Jay Gloab

Hello all, my name is Jay.

I'm just beginning to get back into cycling after a 10+ year hiatus. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 21 years old, so I spent much of formative years and young adulthood whizzing around my hometown of Corvallis, OR on my bicycle.

I first rode a bmx bike, then bought a Specialized Rock Hopper in ~1987, then a Trek 800 Antelope MTB when I started college in 1993. However, my college campus was pretty small so I didn't really need the bike for getting around, and I quickly became more interested in partying than in cycling. I've had that Trek kicking around ever since, but until last year probably hadn't ridden 50 miles in ten years.

Last year I began to get the bug again, in conjunction with quitting smoking and other lifestyle changes. However, the more I ride the more I wish I had a better bike, a road bike in particular since I don't really have any interest in off-road riding anymore.

So, I'm currently accumulating funds for a road bike purchase sometime soon, but in the meantime can frequently be found puffing away struggling to move my heavy-ass mountain bike on roads in and around Montgomery County, PA.

I may be asking a lot of stupid questions about road bikes on these forums before I start shopping in earnest, so please be patient.

East Hill

Hello Jay, there's a lot of very friendly and helpful people from your area--if you are interested in an older bike (as in steel, with lugs) you might check into the Craigslist for PHL and then ask for opinions in the Classic & Vintage forum.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

morea

I'd love to try road biking some day. I'm mostly a trail rider, so I don't know too much about it yet either, but this seems like a great place to learn.

I can totally relate to what you said about cycling promoting healthy life changes... I find that cycling makes me crave healthier foods (and, conveniently, more cycling!)

In the mean time, have you tried changing the tires on your mountain bike to semislicks? That might help you to get better speed and distance on the roads, from what I understand.

Welcome aboard!

Jay Gloab

I'm leaning towards buying new, I think. I'll probably get a fitting at an LBS and then buy the bike from them. Maybe someday I'll be into getting an old school lugged steel bike.

I haven't changed the tires on my MTB, but I definitely want to do that at some point. After I buy my road bike, I want to convert my MTB into a commuter/tourer.

Thanks both for the warm welcome!