Just wanted to post an update for my Tri bike search.
I decided to go used, figured I could get better band for the buck.
I chose...






Cervelo P3


Won't be buying any watches for a while.

 

I hope the recovery is going well for you, @Wetworks

That was my thinking, too, but then I seem to forget that I'm not 30 yo anymore when I'm on my MTB... I crashed a few weeks ago, and cracked a couple of ribs because I was going too fast for my geriatricly impaired ability on a rooted downhill ...

So today, it was back to the road bike for me.

I borrowed my brothers early 1980s Italian racing bike, and took advantage of the beautiful weather:

 

Thanks @dougiedude, I'm getting there. More sore than anything else, hoping to give it a go this coming week to see how much fitness I've lost (no doubt tons, lol). Nice pics on the ride!

@Buckeyes#1 congrats on the Cervelo! Couple of guys on my regular route delight in flying past me on those. I'm sure you will love that ride! What's the groupset?

 

@Buckeyes#1 congrats on the Cervelo! Couple of guys on my regular route delight in flying past me on those. I'm sure you will love that ride! What's the groupset?[/QUOTE]

Ultegra.

 

Very nice choice for your first road bike, excellent frame/geometry and the 105 groupset is an amazing bargain for the money, really excellent.

Have you ever wore clipless shoes before?

 

Tips? Yes, sir....unclip well prior to coming to a stop at a sign or a light...don't wait until you're ready to put your foot down at the sign or the light. Don't ask me how I know this!

 

I did the Etape in July.. a good ride !

 

Like Mad Dog said, unclip WAY before you think you need to. Also, you need to identify which leg you want to make your plant foot and which you want to leave clipped in. I always leave my dominant (right) foot on, at the 6 o'clock position, while planting my left. It's the easiest, most coordinated way to get back up to speed from a stop.

Personally, I would recommend having someone put some basic platform pedals on so you first get comfortable simply handling the bike, getting acclimated to riding "in the wild", working on developing things like listening for cars, anticipating lines for turns, etc. Trying to incorporate those things with the nagging knowledge that you are also clipped in may prove not so good. I road platforms my first two seasons before going from a hybrid to my first road bike, and I am a much better rider for it, getting hit by buses notwithstanding.

As for the tires, 25s should be fine. I ride 25s, usually with around 110-112 PSI rear, 90-100 front. I'm same height as you, average 220, give or take 5 lbs for what point of the season it is. Never pinch-flatted once. The 28s will be cushier, make sure the Synapse can handle 30s, especially Contis as I've heard they run wide (I run Schwalbes exclusively).

Speaking of which, learn how to change a flat (and try a practice run) before you actually get one. Also, get yourself a seat bag with the following: spare tube, patch kit, tire boot (or a small denomination of currency), bike multitool, CO2 inflator and cartridge. I also carry a small mini pump on my frame.

As a relative newbie, I can say I totally understand that all this can be overwhelming (and I left out quite a bit), but once you get it down, it's awesome, and absolutely worth it.

 

Wetworks is right with the dominant foot idea.
I stopped too quick, unclipped my left foot, and leaned to the right. Cracked a rib on the curb.
Learned a lesson I never forgot.
Don't be intimidated by them though. Just plan ahead.

 

You'll find out how well you bounce. We all do.....

 

Oh...one more tip...get those wigs busted on your legs...you look like Chewbacca.

Just kidding.

 

Spat my drink out reading this.... Too funny

 

That's a really nice looking ride!!! I have that exact same Selle saddle, you'll love it.