So I finally got my nashbar hounder setup and thanks to all the people who gave me advice. I thought it provided a smooth ride. But there were several things that had bothered me. First, my wrists felt like they were being strained. I don't know if this is because it's my first time riding a road bike in such a long time or it could be something like my saddle height maybe? Second, I felt my lower back got really tired after riding awhile, and this might again be related to saddle height? The brakes were obviously weak like everyone mentioned, but it will work for now. And I noticed that putting either one of my feet down on the crank will make the bike drift in that general direction (i have ridden mountain bikes before and have no felt this effect until now). And I keep wobbling at times even when I challenge myself to either make a corner or avoid certain objects. Is this normal and will I get use to it with time? I also ate it once already, so that was a good experience. haha. The seat was the worst...!!! Felt like sitting on a shark rock.

Let me know how I can correct some of these problems. Thanks!!

It sounds to me like you could use a fit session at one of the lbs's.

what's a fitting session?

IMHO you only have one of three alternatives.

They are as follows:

1) Explain these problems to some LBS mechanic and place emphasis on the drifting problem. Also have them review and fine tune the entire assembly.

2) Find a bicycle co-op nearby and have the bicycle mechanics there, assist you in making the proper adjustments to your bike, after they have diagnosed the problem for you.

3) Take your bike to some LBS and have the mechanic there thoroughly explain the problem to you. You then take the bicycle to the bicycle co-op and further discuss the problem with the bicycle mechanics there at the co-op. Next, you fix the problem yourself, after the detailed discussion.

Option 3 gives you time to truly digest the problem and contemplate a solution.

* Prior to any fit session, I'd try different saddle heights. I'd either raise my handlebar, lower my saddle, or both. You could always just ride your bike to the LBS and ask a salesperson there, if it "looks" like a good fit.

It sounds like fit and fitness issues to me. The drift from side to side has to do with core muscle strength that balances your body mass over the three contact points (saddle, pedals, handlebars). Are you shifting your body weight toward the downstroke? You'll need to maintain balance, keeping everything from the hips upward stationary while pedaling.

Also, visit a shop and ask them to check whether your seat height is a little high. This may cause your pelvis to shift or wobble back and forth. This will cause an imbalance.

Since your Nashbar hounder is single speed, you also have the issue of cadence and strength. You will be outside of the optimum power curve at times, so it'll feel like you're pushing hard sometimes, and that you can't keep up at others. For the times when you're straining, make every effort to keep your upper body quiet.

Learning to come out of the saddle briefly to add torque will help you. This isn't easy for me to explain, but you'll raise your bottom off the saddle and allow the bike to lean away from the downstroke while you pull with your arms. This motion will alternate side-to-side, and can give you brief bursts of additional power - at an energy cost to your body, of course.

The best advice is to check your fit and keep at it.

PG