Getting used to a road bike...

[Hydra]

after commuting all week on one bike it takes me a few minutes to get used to the feel of my weekend bike, and i still make mistakes with the two types of gearing

I can imagine. It'll be a strange sensation methinks when I next ride my other bike...

 

[Dave Davenport]

It's pretty common to have to change stem length, there were about a dozen (leftovers) for sale at our club auction last week.

OT; I ride through Kilmeston quite often, but not on one.

 

[teletext45]

i've been cycling for only two months now( my last bike was a bmx about 8 years ago, when i first started cycling i felt a bit stretched out/wobble and generally uncomfatable. After 2 months of cycling i feel comfortable. Regarding the gears, a triple chainset would have a few overlap gears, whereas the compat removes all of these.

Nice bike btw, keep with it, most of all, have fun!!

andy

 

[Banjo]

Provided the bike is the correct size you will get used to it. I may be a slow learner but it took me months to get used to my roadbike after riding flat handled bikes now i love it.

I think someone mentioned turning the stem the other way up. This will raise the bars a bit which may help you get used to the bike.

Good Luck. I really like the look of the Kilmeston

 

[Hydra]

Thanks. I may well try the stem-flipping option if I still feel uncomfortable in a few days.

As for the Kilmeston, 'tis a good bike indeed. Perfect for what I want: drops, mudguards and rack capabilities. And it's not too bad for speed either

 

[twozeronine]

I'm in a similar position as you, Hydra. I've just got myself a compact (having only had triples before), and am also getting used to the difference in gearing. It sounds like I used the same sort of gears as you did on a triple, and I'm finding that the gears I mostly use with the compact are on the big ring/middle to large sprockets. I feel that gives me a decent cadence (not been too knowledgeable on the subject either). I might play around with the small ring/small sprockets, but I'm not sure I'd use the small ring for anything but hills.

I also feel a tiny bit stretched out, so I might get a shorter stem (current one is 120mm, which I think is quite long), but will wait to see if I just need to get used to it. I rode 30 miles yesterday and only had a tiny bit of shoulder ache/lower back ache, which was on and off. That could just be because my muscles were a bit stiff from wrestling with some stubborn pedals the previous day. I didn't have any discomfort commuting in today.

By the way, I'd definitely recommend test riding any future bikes, to make sure it fits. Sounds like you got it right this time though.

 

[Moodyman]

From my experience I'd say you need at least half a dozen long rides to find your optimum position. Take a set of Allen keys with you and adjust accordingly when you feel a little pain/niggle.

Then....never let anyone have a ride.

They'll adjust it to suit them and you're back to square one.

 

[Hydra]

I've just got myself a compact (having only had triples before), and am also getting used to the difference in gearing. It sounds like I used the same sort of gears as you did on a triple, and I'm finding that the gears I mostly use with the compact are on the big ring/middle to large sprockets. I feel that gives me a decent cadence (not been too knowledgeable on the subject either). I might play around with the small ring/small sprockets, but I'm not sure I'd use the small ring for anything but hills.

I also feel a tiny bit stretched out, so I might get a shorter stem (current one is 120mm, which I think is quite long), but will wait to see if I just need to get used to it.

By the way, I'd definitely recommend test riding any future bikes, to make sure it fits. Sounds like you got it right this time though.

It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this. I find that I can climb really well on my small ring, and much quicker than I could on the triple. It's the point in between changing between big and small ring that I find myself unable to grab a gear that's ideal. I suppose it's something to figure out over time.
My stem too is 120mm. I seem to be adapting to it but I reckon a centimeter less would improve stuff. seeing how it goes, though, is probably the best (and definitely cheapest) optionl.

From my experience I'd say you need at least half a dozen long rides to find your optimum position. Take a set of Allen keys with you and adjust accordingly when you feel a little pain/niggle.

Then....never let anyone have a ride.

They'll adjust it to suit them and you're back to square one.

Good advice squire. So far today I have heightened my seat a wee touch, and then lowered it half that amount. So far, so good. The only adjustment (barring reversing the stem) I'm avoiding is tilting the handlebars. I find my levers are in the most 'ergonomic' position they can be at the moment.

As for letting others ride my bike... no chance!

 

[Dave Davenport]

Most shops would/should swap a stem for free, worth asking wiggle.