starla

Hi everyone! My name's Becca, and I'm a reborn cyclist (hahaha...used to ride when I was a kid!) from central Texas (Temple) and have been cycling daily for a couple of weeks now...and loving it!!!...my brother was into mountain biking so I got his help picking out a pretty good beginner's bike that I could use on road and off...(ended up getting a Trek 820)...hope to start commuting to work next week! It will be about 6 miles each way, which is very doable...I've gotten myself in good shape but hated doing the same workout everyday and couldn't make myself be a gym rat (no offense to anyone intended!!!) so I decided to try cycling since it entailed freedom and a great variety! So far, so good...even though I still feel a little awkward at times riding, I am learning to trust myself and the bike more and LOVE it!

I'm going to give myself a year on the equipment I've gotten, but I have to admit, I am already thinking about getting a road bike...always saw them as "racers" which I am not interested in, but I think in the end it might be easier for commuting. Luckily, I don't have a lot to take into work everyday, so I'm good with just a backpack with a few things which shouldn't be too much trouble, I hope!

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself! Hope to make cycling more a part of my daily lifestyle! I completely admire those who have given up cars entirely! With my family being so spread apart in Texas, I don't know that I can do that completely, but I can certainly cut down quite a bit!

tulip

You might want to look at touring bikes or cyclocross bikes for commuting. How long is your commute? I highly recommend NOT using a backpack, as it raises your center of gravity and is annoying. Neither do I like messenger bags because they are not comfortable, but some folks like them. Panniers (saddlebags) or a trunk bag on a rack is a better way to go.

East Hill

Hi starla, no, road bikes are not just 'race bikes' . They are a tremendous amount of fun, and much faster on the road (although you can replace the knobbies on the MTB so that it will go faster).

Check out the regional forum for Texas, too.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

starla

Thanks...my commute is about 6 miles each way. Fortunately, what I have to carry on a daily basis is extremely light, so the weight of the backpack and its effect on my balance are negligible. If I have to start carrying more, or for other errands, I will then look into something more appropriate. RIght now, I'm just starting out, so I don't want to invest in a lot of equipment yet...

starla

Thanks for the welcome, East Hill! One of the purchases I am considering shortly is a new set of tires for road riding.

truman

Starla, you might consider getting a whole 'nother set of wheels with road tires - then you can swap them back and forth easily for commuting or trail riding. I've done this for years.

You'd just need to be sure that the new rear wheel has similar rim width (so you don't have to adjust your brakes) and a similar rear cassette (so you don't have to adjust the derailleur). I bet your brother could help, if you're not sure how to proceed.

Excellent used wheelsets are quite inexpensive, as people upgrade all the time. CHenck with local bike clubs and Craigslist. With the 820, it'll be like having two different bikes.