Introductions - Feels good to say hello

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FallenSky
07-31-09, 05:58 PM
Hello, everyone. I currently live in Staten Island, the least bicycle friendly borough of New York, and I recently started biking as a way to get around to and from work. I had a generic Walmart mountain bike that broke down. So, I went out and bought a Trek FX 7.3 '09. My cycling went from just commuting between home, work, and wherever else I needed to be to just cycling for the sheer fun of it. Now, I'm just trying to soak in as much information about this new hobby. This is why I am here, to learn about cycling both as a commuter and as a enthusiast.

I'll also be looking forward to testing myself in the near future as I've entered the NYC Century Bike Tour with my girlfriend. We opted for the 15 mile route (the shortest one) but we hope to train up to the 35 mile route by the time the actual tour comes around.

CbadRider
07-31-09, 07:28 PM
Welcome to Bike Forums.
Siu Blue Wind
08-01-09, 01:28 AM
Isn't it nice to have a decent bike? I bet you can sure feel the difference between the old one and the new one.....

FallenSky
08-01-09, 01:09 PM
Isn't it nice to have a decent bike? I bet you can sure feel the difference between the old one and the new one.....

I sure can! The differences are too many to name, in fact. The most immediate improvement was the quality of components such as the brakes and derailleurs and the ease with which I can now shift. Another very noticeable change is the stiffness of the Trek FX. I used my Walmart bike on all terrain but, with the new bike, I am clearly limited to the road. I don't mind this at all because what the Trek gave up in versatility, it compensates for with speed and light construction. The stiffness is definitely going to take time to get used to, though. I often find myself looking at the ground along my route, trying to avoid debris and I am starting to really feel the impact of small bumps in my upper body. Now all I need to do is find some smoother roads.

Just the other night, I was riding home (with headlight and taillight, of course) and I felt like I had found a harmony with my bike. I presume this was simply me just finding a cadence I enjoy but the feeling was great nonetheless.