Road Cycling - Road riding position. How long did it take you?

I really want to get a road bike for myself, but I'm concerned that after 12 years of riding a MTB I wont be able to adapt. I can imagine that if I get the bike properly set up and just ride it until the position becomes second nature, I will love it, but I'm afraid I wont.

For a first time rider, how long can I expect to feel...strange on a road bike?

i'm in the same shoes as you almost...7 years of mtb, but as soon as i hopped on and figured out that my thumbs go on top of the hood, and not underneath it felt pretty comfortable and easy to adapt to, after finding what i consider to be a good bike fitter. granted, i'm a newb and probably am not in the proper position for speed.

the guy setting you up i think effects how it feels too. the first road bikes i got setup on were on frames that were too big...they did the standard stand above the top tube, grab handle and rear of seat and lift up fitting. while the 54cm bikes i was able to lift up in the " 1-2" " range, i couldn't reach the bottom of the stroke unless i leaned to one side or another. it felt unnatural and my back hurt and my crotch hurt and yadda yadda yadda. i went to another store, did more than just the rudimentary fitting and tested the bike. turns out i should have been on a 50-52cm frame. got on after some minor adjustments of the seat, changing the stem to a different length and angle and took off. it felt very comfortable and took only moments to get comfortable and pedal away.

so to answer your question, for me (also first time rider) it took a good fit and about 5 seconds lol.

melloboy

I really want to get a road bike for myself, but I'm concerned that after 12 years of riding a MTB I wont be able to adapt.
I'm 59 years old and now have two road bikes. When I got back into cycling at age 54 it took me about a week to get into a good riding position and it has only improved since.

about 2000km. i have a nice position now, but my handlebars are a tad low/racy and my hands hurt a bit. but that's ok, i'll pay the price for more aero/etc. :)

sd

For a first time rider, how long can I expect to feel...strange on a road bike?

I had the same question when I was about to buy my first road bike this year, but surprisingly, it didn't take more than the first couple of days to get used to the position!

Just Do It :)

This is a good place to bring up this question: Didn't most of us grow up with road bikes? I learned to ride at five or so and the second bike my parents bought for me was a traditional diamond frame Huffy 10 speed. That's all my friends road also. Is this a generational thing? I'm 38.

It was only when I was in my 20s that I purchased a MTB.

you should be able to adapt within a ride.. and you'll grow to feel connected with the road position in a week ... to the point where accelerating and cruising fast on an mtb will feel strange.

fit and comfort is a much bigger factor on a road bike, though, so try to get it set up properly or you'll never grow into it!!!

Will feel okay after a week or so. Usualy I don't feel dialed in until I have a couple of thousand km's in my legs. Usually slowly tweek the seat height and setback as I get further into the season.

The switch from MTB to road was very easy for me. Going back to my MTB now is not any more. Road bike has many more good positions for your hands than MTB. You can always move and change if your hands are numb. Not so on a MTB.

This is a good place to bring up this question: Didn't most of us grow up with road bikes? I learned to ride at five or so and the second bike my parents bought for me was a traditional diamond frame Huffy 10 speed. That's all my friends road also. Is this a generational thing? I'm 38.

It was only when I was in my 20s that I purchased a MTB.

Straight bar 3 speed and a stingray.No bikes from 15 to 45 so we are all different.

Rode a road bike from 10-18. This time around, while test riding bikes, the first few minutes were strange, to get used to the lightness and swift handling.After that became second nature. If the bike fits well, you'll become one with the bike in a week ;)

This is a good place to bring up this question: Didn't most of us grow up with road bikes? I learned to ride at five or so and the second bike my parents bought for me was a traditional diamond frame Huffy 10 speed. That's all my friends road also. Is this a generational thing? I'm 38.

It was only when I was in my 20s that I purchased a MTB.

well, I'm 17. my first bike was an electric green murray bmx bike, then a 26" wheeled huffy 18 speed mountain bike.

Damn I love riding. I just wish the roads around here werent so crappy. I think that is what will make me decide to get the Trek 2100 above all else. Today I did a 22.4 mile ride from my appt. to a local canyon, up it, and back. So much fun. Unbelievable. My form has gotten so much better since the first time I did it too. I really want a road bike so I can see how much faster I can get. :D

Thanks for all the responses,

Colin

Oh yeah, one other concern I have: When test riding a few bikes, I noticed that the brakes dont really compare well to the (XT) V's on my MTB. I love descending quickly, but only because I know the brakes on my GT decelerate me like a brick wall. Will the stoppers on a Trek 2100 be sufficient?

This seems like a stupid question....but I had to ask it.

For a first time rider, how long can I expect to feel...strange on a road bike?

Things like seat height, saddle tilt and bar height take a few weeks to dial in. Once you're on the bike it'll take a little while for the body to adapt. I returned to the road after several years off the bike and it probably took 500-1000 km before I was comfortable in the drops (my lower back isn't very flexible though).

Oh yeah, one other concern I have: When test riding a few bikes, I noticed that the brakes dont really compare well to the (XT) V's on my MTB. I love descending quickly, but only because I know the brakes on my GT decelerate me like a brick wall. Will the stoppers on a Trek 2100 be sufficient?

This seems like a stupid question....but I had to ask it.

Yes,the brake stoppers{brake calipers** will be fine although sometimes stock brake pads are not the greastest then try kool stops.

Hand postions are better on a road bike, and my back is being stretched out, a little at a time, yoga helps.

No, road brakes don't suck, compared to mountain.The tires do, for braking. Brakes stop the tire, the tire stops the bike If you need a panic stop, you are not paying attention. Large, fast, and dangerous objects inhabit the road.

The real problem is my BB is low on my road bike, and cornering is dangerous. The pedals, and my feet, hit the ground.

If your cornering and your pedal is hitting the ground,something isnt right. Y&ou do have the pedal up on the side your turning,right?

Thanks for the tip !!!

You have helped a lot.

If your cornering and your pedal is hitting the ground,something isnt right. Y&ou do have the pedal up on the side your turning,right?

I think he means while pedaling through a corner. I can imagine myself having a similar issue if I decided to really lean into a turn while still pedaling.

I'm going to try to test drive another Trek 2100 this week, then maybe I'll have some good news for you guys.

I still switch between my two road bikes and the layout/feel of the two are COMPLETELY different. One is a stretched out, race frame feel (Colnago CT1 59 cm) and the other is a compact K2 Mod 4 medium . I get on each one and marvel at how different they feel but my body does adapt to each within a few miles. Nothing compares to mountain bike brakes, period. The disc hydraulics are simply awesome and the v brakes are still superior to road calipers, pads being equal, etc. IMO. Carry your speed through the corner so you do not have to pedal when leaning the bike. Then stomp as the bike straitens up!

I just started riding two weeks ago. I don't have any special jersey's or bike shorts yet. I've been riding with mesh shorts and cotton t-shirts. The first day felt very strange. I went around my neighborhood a few times and was trying to figure out what I had gotten myself in to.

I stuck with it and everyday feel more and more comfortable. I am getting used to changing gears and anticipating what gear I will need to be in instead of reacting to the situation. Also, the first week I was riding, my back and arms would get sore and I tried to ride w/o my hands on the bars. I almost fell each time and had to quickly reach back down to the hoods before I fell off.

After about 60 miles and two weeks, I feel much better and did a 20+ mile ride yesterday. I moved my seat forward on the seat stays about a half inch and it made a big difference. I don't have to reach as far and get far less fatigue in my saddle-area and wrist and arms. Oh yeah, still not wearing special cycling clothing. Once I get around to buying a good pair of shorts and a shirt that doesn't hold sweat like a sponge, I'm sure it will be even better.

My .02, stick with it, try a few different adjustments (in small increments) and it will be second nature in no time.

Get bibs,you'll be happier.