New Cyclist

If you don't practice doing things that you are uncomfortable with, you'll never get over it. That doesn't mean you should immediately try riding hairpin turns at 50 mph, but work your way up. Practice cornering at a speed you are comfortable with, then gradually make your way up. Or find a road that has relatively light traffic, then move to heavier travelled roads as you get more confident. It's all about practice.

ncrane said:

[font=Arial]Hi - I just bought a OCR-2 this weekend after not riding a bike since I was a preteen. I have been taking spinning classes 2-3x a week for about a year, so I am in good cycling shape. I have ridden my new bike a couple of times already, and find it exhilarating, but I am a little uneasy on such a fast bike in conditions besides straight trails, and am esp. uneasy with the clip pedals. I bought this bike, as opposed to a hybrid, with the idea of doing some recreational riding, and that I would eventually start racing in duathlons and triathlons. Keeping in mind my lack of riding experience, and my goals, is the OCR-2 too much for me at this point? Sometimes I feel like it is! Also, do you have any suggestions on getting use to the bike besides just practicing on trails? Finally, do you think that I should start getting acclimated to biking using different pedals? Any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated. I want to make the most of this investment![/font] 🙂

Also see if you can find a friend to go riding with you. just watching others ride, how they enter a turn, when they unclip at a light etc.etc. will help. Not only that but the chit chat will give your mind a break from the constant stress of thinking about all the different details all the time. As far as where to practice, first learn how to ride in a straight line, with out weaving. Once you can ride in a 6-8 inch wide path (it's easier at speed), go find some quiet streets, or go out to the country. And no it's not too much bike for you. most all Relax, have fun.

Sorry guys - I had a little confusion with the pedal terminology - I have CLIPLESS PEDALS.

Thank you to all who have offered suggestions!

Someone told me to slowly ride on grass to get used to the pedals. That way if you bite it, you and the bike will just be a bit grassy instead of rashy.

That or try it on a trainer for a bit (or somehow stationary). It's not going to compensate for doing it on the road, but it gives you an idea of how to clip out.

ok- heres how I figured out the clipless pedal. First, set them loose (back the four adjustments all the way out, and then turn them in 1 turn). Then, get on the bike and clip in the foot you start with (mines left- I'm afflicted)...you'll here it click. Start out riding, bring the second foot up, and push down (If you miss the first time, you can still pedal forward), you will here it click as well. Now your in and all you have to remember is to swing your heel first on the dismount. Worst case scenario, you're going to forget and fall...and you'll never forget again. Don't be intimidated by them because they are easier then you think and will improve your riding dramatically (also, use only the black spd cleats at first).
As for the bike, you'd have the same learning curve on a hybrid too, with one acception, and that is that you have to watch the road better with a road bike. The only thing that changes apprehension and makes you more comfortable with speed is time. My suggestion, quit your job and get on your bike and feed it some tarmac. Before long it will be an extension of your body (probably before you have 200 miles on it...which ought to be in about two weeks if you are just learning, you'll get addicted).
Good luck