Pleased to be here
 

So this is where I introduce myself, eh?

~I live in LA.
~I'm 33.
~I started cycling again about 6 months ago, to help me keep in shape for my main over-30 fitness pursuit - hiking. I find throwing some peddling into the mix is less hard on my bad feet then just constant walking. But now, as predicted by all my biking friends, I've fallen in love, and I can't escape. I just want to see more, do more and improve on the bike. And that's what I like most about it - at least so far, the improvement has been happening pretty quickly. I guess that's because I had so far to come.
~I stopped riding for a few years after a scary over-the-handlebars incident, complete with cars skidding around to avoid running me over. Wasn't hurt too bad, but sure was shaken up!
~Right now, I am ridding a Fuji hybrid. A Crosstown or something like that, about 4 years old. But I am looking for a road bike. I bought a 62c Cannondale RS700 frame on Craigslist, and now I am looking for parts. I'm 6'4", so finding something that fit was tough. I might just hold out and get something complete. But money is tight, so I have to figure out a way to get this done on a budget. I'm not a real gear head, and I don't need anything fancy. Just want something light and comfortable enough to get me up the hills, and not so flashy that it's going to get stolen instantly when I leave it at a trailhead to take a walk.
~My regular rides are up Runyon Canyon to Mulholland, or up Curson till it ends (from near Melrose and Fairfax). Looking to increase my distance and climbing ability.

That's about it I guess. Glad to be here. As I've roamed around researching my bike purchase options, I've been really impressed by the level of expertise and courtesy displayed here.

-Evan

Hello Evan, good luck on getting the components together for the Cannondale. How old is the RS700?

At any rate, the Fuji hybrid is getting you around for the moment, so make the best of it, and just be glad that you are in an area where riding a bike year round is possible!

Oh, and I'm glad to see that although you had a frightening experience, at least you were not harmed :eek: !

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Thanks East Hill. The RS700 is pretty old. IE: Takes a 1' fork and shows tons of wear (scratches where the chain went off, lots of missing paint on the downtube). I'm hoping it's mostly cosmetic issues, which will just help to dissuade thieves. It's aluminum, so it doesn't need the paint to fend of rust, right?

-EvBB

:D . Those scratches show that it's been used well in it's life. I live in the land of plentiful rain, and have yet to have rust hurt any of the bikes...although they are kept under cover, and not left outdoors! They also get dried off before they get put away. The grit from the winter is another story--it's hard to get all of it. But in sunny Southern California rust should not be a problem!

You could possibly try asking in the right forum if anyone knows of possible replacement parts. Some people are willing to trade, etc. I know the Classic & Vintage forum even has a sticky for in search of/want to buy.

East Hill