ChrisBailey

@No1mad - What makes you recommend the Liberty bike?

no1mad 

I hear ya. Mine wanted me to buy from Mr. Sam as well, but I got a good deal on 2 yr old NOS (new old stock) from the LBS, plus various accessories. I've probably spent around $750 or so over a two and half year period, but she claims it's more like $1k.

And B'ville is hardly rural in my book. Of course, I'm sure some people from NYC or LA would consider Tulsa a small hick town...

no1mad 

Primarily because it's a hardtail- front shock, solid rear. And the shipping weight is about 6 pounds lighter- not all of that is packing material. Personally, I can't stand the color scheme, but that is the general idea of the type of bike I'd be using given your budget and source.

ChrisBailey

I just noticed that you are in NE Oklahoma also. I wouldn't consider Tulsa to be rural, but Bartlesville is pretty quaint. In addition to my commute, I'd like to do some weekend rides around the Pathfinder in Bartlesville. Are you familiar with it? If so, does your bike recommendation stand for that trail?

no1mad 

Not familiar with it. And I've been trying to access Adventure Bicycle Center's website to see if they sold used or consignment, but all I'm getting is a blank page.

no1mad 

Something else to consider if you're returning that Mongoose... if you can swing a road trip down to Tulsa, check out G. Oscar's shop. He sells way more used than new. At least his inventory is adjusted properly and in working order before it goes out the door. And Tom's (S. Peoria) sells used as well as consignment- give them a call to see what they may have.

ChrisBailey

I'm a little impulsive. I rode the Mongoose back to Wally World and returned it. I picked up a Schwinn Sidewinder in its place. After half an hour of brake adjustments in the parking lot it was ready to ride home. Even in the cold, wet, and dark it was a much more comfortable ride. Tomorrow I am going to take it apart completely and reassemble it. It is like it was put together by children that don't follow instructions.

Underground

That is the problem with Wally World...bikes that are not put together properly. I combed over my nieces bike for 2-hours before I finally got it dialed in properly. Still, it was no bottom end Trek.

Glad you are happy with the 2nd purchase.

Spatchka

Think you made a nice choice by switching bikes. You should enjoy a hardtail bike more in the long run.

Adding a rear rack did wonders for my commute, getting that weight off my back.
You can always add panniers later, which is my plan.

Mostly, just wanted to say keep going. It does get better.

( Started my commuting at age 59 with a used hardtail, low-end bike.)

ultimattfrisbee

Chris, Keep at it. You won't believe how much satisfaction you'll get out of the mere act of going to work or running an errand. Everyone who says your aches and pains will recede with time or readjustment of the fit of your bike are right. Remember how you're feeling now, because six months from now, it will be fun for you to remember what it was like to get off your bike in pain when you find yourself taking the steps two at a time because you have so much spring in your legs, or to remember what it was like to huff and puff to the top of a hill when you barely even notice the incline when cruising up the same patch of road.

ChrisBailey

I am keeping at it for sure. Yesterday, despite the cold weather, I went for a 22 mile cruise around town. I spent a good 10 miles on The Pathfinder trail here in Bartlesville and it was just beautiful. Because of the weather, the trail was nearly empty. I saw several whitetail deer, beautiful birds, and stopped for an early lunch by the river. The best part was that I was free to hit the trail hard around some of the curvy downhill sections. Anyhow, I am already feeling a lot better. The new bike has made a huge difference. As soon as the weather is above freezing again I'll be right back out there. I'm excited about being a cyclist.

AdamDZ

Chris, don't get discouraged, keep on going! It's not the saddle (although some saddles are bad, so it's worth looking into), but your butt (and lots of other parts likely) will hurt for some time. Even if you get the best saddle on the planet, you will still hurt. Your body just needs to get adjusted and get used to the new activity. One thing you need to get right is your position on the bike. And then just ride, ride, ride. It gets better with time.

Just get out there and ride. Try not to overthink and overanalyze it either. Just enjoy the rides and watch your body. It should be getting noticeably better with time. You will learn how to make adjustments as you go.

Have fun!

SlimRider

Glad things turned out alright for ya buddy!

I was worried there for a moment...

frpax

Sounds like we got a new recruit in our ranks, guys! (and gals)

Anewbike

Lots of good advice here already, so I just wanted to give huge props for beginning to commute so suddenly. Very cool and stick with it.

MNBikeguy

+1
Welcome Chris.
Adam has good advice. Until your body gets used to what you're doing, many (not all) hardware changes and adjustments will not seem to be very effective. Just start with a level seat at the right height and go! Sounds like you're on the right track!
The first time I did 15 miles I thought I was gonna die...