New Member.... from T.O.
 

Hey everyone, how's it going?

I just recently picked up a new road bike, after deciding to stop mountain biking. They are definitely two different worlds. Anyways, throughout the course of researching road bikes and such, I came across this forum. After reading some threads here and there, I realized just how well-rounded this forum really is - simply great. So I decided to join :)

I'm from Toronto, Canada and am a student. Just wanted to post a thread saying hello to any member that read "introductions" at all! Thanks

Dude, you're not from Thousand Oaks!

Welcome to the fourms.

haha thanks Brian.

Hello grossi, why did you decide to stop mountain biking? Many of us do both, plus throw in other odd interests...

So, what kind of road bike are you going for?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Hello, and welcome! :)

... Brad

thanks guys! hello to you all as well.

East Hill, for a while I rode a Gary Fisher Paragon. My family and I would travel annually to Mt. Tremblant in Quebec during the summers so I used to ride down the mountain. I also rode some trails here near my house. My whole family is into road cycling so it made it difficult to go riding with them if I was on my GF mountain bike.

I would have loved to have kept my Paragon but money was the issue. Since I'm a student, lacking a lot of finances, I had to choose one or the other. I figured I would give road cycling a chance, as I can always return to the trails and mountains!

I actually purchased a Wilier Evasion w/Veloce gears, Centaur brakes and crank. It's great so far, I love it!

Too bad about the Paragon, it's a nice hardtail. But starving students and all that...what made you go for the Wilier? It looks like a nice bike, although I don't think I've ever seen one.

What school?

East Hill

Well I was torn between a Specialized Allez and Cinelli Xperience. But the place that I was checking out the Cinelli at had Wilier frames. So I asked them about the Wilier's and the guy basically gave me too good of a deal to pass up. Honestly, the only place I've seen Wiliers is on tv while watching the Tour.

It's not the lightest bike, but for my first bike I got a wicked deal. So I figure I can always make some upgrades. It's a great bike so far. It was difficult to turn down the Cinelli though especially - it was so nice!

I go to York University just outside of Toronto.

From my research, I'd say you will have a good time with the Wilier. A Cinelli, well, that would be nice, but a Wilier's far more affordable, not to mention a bit easier to take if some evil person steals your bike.

As you said, upgrades will work :) .

East Hill

Exactly. Actually, the Cinelli Xperience and Wilier Evasion, both w/Veloce grouppo, were the same price.
I went with the Evasion because after doing research, I realized that I would be getting the bike for a great price. Otherwise I would have gone with the Cinelli.

Upgrades will work. But who knows, maybe in the future I'll pick up a Cinelli! :)

East Hill, how long have you been riding? What are you riding?

I've been riding steadily for the last ten years. You'll find me posting most often in the Classic & Vintage forum, because I love vintage steel bikes.

1979 Nishiki Pro
1980 Centurion LeMans mixte
1984? Nishiki International
1983 or 1984? Nishiki Olympic 12
1985? Nishiki Prestige
1985 Nishiki Sport mixte
198? Raleigh Sport mixte
1985? Fuji Thrill (that's a hardtail mountain bike)
2000? Rodriguez (handbuilt in Seattle, full Campy on this one :) )

I think I've left a couple off the list :eek: !

East Hill

Wow, that's awesome.

It definetly is a great sport. It's also a great way to keep conditioned for my hockey seasons :D

I do like cycling :) .

I don't have to keep conditioned for anything, but it does keep the blood pressure in check, gets the blood sugar out and about (me mum's got diabetes, don't need that, thank you), etc. And it's fun!

East Hill

We have some family medical history as well. Definetly a great way to get in shape.

Grossi,

Welcome to Toronto! It's a great bicycle city.

I'm guessing you are pretty aware of the incidence of bicycle theft in any large city, and are prepared for it. I'd just like to confirm that it happens a lot and when that beautiful bike is gone some day it'll break your heart. I've learned to not be casual about locking and leaving my bicycles. Double and triple locking them using the best of the best locks is a good habit. I'm one who takes my bicycles inside buildings if I can. Even inside I lock them to something that makes it so people can't just ride them off. If you are living in a dorm or apartment and have the bike inside I even suggest taking the front wheel off and locking it all to something.


I shouldn't preach, but suggest reading all you can about thwarting bike theft.

Enjoy,



Liz

East Hill, great bikes!

It's actually an absolutely horrible bicycle city.

Welcome to the misery.

Liz, thanks for the advice. I actually don't live in the city - in York Region, just outside the GTA. I keep my bike inside our house here. But if I were to leave it anywhere, I would definetly slap on a heavy duty lock.

dcon, I think you're right... luckily I live north of the city and have good access to some decent roads/routes up here. Also, literally a 10 minute ride north of where I am and there are barely any cars on the road. So I guess it all depends on where you are.

Great hearing from you both

Glad to hear you have somewhere to ride. Toronto is a great place for many things, but riding ain't one of them. There's some fantastic riding north of the city - hope you enjoy.

There certainly is. Just riding north a little up bathurst, dufferin, jane or keele, and the roads get nice. They are begining to repave a lot of those roads, so hopefully they will get even better.