Shake Down Cruise

Sven and I spent some time getting to know each other today.  Specifically, we spent 3 hours riding 40 miles.  I wasn't going to go that far today but the temperature was great and I found myself inspired.  Here's my initial thoughts:

The Ride
40 Miles
3:09
http://app.strava.com/activities/200082756

I wanted to spend the day just getting a handle on riding a road bike for the first time.  I knew there would be a ton of subtle, or not so subtle differences.  Before I start training I feel like I should get to know the bike and begin to learn the nuances of riding a road bike.  I rode today with two water bottles and Nuun tablets in the smaller bottle with spare tablets for refills.  I ended up drinking about 80oz during the ride.  I brought no food but bought a banana and some lemon cake at my turnaround spot 20 miles in.  I rode without pads today, a decision I have come to regret.  The new saddle doesn't quite agree with me just yet.  I am sure I just need to toughen up some but I will be riding with pads the next time I go that far.  Overall it was a great ride!  I was trying hard to just take it easy with the occasional short push.  The bike is so much faster though that I had several Strava personal bests and finished the ride 20 minutes or so faster than I have ever done before.  Part of the reason is because I really didn't need to stop and rest very much at all.  I stopped once at 20 miles and then again at 32 miles.  Both stops were very breif and my body felt fine so I kept going. 

Differences

• Crank size.  These cranks feel much longer.  It causes me to use parts of my leg muscles that I didn't use with Olaf.  The longer cranks and new position on the bike creates a new feel that I need to get used to.  I almost ate it once too because I hit the pedal on the ground on a turn.  Longer cranks equals lower pedals.  Go figure.
• Body position.  I felt good in the new position.  I was a bit worried about that but in all I think I am more comfortable on the new bike than the hybrid.  There are many more hand positions than before.  
• The Saddle - This one is much harder and has a different feel.  I need to get used to it.
• Hand Positions - So many to choose from.  Yay!

The Good

• It's fast!  Well, by comparison anyway.  The bike just wants to go compared to Olaf.  It was really clear right off the bat that I could go much faster with less effort.  I am sure crank size and body position are to blame.
• It's comfortable!  Surprisingly so.  The carbon fork and other features really soak up the road far more than Olaf.  That was a great relief.
• It's easy!  Riding a road bike was no harder than any other bike.  I still have some techniques to learn and the I need to get better with the timing of the shifts but overall, it's an easy and fun ride.
• It Shifts great on the rear derailleur!  Very smooth.  A huge upgrade from Olaf.

The Bad

• There was an annoying rattle somewhere in the front wheel.  I think the valve stem was loose.  I will tighten and try again soon.
• The Saddle is hard.  Real hard.
• The front chain ring shifts like crap.  I am sure that much of the problem is user error.  I am used to a 3 gear front chain ring system so I am all out of sorts when shifting between the two gears.  There is so much space between them.  I just need to practice.  This will probably be the biggest adjustment for me.
• There was some annoying, periodic clicking from somewhere in the drive train or front derailleur area.  It was sporadic so that one may be hard to pin down.

In all, the goods outweigh the bads by a wide margin.  This bike will definitely meet my needs for some time.  Yay!