How long should it take to get used to a new bike??

TheDrunkMonk

I would call myself an enthusiastic commuter rather than hardcore cyclist. I've been doing a 10 to 20 mile commute (in an on off manner) for a few years. Recently I've been lengthening my route a little and doing some weekend rides with some friends, so I treated myself to a Van Nicholas Euros for a bit more comfort and a pinch of bling factor compared to my old Halfords bike. I've ridden it for a couple of weeks, maybe done about 300 miles or so, and all seemed fine. I had to start using my old bike, and I've remembered how easy cycling is!! I can get out my seat and put power down at will, spin up hills and generally cruise everywhere quicker, with less energy expended and less aching muscles. Is this just an adjustment period? My legs tell me the saddle's too low, but if I raise it even a little, the bruising around my danglies suggest it's too high. It feels less natural to get out of my seat as well. Is the semi-compact frame on the new Euros just not for me? Or have I just got to get used to it? Reassurance. Advice. All welcome.

Simon Notley

Maybe get the two side by side and compare the positions of the saddle and bars etc. If your old bike is set up perfectly for you, then it makes sense to try and get the new one as close as possible.

Without knowing more about the two bikes, I can't say much more - some bikes are just faster than others, but I wouldn't expect a shiny new Ti bike to feel slower than an cheap alu one.

TheDrunkMonk

Simon Notley
Cheers. Some sensible suggestions. You say some bikes are faster than others, do you know what factors affect that? Although my old Halfords Alu bike is a bit heavier the new Ti bike, I think the frame is a lot stiffer, but I'm sure the difference in the frame geometry is what I'm struggling with.

singlespeedexplosif

You say some bikes are faster than others, do you know what factors affect that?

colour. Black is fastest.

Simon Notley

I would say that frame stiffness, weight and mechanical effiency are the key things (and wheels, but I'm assuming they're comparable). As long as both of your bikes are set up correctly and not excessively heavy it's likely to be the stiffness that sets them apart.

I have a nice carbon bike and a less nice (but still well maintained etc) flexy alu bike and the carbon one goes like a rocket by comparison. I never cease to be amazed how much faster it feels - all a product of the lovely stiff carbon frame.

I've never ridden the Euros, so I have no idea how it rides. The wheels could also be the cuplrits - so maybe try swapping them if you can...

Birillo

The received wisdom is that titanium = plush, aluminium = harsh. I can tell you from experience that it ain't necessarily so.

A few years back I bought a beautiful titanium frame (by a well known American manufacturer) and found that I would start aching within 20 miles or so. Yet a cheaper aluminium framed bike with the same groupset and weight gave me no problem. I tried swapping wheels and saddles, and although these could reduce the problem, the niggles never went away. I sold the frame.

A couple of years later I bought a Merlin Magia (titanium). The difference between this and my first titanium frame is like chalk and cheese. The ride quality is superb, and in my opinion, faster and more comfortable than any aluminium, steel or carbon framed bike I've ridden. But it's only my opinion. It might not suit you, or a Cat 1 racer, or a reviewer from one of the magazines.

It's definitely worth experimenting with wheels and taking advice on your riding position as others have suggested, because if you can get the set-up right, a titanium frame can give a wonderful ride., However if this doesn't work, don't be afraid to come to the conclusion that your Halfords aluminium framed bike is the better bike for you.

il_principe

Did you get the bike fitted when you bought it? Is your halfords bike a roadbike as well? Are the frame sizes similar? Are the saddles similar? Do you wear proper cycling shorts? If not then invest in some asap. You need to experiment with saddle height and stem length as well. It could just be a case of confidence, it does take a while to "bed in" to a new bike, but if things arent getting better you need to take a long hard look at your positioning. A bit late now but I'd always advocate test riding several bikes before parting with your cash.