Introductions - lillypad

Hi all out there. I just found your website and find it quite interesting. I am from a little town called Oak Hill, WV about 60 miles south of Charleston. I have gone to primarily riding my new road bike, a Gunnar Roadie. I have been into serious cycling ever since I got out of high school, which is now approaching 20 years, man how time flies. I teach chemistry and physics at the high school level and really enjoy getting students off to a good start in their college-level studies. I have made one cross-country trek with America by Bicycle and I am planning on doing another one soon. I really like long-distance road cycling and usually try to get in about 10 organized century rides every year once the weather becomes cooperative. I am interested in getting into some of your forum conversations as I have many questions as well as answers that I believe that I could provide through my experience with cycling as well as my studies in chemistry and exercise physiology.

Welcome fellow newbie! I'm from the opposite end of the spectrum. I have not owned a bike since I was a kid in the 50's and 60's. Motorized toys infected my free-time but I've really started to catch the bug and have been getting to be a pest at my LBS. I'm seriously shopping for the right bike and have it narrowed down....some. I chose my bike shop first so that means it will be a Trek. After that choice, I thought I needed a hybred and got serious about a 7300 but after doing a lot more research and countless hours on the forums, I've moved on to the Pilot series although I might still consider a FX model. (weather here in Ia hasn't allowed any test rides yet) I'm looking hard at the Pilot 1.2, 2.1 and 2.1 s.p.a. My riding will be mostly recreational 10 to 50 mile rides but will be doing a ride of aprox. 500 miles in 7 days next July and I can't rule out hills, including perhaps taking it with me to Colorado each June when we vacation there. The 2.1 spa looks like a nice fit for me and a good componant package but I'd probably be alright with the 1.2 or 2.1 also. I'd welcome opinions on the hardcase tire standard on the 1.2. I'm lookin for all the free advice I can glean here!

Welcome to you both!

You might also want to considerable a racing bike with a triple crank. These are one of the best inventions they have come up with in a long time. You get the light weight and efficiency of a racing bike with the wide range of gearing that you could only get in a heavier "touring" or mountain bike in the not so distant past. You can also add a handlebar bag or one of the new clamp-on rear racks depending on how much gear you will be taking with you anytime that you decide to go on a longer tour. Good luck in finding yourself a good bike in whatever final choice you make.

-Lillypad

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