Commuting - Happily suprised

Well, my recumbent had a malfunction that needs attention before I can commute on it again, and I'll be using that down-time to sort of readjust it a bit too. I was dreading going back to a standard bike, because I knew it takes a while to get used to the riding position. I dusted off my $15 garage-sale mountain bike and put on the lights, panniers and Power Grips. I was expecting a harsh adjustment on my hands, neck and butt.

After the first ride, my neck did feel a bit sore and stiff for a few minutes. My butt got sore a few times while riding, too, and my hands had to move around a lot. But that was about all.

What really suprised me was just how great this old machine is. Brakes stop practically on a dime. Pedaling is powerful and sure-footed. Shifting precise. I think it's an excellent commuter. And to think I had left her out in the cold all this time!

I think the only thing I'll do is maybe change the tires to something smoother, narrower, and higher-pressure....

:beer:

(I really appreciate the guy who sold me this old bike, I actually talked him up to $15 from $5!)

...

You just haven't got this haggling thing down yet, have you?

Now you can pop wheelies and do stoppies! Try that on a 'bent! ;)

You can do stoppies on a bent... like, once. Then you don't do them ever again.

Actually, on a tadpole trike it's fun to do, and useful. I can launch myself out of my seat when I'm coming to a stop, that really impresses the ladies! My wife thinks it's wreckless. ;)

Now you can pop wheelies and do stoppies! Try that on a 'bent! ;)
Yes, it brings back memories...

Like the time I stopped too fast along a curb downtown. I meant to stop quickly and climb off onto the sidewalk before traffic caught up, but in my haste I stopped so hard my rear wheel lifted waaaay up.

In that moment where time sort of freezes, I saw my rear wheel might flop left out into the lane and me with it. I leaned right, and the rear wheel pivoted right and landed perfectly on the curb. Now I was in another fix: my rear wheel on a high curb and my front wheel much lower on the street, and I'm either going into the street or onto the curb. So I jerk my front wheel up and swing it onto the curb.

There I stood, just as if nothing had happened. Ya, I meant to do that.

I looked up and noticed a bunch of bike messengers sitting right there, 10 feet away, watching the whole thing.

Ya, I meant to do that...

:beer:

(I really appreciate the guy who sold me this old bike, I actually talked him up to $15 from $5!)

Why would you do that? Do you know how many blinkies you can get for $10?????

Why would you do that? Do you know how many blinkies you can get for $10?????
I just couldn't do it. He was just too nice a guy.

:)