Just started...nearly came a croper!

[ufkacbln]

A lot of commuting is experience and anticipation.

Put in the simplest form, as you approach a junction change down to a gear that you can use to either accelerate or stop, then prioritise the brakes by putting th hands in a place where they can operate the brakes

If nothing happens accelerate through, and go back to the gears as opposed to the brakes, if something happens you can safely brake.

Sounds complex, but soon becomes quite natural

 

[jefmcg]

First time I test rode a road bike I had my hands on the top bar and thought "omigod, where are the brakes?" I had to put a foot down to stop, then sorted out getting my hands on the hoods. I know that panicky feeling. I ended up buying a bike with brakes on the top bar, but I don't use them much.

Twist shifters on a road bike are unusual, but road bikes used to have shifters on the top tube, which is much further away from the brakes. You'll manage fine, once you anticipate gear changing.

Your fear of traffic is well placed. As you get more confident with shoulder checks, lane placement etc etc you will not only feel safer, you'll be safer.

My suggestion is to not spend any more money on that bike. Use it to see how you like cycling, then put it on gumtree. Then add some more money and get a Triban 3 from Decathlon. The timing is probably right, as you will probably have to wait until Feb or March for more stock and by then you'll know if you enjoy cycling.

 

[beany_bot]

Practised my commute today, thoroughly enjoyed it. What a buzz! No real issues with traffic, most gave me a wide berth, one taxi passed me very very close though (less than a foot). Are you entitled to lash out and kick their cars lol? Two things I'm going to buy is.. 1. A powerful pump up horn. 2. A helmet cam. Can anyone advise of a sub £50 camera?
Thanks.

 

[Lyrical]

Practised my commute today, thoroughly enjoyed it. What a buzz! No real issues with traffic, most gave me a wide berth, one taxi passed me very very close though (less than a foot). Are you entitled to lash out and kick their cars lol? Two things I'm going to buy is.. 1. A powerful pump up horn. 2. A helmet cam. Can anyone advise of a sub £50 camera?
Thanks.

You could argue if you can touch their car it's fair game. I personally think lots of people get a little uptight when it comes to close passes.

 

[Typhon]

No its a new bike, is this just going to be impossible then? Am I going to have to change the shifters? Also when will the feeling that im constantly going to be killed by traffic go away?

I can sympathise with that feeling! I have just started riding and every time I hear a large vehicle come up behind me I think "right, this is the end then". Hopefully the feeling will start to dissipate soon.

 

[Stonepark]

Does the 14 day Littlewoods return policy apply to your bike?

Could then get a Triban 3 and have brakes.shifters in 1 unit?

 

[beany_bot]

I didn't buy it from Little woods.. I bought it from amazon at 149.99 at that price I'm delighted, im getting used to it and it's nice to ride.

 

[fossyant]

Two things I'm going to buy is.. 1. A powerful pump up horn. 2. A helmet cam. Can anyone advise of a sub £50 camera?
Thanks.

Some Advice Re 1 and 2. Don't !