IanT
http://www.sprocketwaffle.co.uk
Firstly, a bit of background.
At the start of this year, I was a big lad - 6'2" and 148 KG Yikes. Decided I'd had enough of being a fat bar steward so decided to get fit. Into the fitness equation, I factored some cycling - had always enjoyed it as a lad, but after getting a driving licence, the rest is history.
Over recent years I had two BSOs - both badly sold to me and neither of which fitted. So, in March, I found myself in Halfords. Walked out with a 22 inch framed Vulcan MTB. Riding it was a revelation after the pudding I had tried before.
Over the next few months, the occasional 3 miler around the local woods has become several six milers a week, plus a thirty (plus) miler every Saturday with a mate I had not seen for years - before getting back into cycling. Loving the pedal work so much that I also get a spin class in at least once a week at the gym. Now 129 KG and have not felt this good in years.
Anyhoo, during my Saturday ride with my mate, I have become envious of his Boardman Road Bike. We joke that with me on the Vulcan and him on the Boardman, its's like two friends out for a drive; one in his hummer and one in his MX5.
This week - after an ebay frenzy - selling lots of thing I no longer want / use / need - and with £300 ish in my pocket, I decided t go for it. After a lot of deliberation, I settled on a Carerra TDF http://www.halfords....yId_165710#dtab
Primarily, this was because I'd read good reviews and also could get 20% off for ordering on the web and collecting in store. No Brainer - mine for the princely sum of £263.
Having got it home, I adore it - I'm a relative novice but, for the price, the components look good quality and the general look and feel hints at it costing a lot more than it finally did.
After correcting the 'professional setup' that had been done in store (re-adjusted seat height, moved seat back, reset handlebars so the drops are horizontal and not canted up at 30 degrees - and torqued all bolts correctly - including the stem bolts, which were finger tight). I went for a spin.
After the inevitable fight with the toe straps - the bike felt very different to my MTB. In fact, it felt a bit small. It's not actually uncomfortable - just.......well........small.
Now, the rational part of my brain is telling me that this is because I'm now driving an MX5 - not the hummer. And they are very different beasts. When I stand it next to the MTB, it looks small - not too small - just........well......small!!!
At 6'2", everything is telling me that this frame is the right size. I've moved the seat up a little further and that's helped - but I think the demon on my shoulder is shouting buyers remorse type things directly into my brain.
So, after all that, I guess my question is - is it natural for your first road bike to feel small - after a period on a big MTB. Logic says yes - but the demons keep chipping away at me.
Think I just need to hear it from someone with more experience.
Thanks for listening.
I'll shut up now.
At the start of this year, I was a big lad - 6'2" and 148 KG Yikes. Decided I'd had enough of being a fat bar steward so decided to get fit. Into the fitness equation, I factored some cycling - had always enjoyed it as a lad, but after getting a driving licence, the rest is history.
Over recent years I had two BSOs - both badly sold to me and neither of which fitted. So, in March, I found myself in Halfords. Walked out with a 22 inch framed Vulcan MTB. Riding it was a revelation after the pudding I had tried before.
Over the next few months, the occasional 3 miler around the local woods has become several six milers a week, plus a thirty (plus) miler every Saturday with a mate I had not seen for years - before getting back into cycling. Loving the pedal work so much that I also get a spin class in at least once a week at the gym. Now 129 KG and have not felt this good in years.
Anyhoo, during my Saturday ride with my mate, I have become envious of his Boardman Road Bike. We joke that with me on the Vulcan and him on the Boardman, its's like two friends out for a drive; one in his hummer and one in his MX5.
This week - after an ebay frenzy - selling lots of thing I no longer want / use / need - and with £300 ish in my pocket, I decided t go for it. After a lot of deliberation, I settled on a Carerra TDF http://www.halfords....yId_165710#dtab
Primarily, this was because I'd read good reviews and also could get 20% off for ordering on the web and collecting in store. No Brainer - mine for the princely sum of £263.
Having got it home, I adore it - I'm a relative novice but, for the price, the components look good quality and the general look and feel hints at it costing a lot more than it finally did.
After correcting the 'professional setup' that had been done in store (re-adjusted seat height, moved seat back, reset handlebars so the drops are horizontal and not canted up at 30 degrees - and torqued all bolts correctly - including the stem bolts, which were finger tight). I went for a spin.
After the inevitable fight with the toe straps - the bike felt very different to my MTB. In fact, it felt a bit small. It's not actually uncomfortable - just.......well........small.
Now, the rational part of my brain is telling me that this is because I'm now driving an MX5 - not the hummer. And they are very different beasts. When I stand it next to the MTB, it looks small - not too small - just........well......small!!!
At 6'2", everything is telling me that this frame is the right size. I've moved the seat up a little further and that's helped - but I think the demon on my shoulder is shouting buyers remorse type things directly into my brain.
So, after all that, I guess my question is - is it natural for your first road bike to feel small - after a period on a big MTB. Logic says yes - but the demons keep chipping away at me.
Think I just need to hear it from someone with more experience.
Thanks for listening.
I'll shut up now.