Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.PoopinFresh
10-29-08, 02:56 PM
Hey all, I'm a new rider from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Got a bike because my girlfriend bought one (ripped off hard, btw), and decided it was about time I had one, especially considering that I live in such a bike friendly area. My bike is a Mongoose paver- solid, utilitarian 7 speed, pretty heavy, and very cheap. I bought the bike new from walmart online for $170 shipped to my house. If I had it to do all over again, I might have saved up for something better, but two things stopped me: I wanted to ride right now, and I wanted to spend a little bit of money, figure some things out mechanically and fit wise, and then be able to make a more informed decision when I had more money to spend.
So far, I'm very happy. I spent more money, of course, to upgrade to power grips and their pedal combo, and for a trekking bar. I also bought myself a U-lock (cheap-o $11 dollar one from Niagara cycling), and some new brake levers, mainly because the ones on the bike currently are plastic.
Brought the bike mostly assembled down to the LBS, Bay Ridge Bikes, on 89th and 3rd ave, to have it once overed. Good thing: fork was on backwards and wheels were very out of true. Once I knew what things were supposed to look like, I figured out how to adjust a rear derailuear and adjust brakes. Next up is basic wheel adjustment I suppose, as my front tire is a bit wobbly, rubbing up against the brake pads occasionally. I love tinkering, so a nice simple machine like a bike is great fun for me.
Finally, here are some pics: (Added since then are Shimano Deore Brake levers and white handlebar tape, as well as the old rubber grips from the cruiser style bars.)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988#/photo.php?pid=36294534&id=15700988
Non Drive-side, I know!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988#/photo.php?pid=36294535&id=15700988
Edit- None of my images are showing up, they are on facebook.
So far, I'm very happy. I spent more money, of course, to upgrade to power grips and their pedal combo, and for a trekking bar. I also bought myself a U-lock (cheap-o $11 dollar one from Niagara cycling), and some new brake levers, mainly because the ones on the bike currently are plastic.
Brought the bike mostly assembled down to the LBS, Bay Ridge Bikes, on 89th and 3rd ave, to have it once overed. Good thing: fork was on backwards and wheels were very out of true. Once I knew what things were supposed to look like, I figured out how to adjust a rear derailuear and adjust brakes. Next up is basic wheel adjustment I suppose, as my front tire is a bit wobbly, rubbing up against the brake pads occasionally. I love tinkering, so a nice simple machine like a bike is great fun for me.
Finally, here are some pics: (Added since then are Shimano Deore Brake levers and white handlebar tape, as well as the old rubber grips from the cruiser style bars.)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988#/photo.php?pid=36294534&id=15700988
Non Drive-side, I know!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=36294533&id=15700988#/photo.php?pid=36294535&id=15700988
Edit- None of my images are showing up, they are on facebook.