Rode the big gray bike to work today. In spite of the faintest, unexpected drizzle, which thankfully cleared up.
I got a bit overwarm on the big mother of a hill on the way in and had to stop and pack my overlarge parka into my rack bag (which is gray, like the tires). But other than that it was a decent little 2.3 mile trip.
Riding home was actually fun. It is mostly downhill, so I coasted a lot. After slogging around on battery-laden Black Bike for so long, I was surprized at how light and responsive Greybike is. I was really flying (but not up That Awful Hill). I continually refine my route, and found some main streets that were fairly deserted even in the heart of rush hour.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I love reading about your biking exploits. My road Gary Fisher got stolen, so I am in the market for a new one.
I wanted to ask your opinion what I should get. I want to spend a few hundred dollars and would use it primarily for urban transport and errands. Any input is appreciated!
Hey "Red." I will be happy to dispense advice but have not bought a bike in ten years. I bought Greybike (Specialized Hard Rock FS) in 1998 on sale for $360. You can probably get an entry level bike from a real bike shop for about the same.
Don't get a department store bike because the components will be break and will be expensive to fix. Reserve at least $100 for accessories like lights, helmet, lock, etc.
If I were shopping I would look into the next level up, which for Specialized I think would be the Rockhopper.
The main thing is to know what kind of bike you want, mountain, hybrid, road, tricky bike, etc. Think about where you will be riding, and will you ever want to put front racks on it.
One thing that has bugged me with mine has been the U-brakes; they are moderately annoying to adjust. They can't be upgraded on mine either.
Of course you will want one that looks good and reflects your personal sense of taste and refinement. I saw a gray Specialized and fell in love but it was a couple of years before I could actually get one, and we have been happy together ever since.
Finally, if you have the means, it might be wise to get options like shocks included, because that stuff costs much more à la carte.
Finally, part two, everything add to your bike should be treated as a matter of life an death, esp. if you ride in traffic on on perilous mountain passes. If some cheapass light falls apart and distracts you, or something gets stuck in your wheel, you could fall over and bust your head or get run over. So be careful. Happy cycling!
Post a Comment