Going from mountain bike to road bike?

M

Matt

New member
I have a double suspension mountain bike( which spends about 99% of it's time on the road) getting a road bike for my birthday. I know that I can't subject the road bike to as much punishment ( riding up kerbs, big speed bumps etc) and that i wobble more because a road bike is lighter.

Is there anything else I should do or keep in mind when riding a road bike?
 
If your road bike has aluminum rims wheels you have to be extra careful when riding over bumps. You might end up changing them every now and then. They bend very easily. To compensate the wobbling part make sure to widen the path you are on. If your bike has have a curl under handle bars it's harder to look directly behind you to see any cars and wide trucks coming up behind you. When riding with traffic leave room so cars can get around you. With trucks it's better to go completely off road so they can feel safe to go by.
Bicycle are considered vehicle by the law enforcement so you have a right to use the road (not on highways or speed limit over 40 mph). Sidewalks are for pedestrians only. A driver making left turn into a drive way or parking lot most likely never suspect anybody riding fast going down sidewalk. They too busy looking on the road. Imagine a car hitting a bike broadside going so fast the rider is assumed dead.
 
Fact: Road bikes flat more than mountain bikes ridden on the road.

Pay more attention to the road surface. Try to keep on the "smooth path" away from potholes, ruts, and other things that can cause you to hit hard. Hitting skinny little road bike tires won't break anything, but you can get pinch flats (also called snakebites). Always making sure that your tires are at max pressure helps to prevent this.

Carry tire levers, spare tubes, and a pump. Learn how to use them if you don't already know.

Road bikes will stop quickly enough -- learn how to use your front brake to stop the bike. The trick is to brace your arms against the bar.

When you go clipless, work at developing a smooth pedaling stroke, applying power all the way around the circle. Keep your cadence up, 80-90 rpm against light pressure.

HTH
 
the brakes usually are worse. I never really tested the brakes on the bike until I was going 30 towards a sharp right turn. thats when i noticed they dont dont work as well as mtb brakes and I almost crashed but not quite. I skimmed the side of a car but thank god the mirrors were folding mirrors and folded easily. Um clipless pedals are a good idea but practice in the grass because you probably will fall once or twice. remember to twist your heel and not try to move your whole foot out. road bikes have a total different feel than mtbs so get used it. I always go over curbs but im never going over 3mph and never had any problems. you wont wobble more trust me and just have fun.
 
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