New bike = me all over the shop

[gabefleming]

Swapped a borrowed Orange Subzero MTB for shiny new Specialized Cirrus for London commute. Today was my first ride on the new bike and it felt very weird, all in a tangle with the toe strap, generally looking like a knob... Go back to MTB or try and get used to it?

 

[Arch]

Persevere with it. All bikes feel different and swapping between them, until you know them well, will feel odd.

For the toe strap thing. Someone will be along soon to say ditch them and get clipless.

Or, just practise with the straps. The main thing, I think, is to have the straps nice and loose to start with. Have one foot in when you push off, and don't rush to get the other in. If you have to pedal a few revs on the other side of the pedal to get yourself going, do so. Then, when you are going, you can ease off to flip the pedal over. With practice, it will come.

 

[HLaB]

You'll soon get used to it. You might consider changing the pedals, something clipless is a lot less of a kerfaff than toe clips and straps.
Slighty OT - The first time I rode a dropped bar bike it felt extremely twitchy i felt I'd had made a mistake, 2nd ride it was great though and felt very responsive.

 

[Ben M]

For the toe strap thing.
ditch them and get clipless.

^^^

 

[Arch]

^^^

Not fair! That's not what I said!

 

[gabefleming]

Thanks, I'll persevere. Without entering into the clipless debate, I want them, but slightly shocked by the shoes costing almost as much as a new bike. Time to start saving

 

[Ben M]

Not fair! That's not what I said!

Thanks, I'll persevere. Without entering into the clipless debate, I want them, but slightly shocked by the shoes costing almost as much as a new bike. Time to start saving

£16.99?
http://cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=797614&postcount=7

 

[gabefleming]

Oh my god Lidl do cycling shoes? It feels wrong, but I might try it. You lot are a very useful bunch

 

[ttcycle]

the sirrus is a good bike - will take a few rides toget used to the zip and responsiveness but once you're used to it (it won't feel as sturdy as a mtb to begin with) you won't look back!

 

[sswats]

Well i bought specialized sonoma's for £40. hardly the cost of a bike.
And the pedals were £20. didn't take long to get used to and would highly recommend.

 

[Ben M]

Oh my god Lidl do cycling shoes? It feels wrong, but I might try it. You lot are a very useful bunch

Should get down there today if you want some, before they sell out like.

 

[Mike Rudkin]

Almost as traumatic as a new bike, for me,was changing from cinched tyres to tubs back in the '60's-all over the road at first!!

 

[Fantus]

Got my shoes for £2.50 on eBay Pair of Scott Boulders as well, only used once and were as new when I got them. Worth a look IMO, I've seen Sidi's go for less than £30 on there before.

Changing bike types can take a fair bit of getting used to, I went from a BMX to a Road so a very different way of riding too. I've seen a few Sirrus' about so I imagine they're fairly popular for a reason.

 

[gabefleming]

the sirrus is a good bike - will take a few rides toget used to the zip and responsiveness but once you're used to it (it won't feel as sturdy as a mtb to begin with) you won't look back!

So true. Second attempt today, and already a big improvement. Got used to the straps and the Sirrus is gloriously light compared to the tractor i was riding before.

 

[Wigsie]

So true. Second attempt today, and already a big improvement. Got used to the straps and the Sirrus is gloriously light compared to the tractor i was riding before.

Nice one, well done for trying again and keeping at it! You will be trading the sirrus in for a Tarmac and be on those drops before you know it!