The Cycle of life.
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The Cycle of life.
A few months ago I got back into cycling after a 20-year hiatus. Things had changed in the bake world during that time but I knew if I wanted a bike my best bet was a LBS. I don’t have to tell any of you how out of shape I was because I am sure you guessed after that much of a layoff. Anyway I decided to get a comfort bike and ended up with a good little utility bike in a Giant Revive LX. It is indeed comfortable and great for those trips to the store and even the bike clubs ride and cruise. I think I may be putting more miles on my bike than my car. In fact it reminds me of a good family Sedan.
Next I found myself looking at some dirt covered bike trails close to me and the allure of a MTB started creeping into my mind. It reminded me of when I got my 4X4 so I could explore some places a bit off of the beaten path. I got a good deal on a used one.
After joining a bicycle club I found myself socializing with several people who were very interested into the road part cycling. I will confess I was surprised to see how friendly they were even after sitting on those narrow seats for hours on end. To me these are like the sports cars of the bike world. What man can resist a sports car for long? Today I came home from the LBS with a new addition.
It may not be a Porsche, or Corvette but to me it is at least a Mustang GT. I expect to take some ribbing from the guys tomorrow at the club ride. But while I may be at the back of the pack I know I will be doing something I enjoy and I will be smiling when we take a break.
Next I found myself looking at some dirt covered bike trails close to me and the allure of a MTB started creeping into my mind. It reminded me of when I got my 4X4 so I could explore some places a bit off of the beaten path. I got a good deal on a used one.
After joining a bicycle club I found myself socializing with several people who were very interested into the road part cycling. I will confess I was surprised to see how friendly they were even after sitting on those narrow seats for hours on end. To me these are like the sports cars of the bike world. What man can resist a sports car for long? Today I came home from the LBS with a new addition.
It may not be a Porsche, or Corvette but to me it is at least a Mustang GT. I expect to take some ribbing from the guys tomorrow at the club ride. But while I may be at the back of the pack I know I will be doing something I enjoy and I will be smiling when we take a break.
#2
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I expect to take some ribbing from the guys tomorrow
Enjoy!
#3
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Great bikes, all 3. On a bikes-purchased-per-month basis, you may be the new champ!
#4
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#5
Don't mince words
Nice!!!
I enjoyed your description of your journey from cruiser/comfort to speed/flashiness. I hope you continue to enjoy the ride.
I enjoyed your description of your journey from cruiser/comfort to speed/flashiness. I hope you continue to enjoy the ride.
#7
Hills!
I can't wait to see your next bike purchase!
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I guess the next stable mates will be a low racer and then maybe a Pugsley snow bike. That should have about all the bases covered.
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A proposed "new" standard...............N+2?
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I took the Jamis out for my first group ride today. I took it easy just to make sure I had the seat adjusted and that the rest of the set up was where it should be. I wasn’t sure about the dropped bars or the narrow seat. I may change the seat but I am following the suggestion that I give the one I have a chance. I did 30 miles today and while different parts of the body let me know they were there my recovery time was much quicker than I expected. And yes it is true the added positions make using them easier than I expected.
I do want to thank many of the people on these forums for their advice and for directing me to sites where I could read and learn about what I should be doing. I do spend some time on the Sheldon Brown site. The three best pieces of advice I have received are fluids, fuel and rest.
Bob
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Thanks. I honestly never thought I would be interested in a Road bike because I have been so out of shape and to be honest that seat looked pretty small. I also never thought I would enjoy riding around a 22-mile dirt trail. Te only bike I was pretty sure I was interested in was the comfort bike because it “looked” comfortable. But once you get into cycling you realize that the people that make MTBs know what works for that kind of cycling. They also know what works for Road bikes. Who knows, maybe if I continue to ride as much as I have been one of these days I will attempt to ride into your area.
Bob
Bob
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I'll wait for you at the top of Lamb's Canyon.
My "cycle of life" was somewhat similar. I went from a Wally World MTB to a Trek 4300 MTB to a entry level road bike to my current Madone. Keep up the good efforts Bob.
My "cycle of life" was somewhat similar. I went from a Wally World MTB to a Trek 4300 MTB to a entry level road bike to my current Madone. Keep up the good efforts Bob.
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Once again, a 50+er has succumbed to the FEVER. I love it. Congratulations on your journey.
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Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
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But I thought to myself if I enjoy the utility of the Revive and the hard effort of the MTB what would be wrong with looking into a road bike? In the back of my mind I thought of all the people I had met that like riding a road bike and figured I should at least look into it. The LBS was having a summer sale on the Jamis and so I decided to drop the hammer. The first ride was a success and I know I can ride far enough now I just need to know if I can keep a fast enough pace for the typical club ride distance. I believe I can and next Monday will be the test. They must have spiked my coffee.
Bob
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Good story
Hi Bob,
I enjoyed your story, and the bike photos. I think the comparison to a Mustang is a good one. It's a neat feeling to hop on a responsive bicycle and feel confident going for a fun 30 mile (50, or whatever mileage) ride. My Bianchi (while heavy by some standards) is my "sport bike". It just makes the trip an event.
Congratulations on getting back into riding again, nice bike collection. Enjoy!
I enjoyed your story, and the bike photos. I think the comparison to a Mustang is a good one. It's a neat feeling to hop on a responsive bicycle and feel confident going for a fun 30 mile (50, or whatever mileage) ride. My Bianchi (while heavy by some standards) is my "sport bike". It just makes the trip an event.
Congratulations on getting back into riding again, nice bike collection. Enjoy!
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This is a great example of what happens to the bikes once we reenter the cycling world
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Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
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Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith