I had a little spill today taking a turn too fast while pedaling (it caught in the pavement). I didn't break my ass, but I broke my nice new-to-me seat, the nicest part on the bike. This is why steel frames are good for commuter bikes.
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I had a little spill today taking a turn too fast while pedaling (it caught in the pavement). I didn't break my ass, but I broke my nice new-to-me seat, the nicest part on the bike. This is why steel frames are good for commuter bikes.
Could have been a lot worse. Trust me. Physical Therapy sucks.
Borrowed one of the school's mountain bikes and spent about an hour on their trails today. I had a blast; a fresh change after always riding on pavement. I definitely don't need yet another hobby, though.
Edit: And I just fixed my seat that was damaged on Tuesday's spill. I at least have the small satisfaction that if my bike is ever stolen, every part is a little messed up in some way.
So, another question: any opinions on the smaller "folding" types of bikes, such as this? I love the style of them (wanted to get one while I was in Japan, but didn't end up doing so), and also would be able to justify spending more on one as I could take it more places and easily pack it if I move. But, I'm not sure how good they really are for more than quick trips around the block or whatnot.
Anybody own one / rode one enough to have opinions?
It's pretty cute, boshi. If you think you'll love it, a folding bike would be fun, just don't buy a bike that you'll end up selling at a yard sale in 10 years after you realize you haven't ridden it in 9 and a half.
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=221 <- These guys know what they're talking about.
i used to post on the fixie/single speed forum, but they're really rude elitist jerks, even more so than TNL
They are pretty sweet, and the advantages to them are obvious (easy to take with you, don't take up much space). They seem to be becoming more of a trend lately, too, so if you want one, now is the time to get it. IMO, the best ones are the old French military folding bikes, but I don't see those very often anymore. If you're actually looking to commute on it, or to get exercise, I'd still recommend a standard frame just because the larger wheel size is more comfortable and efficient. The other downside is simply that the nature of a folding frame isn't as rugged or rigid, obviously, as the folding sections create weak points.
By the way, there were like 3 really nice ones at my local bike shop last time I was there, and I remember them having good prices. I'll check and see if they're still there in the next couple of days.
After destroying a few backpacks and a cheap over the shoulder bag over the past few years, I broke down and ordered the stereotypical messenger wannabe bag. $61 and free shipping for the black one in medium, and they are supposedly very well made and comfortable. I would prefer a lefty version, but no way am I spending over $100 buying from the manufacturer.
Well, so, I'd say my wanting of a bike is about 30% transportation, 70% getting me outside and getting some exercise. One of my concerns was, indeed, being smaller they might not be as comfortable or versatile as your typical bike. But, like I said, mentally I can justify spending more on one of those than I could a regular bike.
Hmm. Maybe I'll see if I can find one to try and see what I think.
I'd say it's 3% transportation, 7% exercise, and 90% you wanting to buy something cute and funky instead of reasonable and useful because you're a woman.
The ONLY reason to have a folding bike is so that you can take it on a train during peak hours.
It would be 100% DUMB for anything else.
The only reason to have anything is because you enjoy it. If you think having a cute folding bike will make you actually ride the fucking thing, get it. You can make up for the small wheels with an aggressive gear ratio. Just make sure you have a steel frame and a sprung saddle because bumps will hurt.
...your vagina.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
it should only be ass and spine hurt unless you're riding on your labia. do you sit on your balls when you ride a bike?
I sit on your balls when I ride a bike.
You're not on them if they're already in your butt hole.
How can you be sure?
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1260981460
Better be sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1260981531
So you bump a thread after a month and a half for a retort.
And that is not a bicycle.
no. But it is the stupidest fucking thing I've seen today.
That reminds me, I need to go look at people of walmart.com
SO HOOO IS BIKING THROUGH THE WINTER? WOOOO SNOW BIKE!
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...1069633721.jpg
NO FENDERS BECAUSE OF FAT TIRES. AND FENDERS ARE FOR THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK!
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...1069670454.jpg
STUDDED TIRES FOR ICE GRIPPIN' ACTION!
They hold on really well! Slush that's been mixed with sand and whatever garbage is on the wheels of cars is tough to get through, but a few inches of snow, frozen snow, and ice patches are no problem.
the cold doesn't really get bad until it's below 10F, then it's awful. You're still going to be sweating if you're dressed warmly enough to not get frostbite, and shoes that fit my toe clips are not warm at all. 4 pairs of socks with one of those pairs being wool socks, and toe warmers are not enough. Balaclavas just get condensation all over your face no matter how hard you try to breathe through the little mesh part.
Are you riding it fixed? If so, studded tires, fixed gear, and the snow is Bicycle Enlightenment.
How do you like riding with cages? They may look cheezy, but I hear that POWER GRIPS are a good compromise between cages and clipless. Supposedly they are easier to get your feet out of than pedal cages, without the shoes required by clipless.
Yeah, i've heard good things about Power Grips. I'll get a pair if it gets too cold for my normal shoes again, otherwise clips are the best. I couldn't ride without them now.
Riding fixie on snow is the best!
I want to winter bike but I don't want to trash my FX. Might pick up a cheap mountain bike to put studded tires on if I can find one cheap.
So bumpity bump...
Figured it was time to upgrade to something with an aluminum frame.
Trek 7000, another craiglist find, barely riden, the guy spent a lot of money upgrading it too, has Carbon Fiber bars, and what I was told by someone else, very expensive 32 spoke wheels. Shimano Demore rapid fire shifters, but they werent shifting through all the gears when I looked at it so I talked the guy down to $300. He just wanted rid of it.
Pulled the cables off, shot some lube into the cable entry area, and it freed up the shifter, so it now shifts perfectly.
Took it for a spin on the trails today...
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1265602718
Still some snow on the trail so it was sketchy going up inclines, but it was a nice ride. Cant wait for it stay light out when I get out of work...
Dang, nice find.
There is an 80's model schwinn SPRINT 10 in tupelo for 65 bucks and I need a new bike. Please tell me why I shouldn't get it. Other than fixies make your dick bigger.
I need comments today. I may be in tupelo to buy it later in the evening
If you plan on riding it a lot, you're going to need to change those tires, and it looks like there's a little rust on the cogset, but the teeth look like the bike's been barely ridden. Take it for a ride and try the brakes, changing gears. If it's smooth, it might be a good buy, if not, you're going to have some repair work.
Check the chain, make sure the links pivot freely. It looks like it could use some lube.
And those tires are dooooooooooooooooooooone.
how much do new tires cost? It looks to me like they have been making the sprint for over 50 years. Are the tires a standard size?
oh google, here we come
If you want to do it yourself, maybe $50 for the pair plus $5 for some tire levers and then you have to deal with trying to put them on yourself which can be a gigantic pain in the ass especially if it's your first time.
You'd probably spend about $75 if you just took them directly to the shop and used their tires.
I may just take it to a local shop. We have at least two. I'll still come out ahead. A new bike at a shop is like 500 min. And that is for a mountain bike. Which I don't want. Walmart bikes are a 100, but they are shit. They are all multi speeds with plastic parts that break and wear out.
You could get new tires for around $20/a piece if you look, and changing a bike tire is easy. You're an engineer, you could figure it out. If you go for it, get the thick plastic tire levers over cheap ones or metal ones.
Chains are cheap as shit. I'd just replace it over lubing it. I replace my chain way too often (once every other month, around 400-500 miles), but it's $8 a chain so it's worth it.
Yeah, especially tires like that, I doubt you would even need levers. Just pull on one end, once you get it over the lip, the rest will peel right off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
I got it. I'm pretty impressed with it.
Googling it has been a bit of a buzz kill. Apparently the 80's ones were made in Taiwan by Giant and a couple online guys think they are shit.
And a lot of guys turn them into fixies. What the fuck is the trend with that? Why not just put the bike in a gear you like and leave it? It isn't like this is a cheap walmart bike. All the shifting parts are cool looking metal.
I like it and the net can eat my butt.
EDIT: I mean look at this dickheaded shit
Here is a restored sprint 10. I mean seriously, they aren't the dog shit that a lot of forum goers claim it isQuote:
I agree with Kerry but I'll just add a bit more.
That Schwinn Sprint wasn't even a good bike when it was new. Every manufacturer needs to have something as their least expensive model and Schwinn at the time was trying to have a line that could compete with big discounters selling toy quality products marketed as "Bicycles". But bike dealers had (and still do have) larger overheads than the big discounters plus they assemble, service and warranty their products which costs a lot of money.
Bottom line is that your bike was bottom of the barrel when it was new and bike quality and function have improved by leaps and bounds since then. Plus steel rims with bad chrome=brakes that will not work safely.
You need a different bike.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rFnXZUx3Bw...h/DSCF0050.jpg
there is an insane amount of douchebaggery in the bike world. If you like it, ride it.
It not like you paid thousands for the thing.
I don't even want to start on "fixies"
I'm going to hit up the two bike shops in town to look for breaks. The ones on it squeak and scream. Yeah, they're gone. I'll probably bring the front tire with me so they give me an estimate.
What do you guys do to clean your bikes? Anything special I should do for the solid metal parts?
New tires are $15-50 a pop, depending on what you want. Expect $25. Very easy to do yourself, even I can. Never used any special tools, just a screwdriver.
I have a Giant mountain bike, about eight years old now, still looks pristine. Granted I haven't ridden in much over the last six years. But it's a quality bike, I wouldn't worry about your Schwinn being built by them.
And I clean my bike with rain.
I got the front tire replaced. It was 15 plus $4 labor. I could have probably did it myself, but I thought 4 was a pretty good price that was worth saving me the time, plus I wanted to get an idea of what kind of quality work the guy did. I got new brake pads too, and put those on myself.
It was an interesting shop, full of bikes. I think it was the owner who did the work. Odd but nice man.
The other bike shop kind of sucked. Felt like a chain. Had a handful of really expensive bikes and really expensive gear. Lol at $1200 being a closeout price.
I don't really understand modern bikes. So many of them don't look fun. They look all big and stupid.
Maintain this attitude. My friend found one of these once (honestly looked like the same exact bike, rotted tires and all) and I did a very quick and dirty setup on it for him. I liked it a bit. No, it's not the best bike you can get, but then again, you weren't in the market for an Allez or IF frame. Ride the shit out of it, and when you're ready, sink a few bones or some time into something better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
This. You will drive yourself mad if you begin by listening to bike fetishists who are more interested in spending money and being snobs on the web than actually riding. Think of it as a parallel to our gaming forum- there is a lot you can learn, but you have to go into it knowing enough to separate wheat from chaff. And you get that from DOING it, not bitching on a forum.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildkat
Bring the whole bike. Let a mechanic look it over. Clean your frame with Green Soap (they'll have it at the shop) and your rims with 50/50 alcohol and water. You can clean your drive train with dish soap and water, let it dry overnight and relube the chain in the morning.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
No. Do not do this.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
Stick with it. You'll get there. Although, I prefer '80's bikes too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
I blame walmart for not liking bikes with a large frame or frames that use large diameter tubing. I've gotten two "mountain" bikes from walmart in the past 10 years and they both turned to shit. In that regard I can understand why people go to fixies. It is really easy to get burned on a multi-speed bike from walmart. They get ghost shifting in a couple of months (if not weeks).
Oh, two questions:
1. What are some good online retailers for aftermarket parts? I don't mind paying more for something made in an industrialized non communist country. I'm looking for a front and back light. And a good helmet.
2. what is a good helmet brand?
Any helmet is fine. The cheapest one will protect your head as well as the most expensive. Get what will feel comfortable in hot weather. I prefer Bell Furio helmets.
As for safety lights, I'm in love with the Spok lights: http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3042_1.html. You can get the front and rear set for like 18 bucks in a brick and mortar shop. Hit me up if you can't find 'em locally, I can probably ship them for less than they'll cost online.
I got one of these. I like that it was relatively cheap ($60ish) and is very small, reducing the dork level of wearing a bicycle helmet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasteel
Ebay is a great online bike shop.
I bought a chainwheel and a crank from http://www.treefortbikes.com/ and they had a great price, great communication, and fast shipping. I don't know what else they sell.
In defense of fixies; you either like them or you don't. If you haven't ridden one, you won't understand the appeal. It's not snobbery, it's that you really don't know how they ride.
The worst thing about fixies isn't the jack asses who ride them, there's plenty of those too, it's the tools that have never ridden one and think they know why no one else should.
Also Giant is a great brand.
I've been looking on ebay. I want an old chrome one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
Riding around Vancouver, I've seen people walking their fixed gear bikes up hills because it's too hard and walking them down hills because they can't safely break. It also sounds like they require frequent tinkering and high-end parts to perform acceptably. I'm sure they can be fun (as can most any bike), but they're a tough sell in terms of practicality.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
The people who can't ride up and down hills on fixies need exercise and a front brake or they need to take the bus and not ride fixies.
They don't require tinkering or high end parts. The only requirements fixies need beyond a "normal" bike is horizontal drop-outs (or some half-links and extreme patience), and a fixed hub with a fixed cog, which together you can get for around $45, and can get a full wheel for less than $100 if you look.
The Chris King headsets, Phil Woods hubs, Deep V's, and Sugino 75's are all as necessary on fixed gears as they are on any other bike. It's fun to have bike bling, but that's all they really are.
The tinkering is getting your chainline straight (which might require a $25 wheel adjustment), and the rest is regular maintenance you should be doing with any bike; watching your chainwheel teeth, keeping your chain oiled, replacing your chain every 1,000 miles or so, keeping mud off your bike. Besides that, there's no deraileurs to worry about, no stretching wires to replace, no shifters to wear out.
Fixies have an undeserved bad reputation because of the stereotype of people who ride them. I don't even see those people in Denver, because really, there aren't many flat roads around here.
What's with the defense of "if a hill is challenging you're out of shape" that fixie people give so much? You act like gears aren't practical or something. Why don't you go change your ratio so that it's nearly impossible to go up any incline without steroid calves then?
Plllft. Both have awesome perks. The ME VERSUS THEM mentality and "you're fat" "no you're a hipster" war is idiotic.
What's with you and reading comprehension? Did you have any or do you just like to be a bitch about EVERYTHING?
I hear a lot more elitism from non-fixed riders than those who do enjoy them. I find them interesting because they reduce a bicycle to its most basic elements. When approached from an ideological rather than a practical standpoint, they make much more sense. Here is a parallel: A modern minivan is faster in every way than a classic Porsche. Does that mean that the Odyssey is a better sports car?
Yeah, sorry for the harshness, but i read/hear a lot more "Who would ever ride a fixie because that's stupid?" than "Everyone who doesn't ride a fixie sucks!" (which is something i actually have never heard). It's tiring to hear all the time because it comes from people who have never actually ridden a fixie.
Fixie people usually love their bikes, it's a good thing to do! Everyone should love his or her bike!
Maybe the critics are just a bit jealous that their previously uncool peers are now getting all of the attention (resulting in a new type of derision). But what do I know; I shop at American Apparel.
I know this isn't a whole lot to go on information-wise, but there's a person here in the complex that I live in who is selling this bike for $50. It would basically be a step to getting back into the habit of riding period, which if I did I could then maybe look for a new bike of a higher quality level.
Any thoughts?
The only thing I don't really get about fixies are people who take vintage bikes and gut them. Worse yet, paint over them in something like neon green paint.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tones
Every generation does this to SOMETHING and they always regret it. Thousands of priceless 50's, 60s, and 70's American Guitars were butchered in the 80's to make "shred" machines that reflect the "musician." Bodies were completely ruined by being routed to take a Floyd rose bridge. And I have never met anyone with one of these guitars that did not regret it.
I don't know how it is in Cali, but Mongoose is a Walmart brand here.Quote:
Originally Posted by shidoshi
Those bikes are typically heavier than all the alternatives. The brake wires will rust and break. And a lot of the parts that change gears are plastic and will break down.
If you get it you will have to keep it inside, or it will be dead by the end of the year.
And 50 isn't a huge deal. That bike probably cost 200 tops. Mostly 100 or 150 new.
Vintage bikes are used because they are cheap and available, and the same likely applied with your guitar example. A decade or two down the line, those shred guitars will likely garner an appreciation on their own as aging adults fondly recall their adolescent relationship with music.
you're talking out your ass.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tones
Okay let me quote then, no comprehension required!Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
Are you not implying that if you can't ride a fixed gear on a hill then you're out of shape/shouldn't be on a bicycle?Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
I get the preferring a feel of a fixed gear. It's definitely a different way to ride, and it has a place. I do not get the angry gear riders "omg fixies are so lame" and fixed-gear riders "omg you don't GET fixies" and whatnot. It seems extremely rare to find someone that admits a preference without defacing the other type of bicycle. I'm not saying you're a hipster retard that can't stand gears and wants them all to burn in hell or anything, but you've repeatedly done the part where you state (perhaps jokingly, because text sarcasm doesn't work for me) that people are out of shape if fixed gears don't work for them.
What i said is that people on FIXIES don't need to be riding FIXIES if they're going to walk them instead of riding them. There was nothing about people not being able to ride bikes, because, as we all know, riding a bike is a sedentary activity. Any fucking fatty can ride a bike, it takes a REAL MAN to ride a fixed gear bicycle. I believe i've said and implied that in every post in this thread.
Or, no, maybe i've been saying that everyone going "OMG WIND" "OMG HILLS" "OMG YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH BOTH, I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE FIXIE TREND!" should shut the hell up and ride around on motorized couches if he or she is going to be an ass hole about it.
Complete fixie bikes are available for cheaper than having a wheelset built. I don't think you'll see that so much now that there's an actual market for fixies.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
Also, Boshi, can't tell much from the picture. Looks okay, but you really can't see the teeth on the chainwheel and cogs. If they look clean, the bike will work, if they're worn down the chain's not going to hold and it'll suck. You could probably find a nicer bike for the same price on Craigslist.
Ride it around a little bit and switch through the gears, try out the brakes, etc. Someone else here would probably be able to judge it better than i can.
This may show my bike ignorance, but I've always wondered this: Why do people put the bike saddle up past the handle bars by 5 inchs?
I don't like having a saddle set higher than the distance that I can put at least one leg on the ground. And yet I get on friend's bikes and my feet hang about 5-7 inches off the ground.
just do it like this
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto...-main_Full.jpg
If you use your bike regularly you'll be more comfortable with a higher seat. When it's low, your knees bend more and after a while it'll get pretty painful.
You're not supposed to be able to reach the ground flat-footed. You'll be more stable at stops if you learn to ride the pedals up and down like and it'll help you a lot in the long run! It's different, but it's not hard to get used to doing.
I had no idea there were fixie/no fixie wars going on between bike enthusiast. People will find any fucking thing to argue about.
Except about you
I might have short legs. My legs are straight with my foot on the pedal when I have the saddle level with the handle bars. And even with the saddle level with the handle bars, my feet are not flat with the ground. The bike is at a 60 degree angel with the ground and I'm on my tip toes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
There isn't one. Bike enthusiasts don't give a shit what you ride as long as you're not a dick about it. It's everyone else who can't shut up about what they think they know.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rated E
How's that for snide elitism?
pretty smooth. Being elitist about not being elitist.
It might just be the right position for you on that bike! You don't have to have your ass way up in the air to ride a bike, you just need to have a comfortable riding position.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
This may help!
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html
It is a good read!
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/p...&pictureid=836Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
I like my seat set up high for a few reasons. It takes a lot of weight off of the seat, which prevents my butt from getting sore after a long ride. It also feels like I am using my leg motion more efficiently. When getting out of the saddle to pedal, it's nice to have a shorter distance in between sitting and standing. It does feel weird at first.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
And for those who did not see it on Facebook, here's a recent picture of my bike. It was taken the night I took my beer ride around town; Those are so much fun!
Click for full size
Nice!
Someone made a YouTube video about how to mount and dismount a bicycle? What the fu...
It helps when you figure out that you're not supposed to ride your bike with the seat resting on the top tube. Good for you for knowing before anyone else, cowboy.
Where is this youtube video?
It might be in this very thread.
I don't know why it wasn't showing up earlier.
I've never thought to get on a bike like that.
15 Miles yesterday
11 Today.
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1267991049
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1267991049
nearly 60 degrees out, but its still winter in the woods.
Sorry to be late to the party here, but I'd advise you not spend a cent on that bike. It's junk made of cheap alloys that will bend under normal riding conditions.Quote:
Originally Posted by shidoshi
Not quite the same. Nothing is 'gutted' in this case. Old parts are replaced (hubs, etc) on old frames that 9/10 times were beyond salvage anyway. It's not like the bike couldn't be built back up in the same (often worthless) configuration if desired.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
That sounds about right. You should just barely be able to toe the ground upright in the saddle if at all. Have your mechanic size you out and adjust your saddle, sweep. etc. My general rule is: err too small for short rides for added control, but err too tall for any distance for the sake of your knees and back.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
Exactly. Everyone I've ever met who's been all "fixies are trendy hipster shit blah blah" have all been sitting around fat-assed inhaling Doritos and cigarettes and probably couldn't make it up that hill with 50 gears- but they wouldn't know either way, because they've never even tried a fixie and the last time they rode at all was in fading memories.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
This is not to say they're for everyone (I don't much care for them) or everywhere. But they're great for getting around flat urban areas (like the majority of U.S. cities) and ideal for inclement weather, plus they're cheaper to build up and much easier to maintain. It's funny that none of their critics ever cite their far bigger disadvantage- the stress they put on the rider's knees and ankles.
Having logged a few miles now on my Trek 7000...
HOLY FUCK does a having a nice light bike make a huge difference.
Scored an almost complete Disc brake conversion for it too this weekend. Levers, Calipers, Cables and front rotor all for free off a wrecked Gary Fisher for free...
Need to locate the rear bracket to fit the rear caliper to the trek mounting holes, and a rear rotor, and the bolts for the front rotor.
I haven't posted a picture of my bike, I should it's pretty awesome. Got it for $80 from a co-worker because it was too short for him.
I've thought about getting a fixie, because I hate having to coast and it'd be a better work out. Also I've secretly loosened all the bolts iin Finch's bike!
What? That's a new one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Thief Silver
I ride my bike in part for the exercise, coasting makes me feel lazy and is essentially no gain to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
It was more the idea that you have to coast.
You can't imagine the fact I could go down a hill way too fast for the lower gears to do anything, and the heavy gears would make me go way faster than safe?
The alternative seems silly. But whatever.
You can get a good work out on any bike if you put some thought into your route.
Click for full size
I love ebay.
I mean like I ride it to a store or something.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fe 26
Got out of work a little early last night, so i had a few hours of daylight to play with.
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1268318454
The levers that came with disc brake parts were cross threaded to hell, so I ended up using my own, which is fine, as I liked them better and really didnt feel like pulling the grips off, but the adapter bracket for the rear caliper didnt come in yet either, so I did just the front.
Its weird going to disc. The braking feels worse at first, but then you notice its because its more more like a car...You slow down, not so the slam-the-tire-stop like you do with rim brakes. It could all be placebo, but to me, it felt like the front rode a lot smoother too.
The real improvement should be in the rough stuff, where the disk will less likely be wet/muddy/covered in goo than the rim.
Try to do stoppies. Stoppies are the best.
I got a bike!
It's the one in the picture in my last post. Yeah, I'm sure all of you bike experts look at it and are all "LOL newb bike!", but this is the first bike I've had in probably at least 15 years, and I see it as a step to getting back to riding. I can't believe how much joy I got from riding again - I had forgotten how fun it is to ride, and feel the freedom of zipping around like that.
So, I'm excited! I can't wait to really get out and give it a try. I will say, though, that having never ridden a bike with shocks, it's really weird at first. Almost feels to me like I'm riding on a flat tire.
Just finished my first ride on my new bike! Roughly 4.5 miles or so, which isn't a lot, but hey, I'm just getting started again. My feeling right now is that I'm ready to get back out there and ride some more - something very positive for me, because I have trouble getting horribly bored from exercise.
Basically, take the "I forgot how fun it is to ride" comment from my last post, and double it.
Yep, I never used to exercise until the past year, now I am constantly looking for chances to get out and ride. Its addicitive.
3 adapters late and I still don't have my rear disc brakes working yet. Goddamn Trek mast have used 10 different caliper mounts pre-2005.
I forgot that my panniers aren't waterproof today. Figured for the ride to campus in rain, I'd be okay.
Whoops and hello soggy notebook! :| At least it was fun.