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About to get my first road bike – Any advice?

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  • November 9, 2014 at 7:04 pm #22702
    DanJ

    So my first proper road bike will be arriving at my doorstep early this week – a Cube Peloton Race 2014. After getting a Boardman Hybrid Comp for commuting a few months ago I was umming and ahhing as to whether I should get a proper road bike, I almost put it off until next summer but then seen I could get a brand new Cube with full Shimano 105 and Mavik Aksium (which I have read are good wheels) for £670. It seemed like a very good buy for a full 105 groupset and branded wheels so I jumped on the opportunity and decided to get some tyres with more tread than the stock ones ready for winter, I’ll be getting some guards also, Roadracers or Raceblades.

    I would really appreciate some advice on riding my new bike, I know it’s going to be a lot different with drop handlebars but the basics are still the same, right?

    I will be investing in some clipless pedals when I feel comfortable on the bike.

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Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • November 15, 2014 at 12:02 am #820309
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    matthewn5

    Start with the bars at the
    Start with the bars at the highest point – even, invert the stem – then gradually lower them over the coming weeks. That way you can get used to the new position slowly, step by step.

    Regarding fit, this worked for me:

    http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp

    This outputs three different settings depending on the style you might like. I am happy all day on the bike with their ‘Competitive Fit’.

    November 14, 2014 at 12:16 am #820307
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    DanJ

    Arrived today, felt pretty
    Arrived today, felt pretty uncomfortable on the hoods for the ride to work but 20-25 mph crosswinds and idiotic car & van drivers passing too close REALLY did not help one bit. The ride home when the weather had decided to calm down a little was great though.

    Thought there was a problem with my rear brake but I seem to have fixed it… Sticky cable and possible a slightly twisted housing, upside down with some oil in and gave the housing a wiggle.

    Bike feels great, in a way more comfortable than my hybrid, I’m guessing it may be something to do with the carbon fork. And I thought my hybrid was fast… well not compared to this thing.

    November 10, 2014 at 8:26 am #820305
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    OnTheRopes

    All my bikes stay out in the
    All my bikes stay out in the cold, never affected my racing. So no.

    If you use it with salt on the road (even on dry days) it will get salt on it.
    I as many have a dedicated winter bike but even then I wash it directly after every ride to remove as much salt as possible. The bike still deteriorates but less so.

    November 9, 2014 at 11:13 pm #820303
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    DanJ

    The intention is only to use
    The intention is only to use it on dry days and not for commuting at all, the hybrid will be kept for everything else, it is a great bike anyway so I could ride either.

    I have been considering a bike fit but currently can’t justify paying for it, I’ve read about adjusting my saddle and bars and have a plumb bob somewhere in the shed so I should be able to get a fairly comfortable fit.

    Does temperature and not using the bike to get everything moving affect bikes when storing at all? I’ve currently got my hybrid in an empty room in the house but will need to move one out into the shed.

    November 9, 2014 at 8:35 pm #820301
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    HalfWheeler

    It sounds like a lovely bike,
    It sounds like a lovely bike, a real bargain.

    But winter roads will wreck it in no time at all; the salt, the muck, roads that are constantly wet, etc.

    Mudguards (though necessary) don’t help. All that muck and salt is caught by the muddies and drips back down onto the brakes. You’ll go through brake blocks and rims in no time. Keep it for summer (Mar to Oct), use the hybrid for winter (Nov to Feb). Most roadies have two bikes, their pride and joy summer bike and an old heap (in comparison) they use for winter.

    November 9, 2014 at 8:31 pm #820299
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    HalfWheeler

    As for positioning, try
    As for positioning, try this;

    http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/how-to-get-your-seat-height-right-14608/

    November 9, 2014 at 8:27 pm #820297
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    OnTheRopes

    Generally ride on the hoods,
    Generally ride on the hoods, not the drops. More comfortable and actually more aero if the position is right. Riding on the drops gives you more control in fast downhill and sprints etc.

    If you intend to do a lot, get a proper bike fit it is well worth it and you will reap benefits from a correct position.

    November 9, 2014 at 7:59 pm #820295
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    matthewn5

    Ride it a lot?
    Actually, ride
    Ride it a lot?

    Actually, ride it to work. You’ll get used very quickly.

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