First, try riding some of them in the opposite direction. The same stretch of road will look and feel entirely different. You can also vary your intensity: Along any route, pick a tree or a sign and push the pace until you reach it, recover until the next landmark, and repeat. Also try mixing up your company. Keeping up with a faster friend will break the monotony and make you stronger, plus the social component bumps up the fun factor. For something completely new, hit the dirt. Road riders are increasingly venturing off the pavement, including former pro Levi Leipheimer. "Even in urban areas you can find unpaved paths, dirt roads and, if you're lucky, singletrack," Leipheimer says. "Exploring to find them is half the fun." You don't necessarily need a different bike, he says; just find the widest tires you can fit on your road bike. "And don't worry—it's okay to get some dust on your bike."
Yet bored doing the same routes all the time. What can I do to mix it up?
Sometimes I need to look at my pedals to clip in. That's okay, right?
Not really. Looking down while riding—or even from a stopped position when you're just getting going—is one reason cyclists sometimes wobble into traffic or drop off the back of a group, says Bicyclingmechanic Mike Yozell. As with texting while driving, taking your eyes off the road or trail even for a second can be enough to put yourself and others in harm's way. Rather than turn your focus to the ground and away from what's ahead, continue rolling with the cranks turning and your feet resting on the pedals. Eventually your cleats will find their way in. Still not feeling confident? Go to an empty parking lot or a section of road where there's no traffic and practice.
Not really. Looking down while riding—or even from a stopped position when you're just getting going—is one reason cyclists sometimes wobble into traffic or drop off the back of a group, says Bicyclingmechanic Mike Yozell. As with texting while driving, taking your eyes off the road or trail even for a second can be enough to put yourself and others in harm's way. Rather than turn your focus to the ground and away from what's ahead, continue rolling with the cranks turning and your feet resting on the pedals. Eventually your cleats will find their way in. Still not feeling confident? Go to an empty parking lot or a section of road where there's no traffic and practice.
I recently upgraded from an old, heavy mountain bike to a road bike and now feel terrified going downhill. Any suggestions?
Transitioning from the upright position of a hybrid or mountain bike to a more bent-over road posture can be intimidating, but the trade-off will be worthwhile: You'll swap the (relative) comfort and stability of your old bike for agility and speed. First, get a bike fit to make sure you are comfortable in all riding positions. Next, check your tire width. Wider tires make for more predictable steering and can boost your confidence, says Andy Bajadali, a coach with Boulder Junior Cycling, in Colorado. "I recommend 25c or 28c, and run the pressure around 85 to 95 psi." Be aware that brake pads, calipers, levers, and cables can be adjusted for your preference; it's worth asking your mechanic for help. Finally, get out and practice. Always look ahead, eyes scanning the road about 20 feet in front of you so you can spot the best line and make tiny adjustments. Control your speed, and brake before any sharp turns. And spend time with your hands in the lower part of your handlebar (the drops). "It's the best position for stability and steering, and it lowers your center of gravity," Bajadali says.
Transitioning from the upright position of a hybrid or mountain bike to a more bent-over road posture can be intimidating, but the trade-off will be worthwhile: You'll swap the (relative) comfort and stability of your old bike for agility and speed. First, get a bike fit to make sure you are comfortable in all riding positions. Next, check your tire width. Wider tires make for more predictable steering and can boost your confidence, says Andy Bajadali, a coach with Boulder Junior Cycling, in Colorado. "I recommend 25c or 28c, and run the pressure around 85 to 95 psi." Be aware that brake pads, calipers, levers, and cables can be adjusted for your preference; it's worth asking your mechanic for help. Finally, get out and practice. Always look ahead, eyes scanning the road about 20 feet in front of you so you can spot the best line and make tiny adjustments. Control your speed, and brake before any sharp turns. And spend time with your hands in the lower part of your handlebar (the drops). "It's the best position for stability and steering, and it lowers your center of gravity," Bajadali says.
Is the manufacturer's warranty still valid if I buy a used carbon bike?
"A warranty is usually voided when a frame is resold," says Shawn Small, owner of Ruckus Composites, a shop where standard carbon-fiber repairs can cost $350 to $500. In addition, most warranties apply only to defects in materials and workmanship, not to damage caused by a crash or a dropped bike. Given that there are so many deals on used bikes online, know the risks before you buy. A small impact can crack a carbon-fiber frame without damaging the paint, making it hard to spot a problem. Small suggests an in-person inspection of the frame and fork to look for paint cracks or irregularities. If anything is taped over, ask to see underneath. Scope the chainstays for damage caused by a jammed chain, and don't overlook carbon steerer tubes. "We've seen a few cracked, overclamped, and too-short tubes," Small says.
"A warranty is usually voided when a frame is resold," says Shawn Small, owner of Ruckus Composites, a shop where standard carbon-fiber repairs can cost $350 to $500. In addition, most warranties apply only to defects in materials and workmanship, not to damage caused by a crash or a dropped bike. Given that there are so many deals on used bikes online, know the risks before you buy. A small impact can crack a carbon-fiber frame without damaging the paint, making it hard to spot a problem. Small suggests an in-person inspection of the frame and fork to look for paint cracks or irregularities. If anything is taped over, ask to see underneath. Scope the chainstays for damage caused by a jammed chain, and don't overlook carbon steerer tubes. "We've seen a few cracked, overclamped, and too-short tubes," Small says.
How can I stop my disc brakes from squealing?
Always break in new disc brakes properly before your first ride. Here's how: Head to an empty parking lot and make 20 moderate-speed stops and a dozen or so stops at high speed. Then allow the brakes to cool before you start pedaling again. When disc brakes squeal after they're broken in, it's usually because of contamination by chain grease, oil from your fingers, or some other foreign substance, explains Nick Murdick, technical training coordinator for Shimano. Clean your rotors and replace the brake pads. Murdick's routine: Wet rotors thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, fold a clean paper shop towel, pinch it around the rotor, and wipe it dry in one pass. Use a fresh part of the towel (or a new one) for every swipe.
Always break in new disc brakes properly before your first ride. Here's how: Head to an empty parking lot and make 20 moderate-speed stops and a dozen or so stops at high speed. Then allow the brakes to cool before you start pedaling again. When disc brakes squeal after they're broken in, it's usually because of contamination by chain grease, oil from your fingers, or some other foreign substance, explains Nick Murdick, technical training coordinator for Shimano. Clean your rotors and replace the brake pads. Murdick's routine: Wet rotors thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, fold a clean paper shop towel, pinch it around the rotor, and wipe it dry in one pass. Use a fresh part of the towel (or a new one) for every swipe.
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