new commuter and scared!

PascalPati
PascalPati Posts: 19
edited February 2010 in Road beginners
Hi

I got my first ever road bike yesterday. I used to do a lot of mountain biking but never ever even sat on a road bike until recently so it is a quite new thing for me.

My bike is a white '10 caad9 and I am planning to commute on it. My commute route is around 13.5miles each way and I am planning to do it et least three days every week if not every day. I know I am silly boy to buy such a bike for commuting but I wanted to get something fast and and loved the look of it.

I have not started to commute yet but I took it from the bike shop to home yesterday, just couple of miles and I just got scared. First cars, they are passing really close and some of them don't care if you are there or not. And then potholes, they are everywhere and it is difficult to swerve to avoid them as there are cars all around.

So if there are tactics for commuters I want to hear them. I can get used to cars maybe but not quite sure what to do about potholes. Avoid and find yourself under the first car behind? :?
Cannondale CAAD9

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Comments

  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    Busy roads are a problem and always will be - no getting away from it.
    The only tip I can give is perhaps plan a 'quieter' route to work... it may be longer but then again you have the machine to enjoy more miles on it!
  • leedsmjh
    leedsmjh Posts: 196
    Excellent choice of bike ...

    What's your position on the road?? Make sure you're not cycling too close to the gutter but a few feet out as it often avoids the worst potholes and gives you more room to manoeuver around them. Car drivers tend to give you more space as well because they have to actively move around you instead of just trying to squeeze past.

    I find at night having a second rear light on the seatstay closest to traffic helps in getting more room too.

    Hopping a road bike over potholes is easy enough if you've got a bit of speed up and have clipless pedals but is not always wise in heavy traffic
  • kell
    kell Posts: 32
    + 1 for second rear light.
    Also position yourself where the cars left wheel is, traffic should give you a wider berth, although I still get a bit scared when a lorry overtakes me.
    Just stick to it and the fear should ease.
    All the best x
  • mididoctors
    mididoctors Posts: 18,909
    what is your route?

    have you ridden it on your mountain bike? are you more comfortable in traffic on a mountain bike

    do you know the pot holes by name yet?

    is it a good route...?

    are there roads you travel on which have high speed traffic as opposed to dense traffic?

    busy roads with slower traffic are often safer than empty roads with very fast traffic

    visibility... hi viz clothing... lights... helmet...

    do you ride in the gutter or high?
    "If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    Use your mountain biking skills to read the road ahead, and to unweight your bike over potholes. You might be surprised at how tough road bikes are – road damage that would actually damage your bike if you can't avoid it, is rare. I've ridden my road bike with 25mm slicks on plenty of fast rocky mountain trails, to the amusement of those on MTB's.

    Co-existing with motor traffic is always frustrating, sadly (and needlessly). Most experienced cyclists will agree with the comment above, that "road position" is important. Keep out of the gutter and leave yourself escape room on your left. At the same time, it's not sensible or fair to antagonise drivers by forcing them to queue behind you if there is clear road ahead; It may at times be appropriate to pull over or slow momentarily. In general, keeping to minor roads, even if the result is a complicated, zig-zag route, makes for a much more enjoyable ride.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    PascalPati wrote:
    Hi

    I got my first ever road bike yesterday. I used to do a lot of mountain biking but never ever even sat on a road bike until recently so it is a quite new thing for me.

    My bike is a white '10 caad9 and I am planning to commute on it. My commute route is around 13.5miles each way and I am planning to do it et least three days every week if not every day. I know I am silly boy to buy such a bike for commuting but I wanted to get something fast and and loved the look of it.

    I have not started to commute yet but I took it from the bike shop to home yesterday, just couple of miles and I just got scared. First cars, they are passing really close and some of them don't care if you are there or not. And then potholes, they are everywhere and it is difficult to swerve to avoid them as there are cars all around.

    So if there are tactics for commuters I want to hear them. I can get used to cars maybe but not quite sure what to do about potholes. Avoid and find yourself under the first car behind? :?

    1368355119_2f44bc6d47_o.gif
  • Ands
    Ands Posts: 1,437
    If you feel more confident on your mtb, do your commute on that for a while (put slicks on it, if necc). Swap to your road bike when you feel ready. I have to admit that even after I got my road bike, I still did my daily commute on my mtb as much of it was across a busy city. My handling was better on the mtb, I preferred the position for riding in traffic. I did commute a few times on the road bike but never took to it in traffic.
  • Ands is good advice. Get some confidence on your MTB and see if you can tranfer it to your CAAD9. There are courses like this too:

    http://www.bikeright.co.uk/


    Last bit of advice operate on Murphy's law and stay frosty.
    .
    "Let not the sands of time get in your lunch"

    National Lampoon
  • Headhuunter
    Headhuunter Posts: 6,494
    I still maintain that traffic is like a wild animal. You stare it down and act confidently and it treats you with respect. I you retreat into the gutter and behave fearfully it will take you down like a lion takes down a Wildebeast
    Do not write below this line. Office use only.
  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    I still maintain that traffic is like a wild animal. You stare it down and act confidently and it treats you with respect. I you retreat into the gutter and behave fearfully it will take you down like a lion takes down a Wildebeast

    LOL - but also quite apt.

    Traffic on the whole will give you the minimum room that they need to, especially at rush hour. Riding away from the kerb gives you some room to your left if you need it. If you are already at the edge, you have nowhere else to go.
  • Hey thanks for all replies and advices.

    Unfortunately my mountain bike is not even in this country at the moment which is ruling out that good bit of advice. I think I need to sort everything out on this bike.

    My initial impressions on the bike are quite positive, the biggest suprise is how good it is on rough surface. I was expecting a much more unforgiving ride but it suprised me. The other good thing is responsiveness. these are impressions just from couple of miles though so take them with caution. :D

    I think you are right about road positioning, I was riding almost in the gutter yesterday and we were going side by side with the cars. I think I need to go higher and not to share the lane with a car for a long time. I am currently commuting with my motorcycle (will change to my bicycle soon hopefully) so I can understand how important road positioning is. Moreover this will give me a better surface and less potholes hopefully.

    I commute from Chelmsford to Brentwood, it is not really bad, I use country roads most of the time, there are couple of nasty bits but I am sure they will be alright with some extra care. On my commute route I know every bit of the road, potholes, where should I expect dirt on the road, drain covers etc. It is an advantage commuting with my motorcycle all the time. I would not have the same information if I was in the car.

    I have lights (front and rear), a high viz vest (the one I use for my motorcycle) and helmet. I will need mudguards though and maybe a second rear light based on your advices. I also have clip-on pedals and shoes but the folks in bike shop fitted flat pedals for the time being till I get used to the riding position. Then I will replace them and hopefully increase my pedalling efficiency.

    Anyway thanks for all the advices, say hi if you see a white caad9 with a struggling idiot on it. :D
    Cannondale CAAD9
  • I still maintain that traffic is like a wild animal. You stare it down and act confidently and it treats you with respect. I you retreat into the gutter and behave fearfully it will take you down like a lion takes down a Wildebeast

    Lol I will remember this, thanks.

    :lol:
    Cannondale CAAD9
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Why not use the mtb until you get the feel of it ?

    I use my mtb throughout winter.....I feel safer on it

    this might look a bit daft but helps

    http://www.beseenonabike.co.uk/acatalog ... cycle.html

    This has been brilliant for me - although mine was £8 crc - very good piece of kit though - Put mine on my arm

    http://www.just-green.com/3610/Pedalite ... gn=pid3610
  • You mentioned mud guards -

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=42448

    These Road Racer Cruds go well onto a CAAD9
    .
    "Let not the sands of time get in your lunch"

    National Lampoon
  • soveda
    soveda Posts: 306
    PascalPati wrote:
    Hey thanks for all replies and advices.

    Unfortunately my mountain bike is not even in this country at the moment which is ruling out that good bit of advice. I think I need to sort everything out on this bike.

    My initial impressions on the bike are quite positive, the biggest suprise is how good it is on rough surface. I was expecting a much more unforgiving ride but it suprised me. The other good thing is responsiveness. these are impressions just from couple of miles though so take them with caution. :D

    I think you are right about road positioning, I was riding almost in the gutter yesterday and we were going side by side with the cars. I think I need to go higher and not to share the lane with a car for a long time. I am currently commuting with my motorcycle (will change to my bicycle soon hopefully) so I can understand how important road positioning is. Moreover this will give me a better surface and less potholes hopefully.

    I commute from Chelmsford to Brentwood, it is not really bad, I use country roads most of the time, there are couple of nasty bits but I am sure they will be alright with some extra care. On my commute route I know every bit of the road, potholes, where should I expect dirt on the road, drain covers etc. It is an advantage commuting with my motorcycle all the time. I would not have the same information if I was in the car.

    I have lights (front and rear), a high viz vest (the one I use for my motorcycle) and helmet. I will need mudguards though and maybe a second rear light based on your advices. I also have clip-on pedals and shoes but the folks in bike shop fitted flat pedals for the time being till I get used to the riding position. Then I will replace them and hopefully increase my pedalling efficiency.

    Anyway thanks for all the advices, say hi if you see a white caad9 with a struggling idiot on it. :D

    If you are used to motorbike road positioning use that as a starting point for the positioning on your road bike. Often it's just being seen that is the challenge!
  • AndyOgy
    AndyOgy Posts: 579
    I'd strongly recommend reading the book 'Cyclecraft' by John Franklin. Also, look to see if anywhere near you offers Bikeability courses.

    I've been browsing this forum for a while now and have only heard positive feedback regarding those 2 bits of advice.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    Ride defensively. I ride from Kent to Thurrock and the road is full of idiots, 26 miles each way of stop start aggression. Make sure you can be seen, a bit of weaving is good. watch cars turning lefy at junctions, I just let them go and wait my turn and the golden rule, don't jump red lights. You will be killed, or worse make drivers hate cyclists even more :wink:
  • dmclite wrote:
    Ride defensively. I ride from Kent to Thurrock and the road is full of idiots, 26 miles each way of stop start aggression. Make sure you can be seen, a bit of weaving is good. watch cars turning lefy at junctions, I just let them go and wait my turn and the golden rule, don't jump red lights. You will be killed, or worse make drivers hate cyclists even more :wink:

    26 miles each way?!? :shock:

    Wow thats some commuting then. How long it takes for you to do it? If I could do my 13.5 miles under an hour I would be a very happy man.
    Cannondale CAAD9
  • Macondo01 wrote:
    You mentioned mud guards -

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=42448

    These Road Racer Cruds go well onto a CAAD9

    My LBS thinks they are crap but I saw them on flesh and liked them so I think I will give them a go.
    Cannondale CAAD9
  • I dont think you'll be disappointed - a lot of people on here rate them
    .
    "Let not the sands of time get in your lunch"

    National Lampoon
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    PascalPati wrote:

    26 miles each way?!? :shock:

    Wow thats some commuting then. How long it takes for you to do it? If I could do my 13.5 miles under an hour I would be a very happy man.


    1 hour 20 mins usually.
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    1 hour 20 mins usually.

    ??

    How can it be down hill in both directions? :wink:
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    Bobbinogs wrote:

    ??

    How can it be down hill in both directions? :wink:

    Meet me in Rainham, Kent at 5am on 11 Feb and we shall arrive at Dartford crossing at 6:10 am ata an average speed of 19.5mph. We then have 10 minutes the other side to my workplace. Bring some muffins to eat in the landrover shuttle thru the tunnel, be glad to have you on the commute. :wink:
  • I'm in the same sort of boat, started commuting 6 months ago for the first time and also do about 13 miles each way. I'm not saying anything new here but would reiterate the importance of being seen - make sure lights are good and bright and wear the hi-vis, even if its does make you look like a lolly pop lady. Stick with it and you'll soon get used to it.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/11687.aspx

    There's actually some good advice in the above article, particularly about eye contact and road position.

    Can you go out for some long rides with a friend at weekends to build your confidence up?
  • AndyOgy wrote:
    I'd strongly recommend reading the book 'Cyclecraft' by John Franklin.

    +1 Best tenner you could ever spend.
  • CiB
    CiB Posts: 6,098
    To add to the being seen bits.

    Since I lit my bike up like a Christmas tree - three lights on the back, three across the h/bars + 1 on the helmet, and added flashing reflective strips round my calves + yellow reflective bands on each ankle and round my waist and always wear a bright yellow top, I have no qualms at all on my commute, whether I go cross country or main roads (21 miles of it). The increase in distance that passing traffic gives me is hugely noticeable regardless of weather & traffic conditions. OH is happier too as she's seen me going and coming back down the dark lane near home and is 'impressed' at how visible I am in both directions.

    That's the key - as long as traffic notices you, you're 3 parts of the way there. You can never legislate against complete muppets but the reality is that they're few & far between. And as you are now so clearly visible, you can legitimately adopt primary without the concern that you might be rear-ended. Not jumping red lights adds to your already total right to be on the roads. Don't lose that legitimacy [in other drivers' eyes] by blatantly ignoring the Highway Code and in doing so 'proving them right' about 'all cyclists'.

    +1 on the Wild Animals analogy too. Excellent.
  • I did my first commuting run yesterday and it was dreadful to say the least. :lol:

    After for almost three years without doing any sports I realised that what a big ass I became. 13.5 miles took 2 hours as I had a puncture through the end of my route and walk the bicycle for around 45 minutes to the nearest bike shop.

    In the evening I enjoyed it more but it took around one and a half hours and I stopped for five times. :oops:

    There was some good bits though, first the bike, I can't believe how responsive and stable it is. In couple of odd accasions I gave it a good push and it was really rewarding. Then the lights, front light is good enough to see the potholes in the dark and I think the back light is good enough as well as no one hit me yet :D

    The road positioning advices here worked ace by the way, I felt much more comfortable in the traffic after changing my road position.

    Today I took the car but tomorrow I will do it again. I hope I will be in better shape in couple of weeks time.
    Cannondale CAAD9
  • well done PascalPati :)

    BUT you now need to think about equipment you may also need to take along with you......ie spare innnertube, pump, few tools etc
    Dont say \'Can\'t\', just add \'ry\'
  • CiB
    CiB Posts: 6,098
    PascalPati wrote:
    In the evening I enjoyed it more but it took around one and a half hours and I stopped for five times. :oops:
    That's your baseline then, 13.5 miles in 1½ hours. Pretty crap but something to build on. Half a dozen commutes will get you under the hour and you'll wonder what the fuss was about.

    If you want an additional incentive sign yourself up to the SC Stats [below]. Before you know it you'll be taking the long route home just to stick an extra 4 miles up on the board. You will. :)

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