So yesterday I wrote about how bummed I was about my first ride on my new bike. What I neglected to mention is that I have been on road bikes (as opposed to my hybrid) twice before and didn’t feel so inept. I’ve been searching to figure out the difference. Searching lead to gathering data so here we go.

My first experience was last year for the Cinderella metric century when I was lent a very sexy Specialized Ruby Pro. At the time I was still using standard pedals so no fear. I was fitted for that bike (Specialized had just introduced them and wanted feedback) so it was perfect. Loved it!

My second experience was on a friend’s Specialized using SPD pedals. It was fitted for her and she’s taller than me. I dropped the bike twice (and felt horrible) but mostly the ride went fine. It has a triple on it. My ride went fine – loved it.

So what’s the deal with my new wheels? I have 2 suspicions:
1). I paid for them. Anything less than ‘LOVE IT’ feels like a mistake
2). I really need to be fitted.

I did look up the other 2 to compare geometries and here’s what we got – clearly it’s all about the angles

Bike 1 – The Ruby Pro

Bike 2 – Allez Elite

Bike 3 – the Pinarello

So – apparently it’s all about the angles in the frame and I’m just going to have to get used to the straight ones on this bike. I’ll get back to you on how I feel about these angles after I’ve been fitted. Thanks for all of your suggestions and support.

Perseverance furthers.