Novice Rider

Try to get in touch with a local group ride or bike club. You'll learn a ton. They'll be able to give you tips on shifting, braking, cadence, etc. I would also recommend switching out the stock pedals clipless pedals and shoes. You'll be able to put much more power into your pedal strokes.

re: shifting, just remember that the front and rear gears act in an opposite manner -- bigger in the back makes easier, bigger in the front makes harder. you'll figure it out after a couple hours.

check out this site:

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/skills/index.htm

hawaiianrider said:

Happy Holidays Everyone,
Much to my mutual mirth and surprise, yesterday I received my first road bike. It is a Trek 1000. My knowledge of the sport is quite limited, but I must declare that this wonder of engineering is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen!
I am, at this moment, set to embark upon my first ride (I had the bike adjusted to me today at the shop). Is there any advice you believe would be of assistance to me in these first few days of experimentation? I am a bit unsure about the shirfing process. In addition, I have a few reservations about braking when descending. Any information you could direct me towards would be most appreciated.
Many thanks and aloha!

hawaiianrider said:

Happy Holidays Everyone,
Much to my mutual mirth and surprise, yesterday I received my first road bike. It is a Trek 1000. My knowledge of the sport is quite limited, but I must declare that this wonder of engineering is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen!
I am, at this moment, set to embark upon my first ride (I had the bike adjusted to me today at the shop). Is there any advice you believe would be of assistance to me in these first few days of experimentation? I am a bit unsure about the shirfing process. In addition, I have a few reservations about braking when descending. Any information you could direct me towards would be most appreciated.
Many thanks and aloha!

I agree with all of the above posts, but one thing they forgot to mention is your backside. Take it easy at first, don't try and go out and ride 50miles, until you have your shorts/saddle/butt broken in. Saddle soars suck. Use some sort of lube like Chamois Butt'r and your life will be much more enjoyable. Welcome to the sports, it's extremely addictive.

I have a Trek 1000 and it is my first real road bike too. I had a couple of schwinns as a kid and they got me around ok.

I bought the Trek 1000 in March 2002 and did a double century on it (TOSRV) in May. I've since put about 3500 miles on it and have not had a single problem with the SORA components, brakes, anything.

UPGRADES: I put Veocity bladed spoke wheels, Rubino kevlar beaded tires and a Terry seat on it. I added nashbar clipless pedles.
MAINTENCE:
I've replaced the cables, pads and bottom bracket and I keep up with cleaning and lube regularly.
I covered the tubes with a highly reflective adhesive tape for night riding and that gave it a cool look.
pg.photos.yahoo.comalbumOpen ↗

You will like yours.

Clipless pedals are an excellent investment!

hawaiianrider said:

Happy Holidays Everyone,
Much to my mutual mirth and surprise, yesterday I received my first road bike. It is a Trek 1000. My knowledge of the sport is quite limited, but I must declare that this wonder of engineering is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen!
I am, at this moment, set to embark upon my first ride (I had the bike adjusted to me today at the shop). Is there any advice you believe would be of assistance to me in these first few days of experimentation? I am a bit unsure about the shirfing process. In addition, I have a few reservations about braking when descending. Any information you could direct me towards would be most appreciated.
Many thanks and aloha!