My First Ever Ride Today

[skinnydog1973]

Well after having my new bike for 3 weeks i finally got to go out on it today, this is the first time i have ever been on a road bike and i really enjoyed it, i did 7 miles at an average speed of 14mph, i was pleased with this but it was only on a totally flat road and i did a few circuits of it there was a little bank but i mean little, i did venture out onto the main roads near the end and it was quite daunting but i think i will love it once i get going,i used this as a practice to get used to the gears and the feel of the bike and i had normal pedals on but i now think i will put on my clips and give them a go, probably fall off lol, one thing if anyone has an answer i felt comfortable on the bike but my hands in-between my thumb and first finger were aching, wasnt sure if i was holding on a bit too much,but after this i cant wait to go back out again

 

[cyana13]

Well done . I have also got a bike about 3 weeks ago but I did not have the courage to get a drop handle bars. Anyway my last bike was a cheap mountain bike about 10 years ago so I am also getting used to the bike and roads. Take it easy with the clips (unless you have previous experience). I am struggling to get used to the shoes/clipless pedals - had my first ever attempt 3 days ago and I fell off.
My palms were hurting after my first ride (probably for holding the handle bars too tight because I am scared) so I got myself some gloves.
Good luck and enjoy your bike.

 

[skinnydog1973]

I have never ridden with clips im not sure if i should just go for it or ride for a bit on normal pedals, my hands were aching and i had gloves on

 

[Biker Joe]

Excellent news skinnydog. Very glad you enjoyed it.
You'll soon get used to it. Keep your pace steady and ride easy and things will rapidly improve.
Try and relax your upper body. Shift your hands now and again . Don't hold them in the same position for long periods.
Padded cycling gloves can help. You can get nice fingerless ones for the warmer conditions.
Don't GRIP the bars tightly , relax. You'll be fine.
I wish you many hours of happy cycling.

 

[Eribiste]

+1 for padded gloves, fingerless by my choice. I changed to clipless for my new bike, and thus far have had no trouble at all. (Tempting fate or what?) It feels much better, being attached to the pedals, but practice somewhere quiet at first and get used to unclipping one foot before coming to a halt!

 

[paul04]

well done on getting out on your bike, its does take a little while to build up your confidence on the main roads.

 

[Boon 51]

Well done for doing so well.

IMHO... I would hold back going clipless until you feel a bit more relaxed on your bike.

 

[cyana13]

Same advice from me. I am seriously thinking to get back to my flat pedals. I am very frustrated when I use the clipless ones, especially in traffic..

 

[RWright]

Same advice from me. I am seriously thinking to get back to my flat pedals. I am very frustrated when I use the clipless ones, especially in traffic..

Getting clipped in while in traffic is where I had the most trouble. I still think about it after months of riding with SPD-SL's. Try to leave your clipped in foot in a position you can make power with it when you take off. Keep pedaling even if you don't get the other foot clipped in first try. Thinking about gear selection needed for starting, before you stop, will also help. In traffic is not an ideal place to learn. You can always put the flat pedals back on and change to the clipless when you know you are going to be in a more favorable learning environment. It only takes a couple of minutes and one tool to change pedals, hopefully.

Staying on flat pedals may also be the way to go in extremely busy cities, I don't know. I have never lived in one.