patfromct1954

HI all - this seems like a really active group, and am happy to be a new member I just purchased a Specialized Dolce Elite road bike, and did my first ride last night (first ride in 12 yrs) and did a smooth 19.62 miles with a group. I am trying to get back into shape, but to my surprise, my cardio was GREAT!! I got the prettiest girliest bike I could find, LOL. EVerything right now is motivation for me. I am blind in my right eye (thank God it's the right eye and not the left, as if it were the left, I would be unable to do road riding) ....

First question from this newbie is when do you know you are comfortable enough for clipless pedals?? I tried Speedplay pedals when I was riding back in the early 90's, and I darn near killed myself between falls and trying to get out of the darned things. (anyone want to buy the speedplay pedals, just email me!)

The next question is regarding computers. I purchased a Speedzone Comp yesterday for $70, but I know I will end up needing more gear. I want to also at some point have a heart rate monitor and definitely am going to want a gps at some point. I am NOT a fast rider (average about 15 mph), but I love distance and hills. My biggest problem is stopping at this point. Definitely not ready for those shoes and pedals yet, LOL. Anyhow, I am a happy newbie. I have the nicest bike I have ever owned, and have found a great group of people to ride with and to help me get used to shifting again, etc. it's true, you never forget how to ride, however, shifting is another story! I am waiting for someone to have a video camera to give me a good laugh!

Okay, got to run for now. Have to get ready for tomorrow morning's ride with the group. I have found a group of people, who are not in it for the competition, but for the fun. It's a group called "healthy gears" based out of Bristol, CT, and it's a group of people just trying to build up their fitness levels. I was just so impressed with this group of people, and I can't thank them enough for getting me through a 20 mile ride for my first real ride out!

If any of you are from CT, please let me know what your favorite rides are! I want to try them all!

gurry

When my brother tried out clipless pedals, he used his brand new racing bike, not a good idea. Try to use an old bike for your learning to clip in and out. If you don't have an old bike, borrow one from a friend for a day, just don't say what your doing with it. It is better to do it in a park, so when you fall, and you will, it will be on grass. Oh, and wear a helmet, and gloves.

patfromct1954

Okay, thanks. Very good suggestions for trying out pedals. I think I want to get a couple hundred miles under my belt before I start with the pedals, as I am having enough trouble with getting in and out of the cages, although, I am starting to wonder just why I am using cages. I am going to bet that once I get used to the clipless pedals, that they just might be a bit easier than the cages, which drag on the ground if I don't flip them over quick enough. that alone seems to be a bit of a danger, as I have to take my eyes off the road to flip them still.

Okay, what's everyone's opinion on the Speedzone Comp Cyclocomputer. I do know that I hate the teeny manual, LOL. I practically need a magnifying glass to read it. For some reason my cadence was not registered on it from thursday night's ride. Anyone familiar with this cycle computer??
thanks again!!!!!
Pat

AndrewP

Switch to clipless pedals when you are comfortable with the really slow speed handling. Learning to track-stand wont do you any harm. With toe clips you get used to pulling your feet up and back to get off the pedals. With clipless you twist sideways - once you are used to it, it is just part of taking your feet off the pedals. I use SIDI mtb mega shoes with Shimano A520 pedals. These pedals are thin so are less likely to touch the floor in corners, and are balanced so they are always facing in the right direction to clip in.