jamester

Hello everybody!

I just found these forums right as the server move kicked in - so although I've been browsing since Sunday, I haven't been able to register until today.

I'm a larger (~270 lbs) guy, just getting back into bicycling after not biking for the better part of 15-20 years. I've been visiting my LBS often, trying out different bikes. They've been great about encouraging me to test ride any that I want to - so that's been fun.

I'm on a very tight budget - the wife would prefer I buy from Target or Wal-Mart, but nobody needs to convince me that those bikes are trash put together by people who don't really know what they're doing most of the time. I'd rather buy from the LBS and have it assembled correctly the first time, and have the ability to take it back in for tune-ups.

I'm looking mainly at the Specialized Hardrock Sport right now. I was looking at the Specialized Sirrus, but that one is still out of my price range - the Hardrock Sport is nearly $200 cheaper. Not a lot to some people, but that's a world of difference to me. (Oddly enough, the first time I tried the $499 Rockhopper, I didn't really "feel" it - but when I hopped on the Hardrock, I loved it. Maybe it's the $150 price difference... go figure!)

I know that down the road (we're talking years here...) I'll buy another bike. But for now, I feel the Hardrock will see me through the next few years while I scrimp and save and pay bills. At least I'm getting back into biking again! =)

Anyways, hello everybody. =)

* jack *

Hi, welcome to the forums, neighbor!

C_Heath

Welcome Neighbor!

msheron

Welcome............hopefully the change over will get better soon as far as how quick one can navigate and post!

roccobike

Welcome to the forum from your neighbor to the east. I'm from the other side of the American Tobacco Trail! By the way, I think the Hardrock is an outstanding choice. Just ask the folks in the mountain bike forum if they think the Hardrock is a capable bike, then watch the legion of Hardrock owners tell you why they love it. Keep us posted when you buy it.

jamester

I'm getting a 2005 Rockhopper! They're 20% off at the store, and I asked for tax off as well. They agreed! I'm really excited - I'll be picking it up this Friday and taking it home!

* jack *

Don't know if you've discovered these websites yet, but since you're getting back into cycling,
they have some good links and resources for locals:
https://www.bikewalkdurham.org/
https://trianglemtb.com/

jamester

Thanks so much, Jack - I haven't discovered much of anything yet, but I'm looking forward to getting into it. Those sites will help! =)

Itsjustb

Welcome Jamester! Hope to see you out there--my wife and I plan to be cycling on the ATT this Saturday, weather permitting.