theGTIguy

Well, I figured I better start off properly and introduce myself and ride. I am a 20 year old college student who just purchased his "first" bike. I had some friends recently purchase road bikes and after riding one myself one morning, I knew I had to have my own. I decided on an '80s Bianchi I found on Craigslist. I knew I wanted a vintage for my first bike to see how it would grow on me or if it was just a passing phase. After a month or so now, I must say, I am hooked!

Here is my bike. I flipped and chopped the handlebars, which makes for a very comfortable, semi-upright position. Also note the "cool" saddle pad I added

RedC

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Bicycles! I'm old enough to be your grandfather and I started out six months ago with an old Schwinn with the handlebars flipped like that and a soft saddle to boot. I predict you'll soon lose the seat pad and flip the bars back and make sure the bike fits you properly. As you begin to ride farther and faster sitting so upright is not as comfortable. You've got great riding in Orlando. Have you ridden the West Orange Trail yet?

theGTIguy

I actually haven't ridden the West Orange trail yet, but I have read good things. Wraps around Lake Apopka, right? I've been riding the Little Econ greenway which is shorter, only about 8 miles, and enjoy that more than any road conditions. The saddle pad is just a temporary fix as the saddle I have right now is brutal! A new one is my next purchase, and already have something in mind from universalcycles.com. I'm sure I'll eventually change the bars back, but for now I prefer them to regular road bars. The bike I have is a 58 cm, when I should be riding something more along the lines of a 56 cm, which could have something to do with my handlebar preference?

gurry

Welcome to the forums. I find that a slightly bigger frame feels better/faster. Growing up in the seventies, all the kids bought the biggest ten speeds they could handle. I have two 80s bianchi road bikes, a 54 cm and a 56cm, but my 58cm raleigh just feels good. [IMG][/IMG][IMG][IMG][/IMG][/IMG]

AndrewP

With a bike like that, riding with your hands on the drops is more comfortable as you dont have to change body position to shift gears. Maybe you should look for a taller stem with less forward reach.

gurry

Here is a pic of the 56cm bianchi I picked up for $25.[IMG][/IMG]

theGTIguy

You're building up quite a collection! I was hoping to stumble upon a lot of bikes for cheap prices, but most of the people in my area scour the local classifieds and shops for cheap bikes, then flip them. I bought mine for $150, and it was one of the cheapest bikes in my local craigslist. BTW, I'm digging the celeste! There is something about that color...

Yeah, I thought about that, but I really do like the way I am positioned now. I have only ridden about 20 miles at a time so far, and use the bike as a commuter so I am not too concerned about it. I also ride in Florida where the need to shift is nearly nonexistent

gurry

The raleigh condor was given to me this spring after my buddy got a mtb. The celeste bianchi was found on a yard sale hunt on a saturday. I gave up the search and was headed to the lbs when I whizzed past a hydro pole with a sign. I turned around to read it, " YARD SALE " went to the address and there she was. It came with a rack and clipless pedals.