A couple weeks after riding the bike rented for Acworth, I realized it was too small for my frame. Given my degree of nervousness, I didn’t want to make any additional changes to my game plan and decided to use it. I have since returned the bike, borrowed a bike closer to my frame for a few weeks, then purchased a Specialized Allez bike from my local bike store [lbs]. I am 6’ with a 34” inseam. I’ve had the Specialized bike for 1 week and have ridden it a few times to become familiar with the gear shifting and overall feel. I love it.
Mike from the bike store tried to get me to have the clip-in pedals installed. I smiled and said ‘give me a couple months to learn to ride the bike. I promise to bring it in so the clip-in pedals can be installed. Pinky promise!! He assured me they’d install them free of charge.
I currently own shoes and pedals from spin class. I’ve also fallen a few times with them. That slow motion feeling of ‘Oh No, I’m falling’ has to be one of the weirdest feelings. Dear hubby fulfilled my requests and installed them on my hybrid bike last year when I was feeling adventurous. I assured him they couldn’t be too hard to learn to use. He stood by helplessly as I tipped over. He is such a good sport..always there to pick me up when I need that extra bit of support. When my feelings are no longer raw, we usually have a good laugh about my antics.
I’ve since learned and accepted that everyone falls with clip-ins. It’s a rite of passage of sorts. So, I’ll look forward to mine in a month or two.
Update: I purchased the trainer in December as a reward.
