kwhman

I picked up my birthday present this morning - a shiney new Gary Fisher Montare! Was able to get in a 5 mile ride after we left the shop but that was all I could take of the fancy (narrow) Bontrager saddle! Tomorrow I am going to take the Cloud 9 seat off my Electra and see how that does. I'll let you know. The bike is fantastic but getting used to the regular position instead of the Townie crank forward style may take a few rides. The disk brakes are smooth and the deore XT stuff really shifts well. No way I was going to try clipless right now so I put on a set of Crank Bros 50/50 pedals - they seem to be fine. The bike is faster (than the Townie) with the 700 cc tires.

I'm not sure yet how much I like the forward lean position to the flat bar - I have enjoyed the upright riding position of the Townie. I ordered a Ritchey adjustable stem so I can get the bar a little further back and up. That should be a good compromise.

For those that don't know I am trying to transform from a 427 pound recliner model to a 250 pound healthy person. I know 250 is still a lot but I have never wanted to be thin - just healthier! I started my program on March 18th with a trip to the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. I'm convinced thay saved my life. I started riding a bike about a month ago as a way to get in 4 or 5 days of aerobic exercise. I also do weight training 3 days per week. I am now down to 351. My birthday is tomorrow and I'll be 54. You really can teach an old dog new tricks! If you are new to this forum and you are trying to get fit I hope my story is at least encouraging. BTW I have severe atrhritis in both knees. If I can do this anyone can!

Sorry to ramble. I'll try to figure out how to post a picture of my new ride tomorrow. I love this forum and I'm glad I found it.

Kwhman in Atlanta

Stearman

Cool! Congrats on the new bike kwhman and on your progress!

-dave

Stujoe

Congrats on the new bike!

JumboRider

Gratz man.

zpl

Sounds like a sweet new ride (post pics!), and way to go on your weight loss.

Scott