Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New Ride

After testing several models today I decided on the trek 7.3fx. It just felt right and the price was way less than the other two bikes I rode. I can't believe how much faster and easier it is to pedal compared to a mtn bike set up with road tires. It's like night and day. I added a Brooks saddle and a nightrider headlight and a LED taillight and a wireless speedo. I have a set of clipless pedals I'm gonna be adding from my other bike and a rack in the back that mounts on the seat post. I was thinking about fenders but the ones at my LBS were a little too PeeWee Herman for my taste. I've been buying from this LBS since my dad bought me my first bmx back in the late 70's. Great people and they double the Warranty on components when you buy a bike from them plus frre adjustments for a year. Thanks all for your advice.

Congratulations. That is a beautiful ride.

Great choice.

Good luck with the new bike. I have the same one for about a year now and I love it. Let me know what you think of the Brooks saddle. I have been considering buying one for a couple months now.

Shweet!! That's exactly what I'm looking for in my next bike. Ride it in health my friend!

Congrats! Don't ya love that "New Bike Smell"?

Congrats! Don't ya love that "New Bike Smell"?

Beats the New Car smell, which is mostly toxic off-gassing BTW.....

Just went out for my first ride. Only rode about three miles. I can't believe how bright that single lamp Niterider is. My last Niterider light circa 2000 was a giant lead acid battery pack that weighed a ton and not as bright. This battery pack can plug right into my usb port to charge. My taillight is also super bright. It has 10 LED's and has a ton of different modes I can set it to. It's amazing how technology changes in just 5-6 years. I'm about to treat the leather on my Brooks saddle. It's pretty comfy out of the box. From what everyone tells me it will only get better.

I haven't enough saddle time on this bike to comment on it except that it's comfortable. One thing that I have noticed is the placement of the graphics is off on the top tube. It's not that big of a deal but I'll mention it to my LBS when I go in this weekend. Funny I've always heard American manufactures don't pay attention to detail. The detail on my five American made Cannondale frames was perfect. Just an observation. I do like this bike allot (I don't fall in love until the second date):love:

Can you guys point me in the right direction to some fenders and a rear rack?

I love the color, looks sharp!

For fenders and a rack, I would recommend something along the line of SKS. Inexpensive, tough as nails, and should be widely available.

Racks have tons of choices. I didn't notice in the pics, but believe you have eyelets on the seat stays for mounting. Not sure about on the drop outs. While there's will make a small difference in selection, it's not much of a difference. Topeak makes some really good commuter racks that are reasonably priced.

If you have a local Performance shop, they carry a lot of choices in racks, fenders, and bags. You might also consider asking your LBS if they can order them if they don't have what you want in stock. It sounds like you have a very long history with them and supporting your LBS is always a good thing.

I've clocked over 4000 miles on my 7.3 and am still running the original Hardcase tires. I've repalced three chains, one cassette, and two tubes. The second tube was a front one that was required after I got hit by a car and ruined the front wheel.

I weighed over 250 when I started riding it and now weigh less than 190. Love that bike for getting me back into shape and into road bikes again.

I've clocked over 4000 miles on my 7.3 and am still running the original Hardcase tires. I've repalced three chains, one cassette, and two tubes. The second tube was a front one that was required after I got hit by a car and ruined the front wheel.

I weighed over 250 when I started riding it and now weigh less than 190. Love that bike for getting me back into shape and into road bikes again.

Congratulations on the weight loss.

I just put some Planet Bike Freddy Fenders (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000109&subcategory=60001124&brand=&sku=19640&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Fenders) on my Bianchi. Adjusting them so that they cleared my tires & toe straps was tricky, but just possible. I had to remove the rubber "mud flaps" to make it work.

I'll try to remember to post pics when I get home.

-DR

Camera phone pics, sorry. But you get the idea.

After testing several models today I decided on the trek 7.3fx. It just felt right and the price was way less than the other two bikes I rode. I can't believe how much faster and easier it is to pedal compared to a mtn bike set up with road tires. It's like night and day. I added a Brooks saddle and a nightrider headlight and a LED taillight and a wireless speedo. I have a set of clipless pedals I'm gonna be adding from my other bike and a rack in the back that mounts on the seat post. I was thinking about fenders but the ones at my LBS were a little too PeeWee Herman for my taste. I've been buying from this LBS since my dad bought me my first bmx back in the late 70's. Great people and they double the Warranty on components when you buy a bike from them plus frre adjustments for a year. Thanks all for your advice.

Very pretty. I'll have to bring my Trek 7.5 fx back to Bethlehem so we can ride with you and your 7.3.

Very pretty. I'll have to bring my Trek 7.5 fx back to Bethlehem so we can ride with you and your 7.3.

Sounds like a plan. I need some time to build my endurance up though. You wouldn't want to come all the way to Bethlehem for a slow ten mile trip would you? :o