, she hasn't made very regular use of the little ring on the Trek, but found it very handy on short sudden lumps - climbing out of rocky valleys on tours. Like me on the touring bike, good travel insurance.

So - my view - it's about the terrain you foresee, a triple might not be a necessity, but what's wrong with an 'insurance' capability?

Keep us posted as your choices firm up!

I am just wondering if I will really notice the difference and can be happy without the triple. Has anybody ever decided not to get a triple and been happy? Any help would be appreciated. In the meantime, it's back to the LBS to check out the Ruby Elite and Dolce Elite.

There is a crankset that is termed a "Compact Double" This has lower gearing than the standard and is not far off a triple crankset on gearing.

My first road bike had a triple fitted and I used the lowest gear up the steep hill. This gave me gearing of 30/26. Second bike had the compact with a lowest gear of 34/27. Those hills I struggled up in 30/26 were just as hard with the 34/27 but no harder.

I do have a triple on one bike but that is for the mountains (When I get back to them) But I also have another bike with a compact on that is 9 speed so I can get lower gearing with a change to mountain bike rear cassette- and a few other bits.

Unless you are in a mountainous area- and you have reasonable fitness- then a compact double shoul be OK.

Will this ever end? I went back to my LBS and looked at the Dolce Comp again. Thought I was all set to get that and then I made the mistake of looking at the Ruby Comp. I have read that I won't be as tired at the end of a ride as I would with the Dolce because the Ruby is a carbon bike. The Ruby is so light. I also love the Dolce, though. I feels good when I ride it. What started out as hoping not to spend more than $1200 has now jumped to $1600 or $2400. But I try not to think in those terms, since I will be using the bike for probably many years. I just want to make the right choice. I also tried the Cannondale Synapse Feminine 5 but liked the Specialized bikes better for some reason.

Any thoughts?

If you're not worried about the price anymore, get the one you like the most. As far as whether a triple or a double chain ring, the worst hill I ever went down was the one near Cincinatti on I-75 crossing into Kentucky. If you have a lot of hills I'd say get a triple. Ask the shop about testing the bikes you might buy on a good hill in your area.

Will this ever end? I went back to my LBS and looked at the Dolce Comp again. Thought I was all set to get that and then I made the mistake of looking at the Ruby Comp. I have read that I won't be as tired at the end of a ride as I would with the Dolce because the Ruby is a carbon bike. The Ruby is so light. I also love the Dolce, though. I feels good when I ride it. What started out as hoping not to spend more than $1200 has now jumped to $1600 or $2400. But I try not to think in those terms, since I will be using the bike for probably many years. I just want to make the right choice. I also tried the Cannondale Synapse Feminine 5 but liked the Specialized bikes better for some reason.

Any thoughts?

Many of us make the mistake of buying at the cheaper level as we don't know if we want to stay in the sport. Not long before we realise our mistake and have to get the bike we should have got in the first place.

I only went road 3 years ago after 16 years of Mountain bikes. I went sensible by getting a good "Starter" road bike in a Giant OCR. Within 6 months I began wondering if Road bikes were for me. Then upgraded a few parts on the Bike and realised that a good bike was on the cards. Got the good bike and even bought a 2nd good bike 6 months later. And another a year later.

It does look as though the Specialise brand suits you and it is not a bad choice. Decide on what grade of bike you want to ride and whether the wallet can afford it. But be warned- N+1 is always in the background.

Don't overlook the Flying Pigeon.

Tens of millions of happy users can't be wrong.

Not altogether serious:thumb:

If you can wait just a little longer to buy a bike, it will be "close-out" season....where the bike company's want to get rid of last year (ie:2009) models at a reduced price. If you check out the new models, you will see that most of the time, the 'new' model is no different than the 'old' model, unless they are making major changes, which for you probably won't matter.

Due to the current economy, lots of the bike manufacturers should have 'left-over' bikes, unfortunately not in that model that you happened to want, but maybe in the next model up.

Start alluding to your LBS that you can wait for 'close-out' time to buy a bike...the bike company's are pushing out the 2010's already.

See if he will come down in price on the Elite. Nobody pays full price for bikes this time of year, especially with the economy as it is. I got almost $1000 off a 2007 Trek Pilot in August of 2007...on close-out, because I knew they were going to quit making them and the all "new" Treks were coming out.

Negotiate, negotiate....drop a few hints that you've been looking at 'other' bikes, but 'sort of' like the Ruby...then float a price about the same as the Dolce and see what happens. All he can say is no, or give you a counter offer.

It's just like buying a car...2009 = old....2010 = NEW!!!

Will this ever end? I went back to my LBS and looked at the Dolce Comp again. Thought I was all set to get that and then I made the mistake of looking at the Ruby Comp. I have read that I won't be as tired at the end of a ride as I would with the Dolce because the Ruby is a carbon bike. The Ruby is so light. I also love the Dolce, though. I feels good when I ride it. What started out as hoping not to spend more than $1200 has now jumped to $1600 or $2400. But I try not to think in those terms, since I will be using the bike for probably many years. I just want to make the right choice. I also tried the Cannondale Synapse Feminine 5 but liked the Specialized bikes better for some reason.

Any thoughts?

Incase your interested: I just bought a new Madone and will sell my other road bike.
I bought it new 1 year ago. It has < 1000 miles, it is a carbon frame Felt Z35, perfect condition.
The only change I made was to upgrade the brakes to Ultegra. It fits me good (a little too big) and I'm
5'4". I would take $1200.00, it cost $1900.00 last year.
It is alot like the Synapse or Ruby in the frame geometry.

Just thought Id mention it. Good luck!

My wife just picked up a Dolce Elite Compact last Thursday, she had been riding A C-dale R-300 for 7 yrs.
She broke her foot in Feb and just recently was cleared to cycle again, so she went for a bike fit for the Dale and left with the Dolce.
We went for 20 miler yesterday, and the difference of the correct frame size and having the bike fitted to her is night and day. She LOVES this bike and cycling even more now.
Going from a triple to a compact double was no problem for her, I think she is faster now !!!!
She said she does have a little problem shifting the big ring because she does'nt have enough finger to push it all the way, but it is still new and that may loosen up.
All in all she is in love with Dolce. She did get an 09, so maybe you can play with pricing a little.
Good luck with your shopping, just make sure it fits :thumb:

I finally made my decision and I got the Specialized Dolce Comp Compact last Sunday. After much thought, I decided not to get a CF bike, since I hadn't ridden a bike in about 20 years. I felt if I couldn't be happy with the Dolce, there is something wrong with me. I truly love this bike and how it fits me. When I was thinking about which bike to get, I kept going back to the Dolce and then I knew which bike was for me. If I continue to love biking as much as I do now, I will possibly get a CF bike in the future. There is no law against having two bikes as far as I know.

I upgraded the pedals, since I don't like the straps. From my experience checking out all the bikes I did, the stock pedals on most bikes were lousy, so I was happy to upgrade. Kind of like buying a car or a new house, I guess. I also got the little computer so I know how fast I'm going, the distance, etc. I got the shoes, helmet, gloves, shorts and bike top, pump, chain oil, storage rack and patch kit. I took it out on the bike trail for 10 miles on Monday afternoon after running four miles in the morning. After not riding a bike for 20 years, I was tired when I got home and fell asleep. I had so much fun on the trail and got nods from experienced guys who went flying by me on their road bikes with their bike outfits on, who obviously mistook me for an experienced bike chick, since I looked the part. LOL!

I am really nervous about getting a flat, even though I have the kit with the CO2 cartridges. My salesman said the CO2 cartridges are better than the little pump. Anybody have any experience with the CO2 cartridges? I watched the video at Specialized's site to change a flat and it seems daunting to me at the moment. I have a pump with a gauge, but I am a little afraid to use it for fear of blowing up the tires accidentally. I know it is important to check the tires before every trip, so I will do my best. I know it has to be at 100 - 110 psi. What if the chain comes off, too. Ugh! I think I will ask my bike shop to help me out with these issues. I am also going to make an appointment to get a personal fitting. I think that will be worth the money. I have a Saris bike rack and was nervous the first time I used it, driving slower than usual to the bike trail for fear it would get loose and I would cause an accident after the bike fell off. But everything went fine. It is just a matter of installing the rack properly, putting on the bike properly and making sure the straps are tight. I will learn to trust it with time. I hate being a novice again, but I will persevere.

Thanks for all the help. You all are as awesome as my bike!

Is there a local bike club in your area? Maybe they have a beginners ride you could join. Cycling is most fun when it is a group activity. It's also safer and if you have a mechanical issue there will be someone to help.

Don't worry. Be happy. :)

Practice repairing a flat tire at home. Remove the wheel, deflate the tire, remove the tire & tube, put it all back together, inflate and reinstall on the bike. Do it on the rear so you will know how to deal with the chain as well. If it doesn't go well, try again. Once you know you can do it, it won't be an issue when you are out on a ride. Also, don't just carry a patch kit, carry a spare tube. Much quicker to replace the tube and patch the old one when you get home. And we need some pics of the new ride.

Have to admit that if I got a flat with CO2- I would be nervous too. Let a tyre down and see if you can inflate it. And if you are worried about overinflating with a pump- I am not coming near you if you ever get in a temper. Even with a track pump you will have trouble getting the pressure to "Explosive" level.

And now onto the C.F.- bit. I do have a C.F.Bike- but I also have Boreas. 15lbs + a bit of Lightweight Aluminium and it is definitely my favourite ride.


And when you go back for the personal fitting- get them to show you how to put a chain back on if it does come off. It does happen burt rarely. And get them to show you how to repair or adjust anything else that you are worried about aswell.

Glad it's hard to blow up a tire. I always think worst case scenario. I have heard that you need to check your tires before every ride, even if they feel and look okay. Did I hear right? I am so worried about getting a flat and being stuck out on the road and having to walk back miles and miles. Worst case again, I guess. I will have to go over this with my LBS for sure. I will also have to get a tube to carry with me, I guess. Tomorrow I am going out on the trail for an hour and a half, so wish me luck. Cell phone will be with me at all times.

I will check out the bike clubs in my area. I'm sure they have a beginners group. I saw a group last weekend and talked to a couple people and saw that they had CF bikes. I asked the lady in the group what it was like to have a CF bike compared to a non-CF bike and she said she always had a CF bike. Oh, well, okay then. Whatever.

Yep, unless you are 'heavy', tire pressure should be about 100# in the back, and 95 in the front. The 'inflate to 120#' marked on the side walls is the tire maximum, not the optimal one. I weigh 145# and that's where I run mine, 700x23c size, which I see are what are spec'd on the Specialized website for your bike. If you are a lightweight, you can drop 5# or so on each tire.

From your description of being passed on the bike trail by the 'experienced' guys...it doesn't sound like you'd ever have to change a tire. I don't know any of our guys who would pass by a lady along side the road with any kind of a problem, either a flat or a dropped chain. If there are many other male riders, you will probably attract a crowd.

CACycling is right about the patch kit...save it for fixing tubes at home, carry a spare tube and TWO CO2 cartirdges, plus some cheap tire levers to pry the tire off the rim since you probably don't have the thumb strength to do it.

And not only check the tire pressure before every ride, do a tire inspection after or before each ride to see if there are any cuts or 'stuff' stuck in the tire that might cause a puncture if it's forced into the tire if you keep riding on it.

Congrats on the bike. You can run out of CO2, but you can't run out of air. After the third flat on a good distance ride you might end up looking around for a pump.

Gee, thanks for all the help with the flat tire issue. I will inspect my tires before I go out for any grit or other stuff that might work its way to the tube. Good point. I do hope the nice gentlemen bikers might help me if I get a flat on the trail someday. This is still a overwhelming for me, CO2, etc. I will be baffled the first time it happens. When I tried to fill my tire last week, I just couldn't get the pump into the pin thing right and after I pumped it a few times, it wouldn't let me go any further and it was only at 40 psi. Needless to say, I ended up driving my bike to the bike shop to get it filled. Felt kinda dumb at that point, but that's the only way I'll learn.

I see a number of people out on the trail with no helmets either and that bothers me. When I was out last Wednesday, I saw an ambulance and noticed a bike laying down on the grass with a helmet next to it. It made me sick. The poor biker must have been in the ambulance because there was no one next to the bike. Don't know what happened, but let's all be really careful out there.

The valve stems on the skinny tire bikes are called "Presta".

You have to unscrew the litte brass nut on the top of the valve stem, as it locks the inner mechanism of the valve.

Then, give it a quick press to un-stick it, and let a little air out before you clamp on the pump head.

Sometimes, when you start to pump, the valve will still be stuck, so the pressure on the pump side will build up until it un-sticks the valve again.

As you pump it up and hear what sounds like air leaking out, it is really from the hose side of the pump head not out of the tire. Just pump it up to the ~100# and unlock it. No air will leak out of the tube if it's done right.

Then screw the brass nut back down and be on your way. The guys at the bike shop SHOULD have shown you how to do this, especially if they sold you the pump.

Sorry to hear about the accident you saw, hope the person is OK.

You'll be fine with the aluminum frame. The difference between it and a full carbon frame is fairly subtle.

For a smooth ride, don't overinflate the tires. I'm about 170 lbs, and I only have 95 psi in the front, 105 in the back. A small rider could easily do 90 front/100 back.

You should sign up for the Ride Line in Cincinnati. A lot of rides are posted there, and when you sign up (free) you can get each email as soon as it's posted.
Here's the Ride Line web page: http://groups.google.com/group/CycleCincinnati (http://groups.google.com/group/CycleCincinnati?hl=en?hl=en) to see what's been posted recently.

Most rides list an average speed. This includes slowing for stoplights, hills, etc. So the flat road speed might be 2-5 mph higher than the average. If in doubt, the ride leaders that posted the ride will tell you more information.


For instance, this email came today, for Mike Sullivan's ride:


Join us this Saturday, at 9:00 AM, for this week's edition of the

Fusion Cycling Network Ride.


I will lead the "Kasual" version of the ride. We'll cross over the Purple People Bridge then head out Eastern Ave. to Lunken, around the Lunken Trail (bathroom available) then return on Eastern. It's about 17 easy, flat, miles, at a "Kasual" pace. We will wait at turns (there aren't many) and nobody, but nobody will be left behind. The pace will be that of the last rider. We will stop at this great little coffee shop (bathroom available) on Eastern Ave on our way back. You can do this ride! I can be reached at 513-284-2463.

Jamie, the Fusion Princess, will take the other group out the same way and continue to Route 52, through the hills of Anderson and back. Jamie's group will ride about 35 miles at a 16-18 mph pace, depending on who shows up.

The ride will start at 9:00 AM, at the Fusion Studio, 648 Monmouth St, Newport KY 41071. You can reach Princess Jamie at 859-802-2354, or by email at Jamie@thefusionstudio.com


Another good ride for a brand new rider is Carrie's Sunday ride. I think it runs most Sundays in the summer.


LOCATION: Dayton High School - 200 Greendevil Lane, Dayton, KY 41074
We have permission to park in the parking lot.

WHEN / TIME: 9:30 AM on Sunday morning

If you are new to riding or just getting back into riding and wish to
take it easy, this is your ride. The ride begins at Dayton High
School's parking lot. We will ride at an easy, casual pace by
going out on Route 8 to Pendery Park and back. Plan between a 20-25
mile ride with some small rollers.

This is a NO DROP ride. Helmets are required to participate. See you
all then!! (Rain will cancel.)

Carrie Schneider 859-630-4847

Thanks for the info on the rides, etc. I could not make the Saturday ride, but I will try to make one of the Sundays. This is a new adventure for me, so a casual ride is the one for me. It would be fun to go with a group. I will go to the Web site and check that out, too.

Sounds like the riding community in my area is a good one. Thanks so much.

I finally made my decision and I got the Specialized Dolce Comp Compact last Sunday. After much thought, I decided not to get a CF bike, since I hadn't ridden a bike in about 20 years. I felt if I couldn't be happy with the Dolce, there is something wrong with me. I truly love this bike and how it fits me. When I was thinking about which bike to get, I kept going back to the Dolce and then I knew which bike was for me. If I continue to love biking as much as I do now, I will possibly get a CF bike in the future. There is no law against having two bikes as far as I know.


Suzieque, this is exactly what I went through last year while trying to find "my" road bike. I researched, asked questions and repeatedly had to sit down and regroup to absorb all the information. I'd bought a comfort bike a few years ago, got hooked on riding again and realized that a road bike would be in my future.

My price range was similar to yours. I tried "men's" models, WSDs, straight and drop bar models, Trek, Fuji, Specialized and Giant. After 4 test rides on different days, the Specialized Dolce Elite Compact was the bike I kept going back to. In a parking lot where I had room to ride, people drove by and smiled (guess I looked like I was having a good time.) It certainly lives up to its name. Congratulations on your new purchase!

OK SQ - you've had the bike for about a week, how's it going? Done your first century yet :lol:

All those fears you mentioned will indeed happen over time but they are not to be feared.
Changing tires is not difficult but to not pinch the tube takes some skill (I still have trouble after almost 50 years of experience). So if you are practicing, make sure you have a few extra tubes around, heck you may also learn how to use that patch kit too.

Putting a chain back on is messy but easy, you may find the reason some of us carry a small rag in the wedge. You know you are a skilled rider when you can do it without ever getting off the bike.

As far as bike fit, during your fit session (if you have not already done it) have them show you how to do each adjustment. You may want to purchase a little multi-tool. The fit you get in the shop will be close but not really your perfect fit. Your perfect fit is one you find on your own and it takes hours of ride time. It is those fine adjustments, a few mm here and there that make the difference when your rides get over 2 hours (or about 30 miles or more). If you do adjust on your own make marks on the bike where things are set now so you can always go back.

Enjoy!