New toy

[clew84]

Hi all,

I know some people here, including some close to my home, are into cycling so I thought I would post a pic of my recent purchase and first road bike. I have had 2 rides so far of 25 miles each on a very flat bike trail and am loving it.

My new Cannondale CAAD9-4. Since these pics I have removed the reflectors.

Any advice from avid riders about getting more bike fit? Any suggestions on good road riding strategy (a little nervous about hitting the roads versus the bike/running trails)?

Thanks!

[Dan Pierce]

Nice ride, Chris.
Meet me and my son at the Cincy side of the Purple People Bridge at 10:30 today and we'll ride out to Lunken.
If not, let me know when you can and we'll throw down some miles!
dP

[multimedia]

Fantastic!

ahhhh, it's time for the TdF again, and as always I miss my cycling more than ever... it's not like there much chance of going for a ride here in Shanghai, unfortunately. Anyhow, it's great to see we have so many cycling fans here on the board.

Regarding advice; just try to enjoy it, and don't over do anything in the beginning. You want it to be fun, and the more fun you'll have, the fitter you'll feel (pretty logical stuff, I know - but also important) Don't start with to much uphill - if you don't think you'll have the power in the legs, but if you know you'll have it in you, I say go for it! Just try to figure out if you're an diesel (high gear) or if your more in to the way Lance rides is bike = high cadence. We're all different, so one should try to figure that one out pretty soon - because in the end it will make your training runs a lot easier and more enjoyable. Don't go to far in the beginning, again and I repeat - it's should be FUN and not to grueling in the beginning. But I guess the best advice I can give and the most important of them all - just go out there and have a blast.

Big CONGRATS, and I'm 100% sure you'll have a blast with your "rosso".

Cheers,
Joe

[clew84]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Nice ride, Chris.
Meet me and my son at the Cincy side of the Purple People Bridge at 10:30 today and we'll ride out to Lunken.
If not, let me know when you can and we'll throw down some miles!
dP

Thanks, Dan! Would love to but have plans with the family this morning. Please keep me in mind though if you are going out, especially this week as I am in town and work is a little slow. I'd love to learn some good rides around here and the purple bridge to Lunken sounds like a fun one. Is that about 18 miles round trip?

Joe - good advice! I am trying to take it slow because I know it's easy to get frustrated, especially on the hills. Haven't figured out if I am a diesel or a spinner but probably closer to the diesel as far as I can tell at this very early stage...

[CoopJr]

Very nice Chris! I have had a couple of their mountain bikes and the fit, finish, materials and build quality was superb.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by clew84

Thanks, Dan! Would love to but have plans with the family this morning. Please keep me in mind though if you are going out, especially this week as I am in town and work is a little slow. I'd love to learn some good rides around here and the purple bridge to Lunken sounds like a fun one. Is that about 18 miles round trip?

Joe - good advice! I am trying to take it slow because I know it's easy to get frustrated, especially on the hills. Haven't figured out if I am a diesel or a spinner but probably closer to the diesel as far as I can tell at this very early stage...

Chris, will do.
It's 10 miles from my house [Covington] to Lunken. So from the PPB to lunken is about 12 to 14 round trip.
My son is learning how to be a roadie after a few years on a mountain bike.
dP

[ETT]

Remember, you have the right to be on the road! It may piss a motorist off, but you can hold the lane until you feel it's safe to move over to the shoulder. Don't let a car squeeze you over in a tight situation. It's not a mountain bike and you can't just hop onto the sidewalk. You're going to be pleasantly surprised how many miles you can cover on that machine.

[sushisummo]

nice......

[clew84]

Thanks all. I am wondering if I bought a bigger frame than I should have. I keep seeing these seats that are much higher set than mine relative to the handlebars. I was right between a 54 and a 56 and went with the 56. I had the bike fitted at a local shop for me so the seat is level, I can't see the front hub when looking down at the the handlebars, etc. Should be fine but wondering if I should have gotten the smaller frame.

As far as road riding there is a road out where I am (US 52) that has a large shoulder so I road on that this morning. No problem with motorists yet but I am avoiding the roads where that could be an issue until I get more experience.

Also just realized why people wear jerseys - they have pockets on the back! Very useful for food and stuff. I have been wearing dry fit shirts which work very well but for longer rides a jersey seems to be the answer.

Really enjoying it, even more than I thought I would - even with the sore behind and hands (a little)!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by clew84

Thanks all. I am wondering if I bought a bigger frame than I should have. I keep seeing these seats that are much higher set than mine relative to the handlebars. I was right between a 54 and a 56 and went with the 56. I had the bike fitted at a local shop for me so the seat is level, I can't see the front hub when looking down at the the handlebars, etc. Should be fine but wondering if I should have gotten the smaller frame.

As far as road riding there is a road out where I am (US 52) that has a large shoulder so I road on that this morning. No problem with motorists yet but I am avoiding the roads where that could be an issue until I get more experience.

Also just realized why people wear jerseys - they have pockets on the back! Very useful for food and stuff. I have been wearing dry fit shirts which work very well but for longer rides a jersey seems to be the answer.

Really enjoying it, even more than I thought I would - even with the sore behind and hands (a little)!

Good for you, Chris.
Yes, those jerseys come in handy and get the brightest colors you can so drivers an easily see you.
I'm a bit chapped myself due to some recent saddle time.
dP

[ETT]

Bike fitting is a bit of a black art, especially when you are in between frame sizes. Go to three different guys and you'll get three different opinions. Also ,you can be fitted for comfort as a beginner or for pure aggression if you're experienced and race a lot. Lots of good urls on bike fitting. Put some miles on then maybe get a second opinion on your fit.

[TSW]

Sweet ride!!