Commuting - Back on the road again...

oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!

Today I finally was able to ride in to work again after my bike->car accident on April 30th. The new bike (Trek 5200 http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/images/road/bikes/5200_photo.jpg ) rode great, and even though I rode in to rain, it was a great ride.

Although I can tell that I'm really our of shape, I managed to sit through the whole ride, as the 12-23 & 39-53 made it possible for my out-of-shape body to handle the hills with ease. Well. Maybe not with ease, but I didn't have to huff and puff too hard.

Now I just have to get the evil insurance company to shell out the money that they owe me. <frown>

ride safely,
Tom

Tom,
Glad you're back in the saddle. Nice bike!
Raymond

oh, it is...it is...

It's not got the brag factor, but it just rides nice. Now, gotta get the motor into shape (or maybe out of the shape it's in NOW)

cheers,
Tom

Congratulations on the recovery and the new bike! :) How long is your commute?

Originally posted by mechBgon
Congratulations on the recovery and the new bike! :) How long is your commute?
Mech, from the looks of his bike, I'd say his commute is going to get longer and longer.

Distance-wise, at least ;)

Can I have one too?:)

CHEERS.

Mark

Well...as to the length of my commute, it's only 21 miles RT (35 km), but as I've been having motor difficulties, it's been taking me longer than normal (35-38 minutes) to do the trip.

I AM hopeful, however, that the prerequisite tune-up work will occur, and then the times can sink down to the desireable 28-33 minute time limit.

On the other hand, I gotta agree...I wanna ride more. Once I get a few miles/km into my legs, (not to mention butt!) I'm going to lengthen the commute, especially AFTER work.

Now...just gotta get the kiddie extension on the tandem so I can whip my kiddos into shape again! I had one special ordered, and never got around to installing it before I got nailed.

Gotta get those speedplays setup...not only that, but I am having problems getting the shifting of the Ultrega shifters into my crebellum. Especially the front derailleur is giving me grief. *sigh*

I'm also on the look-out for a nice bike computer (wireless) Any opinions?

On another note...watched "Breaking Away" again last night...what a great flick. Made me wish (just a little) that I had a Masi equipped with Campy NR. Ah well.

Ride safely,
Tom

Originally posted by Tom_The_Bikeman
oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!

Today I finally was able to ride in to work again after my bike->car accident on April 30th. The new bike (Trek 5200 http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/images/road/bikes/5200_photo.jpg ) rode great, and even though I rode in to rain, it was a great ride.

Although I can tell that I'm really our of shape, I managed to sit through the whole ride, as the 12-23 & 39-53 made it possible for my out-of-shape body to handle the hills with ease. Well. Maybe not with ease, but I didn't have to huff and puff too hard.

Now I just have to get the evil insurance company to shell out the money that they owe me. <frown>

ride safely,
Tom

I bought the same bike (different paint job):

http://projectone.trekbikes.com/images/paint/heritage_panel_lg.jpg

this year, and I'm absolutely LOVING life on this steed!!!! If you consider the cash outlay an (cough) investment in yourself, and not an expense, it's easily rationalized! :D

considering I put more miles/km on the bike than we do on the car, it's an investment. Not considering the health/sanity/faith benefits that come along with riding the bike.

And if THAT isn't enough, it gives my collegues something to talk about. <g>

cheers,
Tom

Originally posted by Tom_The_Bikeman

Now...just gotta get the kiddie extension on the tandem so I can whip my kiddos into shape again! I had one special ordered, and never got around to installing it before I got nailed.


I'm also on the look-out for a nice bike computer (wireless) Any opinions?



Hello Tom, about that kiddie extention you mention, what is that? Is it a trailer for one kid to ride behind you like a linked tandem? I wonder because I was interested in buying one my self, but coulden´t find any seconhand, so I guess it has to wait til next summer. How do they ride?

As for computers i run a Sigma, but have to change it because the display is fading (it´s about five years old). I can recommend Sigma. My next one will be Sigma again.

Regards
Anders K

Originally posted by Tom_The_Bikeman
I'm also on the look-out for a nice bike computer (wireless) Any opinions?

I ordered a wireless Shimanno Flightdeck for my 5200 - if you're not familiar (as I wasn't), this computer integrates with your STI shifters and gives information such as virtual cadence and current gear selection.

With any luck, it will arrive by next week. If you're interested, I'll shoot you a review after I get a few miles on it!

Beautiful bike. I have the 2001 version in the silver paint scheme with Rolf wheels. My usual commute bike is in the shop so I've been riding the Trek to work.

Strangely enough, I too find myself looking for ways to lengthen my commute. :D

Hi Anders,

You wrote:

Hello Tom, about that kiddie extention you mention, what is that? Is it a trailer for one kid to ride behind you like a linked tandem? I wonder because I was interested in buying one my self, but coulden´t find any seconhand, so I guess it has to wait til next summer. How do they ride?

Notice my Icon? It's my family on a CounterPoint Opus IV (wife & me) a Addams Ultimate Tandem (extension, Miriam & Raffael) and tail gunner Neomi in a Burley trailer. You can see more pictures of our train over at http://www.nettworks.ch/tt/tandem.html

The tandem bike is a bit squirley with riders who don't ride well. The Burley as a drag helped the stability quite a bit. The length of the tandem in front didn't hurt either.

The kiddie extension that *I* was refering to was a reduction of the boom length in order for my children to stoke the CounterPoint.

Thanks for the Sigma comments!

Three days in a row now! Yipee!!!
Tom

Tom, nice pics. Wow what a set up you got there!

Anders