marshall3

Hello all,

Found this sight while researching my new investment. Seems to be a friendly group of people. Getting into biking for multiple reasons. What sparked my thought process was my carbon footprint and also my poor college budget. Looking forward to learning more about the life style I know nothing about. I'm an Environment Science Major at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. Love the outdoors, which I have mostly enjoyed on foot. Have backpacked much of Wyoming and hope to do plenty more while continuing my education in some mountainous region; too many options as of now. Not saying I am getting into mountain biking. I will be commuting and enjoying asphalt and pavement for the most part. I was one of many children who always owned a mountain bike. Yet the extent of my off roading was jumping curbs and cutting across lawns. Looking forward to the forums.
For anyone interested, there's a lunar eclipse taking place tonight. The big show in our area is between 9pm and 10pm, I'm central time.

East Hill

Hello marshall3, what is your investment vehicle? It sounds as if you have a lot to add to the Living Car Free forum!

Unfortunately for me, tonight's lunar eclipse does not look good--currently cloudy in Puget Sound where I am .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

qcpmsame 

Marshall,
Greetings from another Environmental major. Enviro engineering here, working as a civil engineer. I did the bike commuting thing in college too. Welcome to BF. The lunar eclipse is neat. My wife and I are watching it between posts.

Bill

marshall3

Went to my LBS and was most interested in the '07 Trek 7.3FX. They’re asking $530 for it. I've seen most prices to be around $500. I think I could talk them into dropping the price or throwing in some accessories. I’ll be a two you customer, minimum, I’d think they would be willing to work with me. I figure it would be better to get the bike from a shop I will be around for a couple years. I would like to slowly upgrade it so that I was capable of commuting pretty much anywhere. As soon as I get my bike and it’s not below zero, how it’s been lately, I’ll be riding out to the local state park, Camden. It will be about 40 miles round trip. I won't be hard on it, but plan on riding a lot. I've decided I'm willing to spend around $500. Let me know what you think, because I know very little. I'm a 6'5'' athlete if that makes any difference.

East Hill

Being a Clydesdale can make a difference! Clydesdales are men over 6' 0" tall, or over 200 pounds, or both.

You have two problems--getting a bike to fit you, and getting a bike with sturdy wheels.

Check out the Clydesdales/Athenas forum for the expert advice .

East Hill

Tude 

WOW - welcome sir! You are indeed a tall man!!

East Hill definitely directed you to a good forum to ask about bicycles, but also indeed check out your LBS (local bicycle shops) - and I'm not sure where you live - but if you have several LBS's around - check them all out - personally you'll develop a favorite - either with the employees/manager helping you - and/or because of the type of bicycles they sell as well. And since you are a very tall person - definitely do a bike fitting - it costs a little bit but it will help you in so many ways (riding, knees, learning about bicycle and yourself on the bike - all sorts of stuff - plus you are one on one with that person for some time - feel free to ask questions!).

Oh yeah - And have fun!

qcpmsame 

Be sure you get fitted properly by your LBS. They can fir the frame, stem and cranks to suit your height and reach best. The Trek is a good bike, my wife just got a 7500 hybrid and loves it. For a front suspended bike it is incredibly light and is very responsive. The 7.3FX is supposed to be pretty nice too. Best of luck in finding the right bike.

Bill