Introductions - Another hello from Dallas TX

I'm another newbie from Dallas, I bought a bike two months ago after getting certified to teach indoor cycling. Every time I had a question for one of my 2 mentors (who both cycle competitively) more often than not the answer was "go buy a bike and do some group rides; you'll know." I bought a 2007 Specialized Roubaix Elite Triple with only 40 miles on it from an unmotivated but well-intentioned client of one of my gym's trainers and have been riding it every time the weather and my schedule permits.

I haven't had a "real" bike in 15+ years and now that the rain has stopped I'm curious to get out and explore the metroplex from a different perspective.

Shelley

Welcome to Bike Forums, Shelley. I also started with indoor cycling and moved to road riding. It's a whole different game riding outdoors.

How do you like your new bike so far?

Cool! Another transplant from the spin room. Here in Texas most "real" cyclists think that indoor cycling is a joke. Is it like that in Cali too?


I LOVE the bike - let me preface that with this: I have no frame of reference though given that for the past 15 years I've had bikes that weigh more than I do and for the past six years have had trailers on the back. The fact that the Roubaix does NOT have two whiny kids attached to the rear wheel makes it the best bike I've ever owned ever! ; )

I did a 60 mile ride this morning and have come to the conclusion that indeed, as others have suggested, the frame really is too small for me. But that's okay for now, the seat post is jacked up and I've extended the stem and can make some inexpensive tweaks that will make it work well for me (did I mention that I have nothing to compare it to other than a sumo-weight cruiser towing a fidgeting, bickering 60lbs?) After I get rich teaching spin classes (haha) I'll invest in a women's bike that truly fits me and my husband will inherit this one. He is roughly my height but I have stupid long legs for my height.

Come to think of it I have more reach than he does too. How is that possible? Does your torso length determine your reach? I'm guessing there must be more to it than that otherwise in addition to my legs being longer, my torso would be longer too...?

The long ride today was so much fun! Most of the things that began to wear me out were things that I have some control over. Eat more, drink more, more saddle breaks etc. Ah next time....!

I also teach spin classes and mine are 1/3 "real" cyclists and 2/3 non-cyclists looking for a workout. I manage to do cycling-related workouts that keep the non-riders happy as well (as long as they sweat and breathe hard, they don't complain).

You might try posting in the Bicycle Mechanics or Road forum about your small frame. They might have some tricks you can use to make it fit better.

There is a women's forum here that you are eligible to gain access to after posting for a month. Send a PM to Siu Blue Wind (administrator) to get access.

thanks for the tip on where to find advice regarding my frame size!

I'll follow up with the women's forum in a month, thank you.