genesis5521

Hi Guys (& Gals)

I just had to share my excitement !

I just purchased my first road bike today (8-2-11), and I wasn't even looking to buy a road bike. I went in to purchase some padded riding shorts for my girl friend. I let her use mine once and she really liked the added comfort. I'm 65 and my girl friend is 66. While in the bike shop I started looking at their road bikes. $1000, $2000, $3000. But then I spotted one for (get this) $399.99. It was a left-over 2010 Specialized Secteur Sport Compact, size 56 cm. It retails for over $800. It fit me just right. I've had a Gary Fischer Hoo Koo E Koo mountain bike for over 10 years and use it pretty regular. I even bought an extra set of rims and and put on street tires so I could do some road work with it. Did some 40 mile rides. But in the back of my mind I always wanted a "road bike" for the road. The Secteur's ride seemed extremely bumpy compared to my Hoo Koo E Koo and will take some getting use to. But it sure is light (21.5 pounds) compared to my Hoo Koo E Koo. I figured I was getting a "bottom of the line bike". But the owner of the bike shop I frequent said "No, you got a decent starter bike at a rock bottom price". In fairness to him, before I bought this bike I asked him if he had anything that came close to the Specteur's price and components. He said no, and advised me to jump on this deal, so I did. That's why I like him. He's always honest. I buy from him when ever I can. I bought my girl friends bike from him. My girl friend is blind in one eye, a cancer survivor, and lost her husband of 35 years just 10 years ago. Since I got her her very first bicycle, she says I took her from lipstick to crayons. I taught her how to ride, and now she just absolutely loves it. Try riding with one eye closed for 10 minutes. It ain't easy. When we ride together, it's not a work-out as we average 7 MPH. It's just a nice leisurely ride as I don't wanna stress the poor woman to much (yet). She's truly a woman with "True Grit" and an inspiration. When I ride alone on my Hoo Koo E Koo, I have to hump pretty darn hard to average 13 MPH on my 40 mile road course. I'm hoping that average will go up some with this new road bike. So here I sit, with my new bike right next to me (in the living room), and it's pouring rain outside. I'm just itching to ride, but will have to wait until tomorrow. Well I can do a work out on my Weider Total Body Works 5000. Another recent purchase from Walmart for $150.00, and worth every penny. Just read an inspiring and humorous book titled "Get'n Old Ain't For Wimps". So while I'll never ride in the Tour de France, I do wanna complete some century rides.

Here's a link to my 2010 bike: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...45854&eid=4352

One quick question from a road rookie. I live on a gravel road. It's 1/2 mile to the paved road. Can I ride this 1/2 mile, or should I walk the bike. I just don't want any flats.

Thanks Guys,

Don <><

10 Wheels

Very nice bike...I would walk to avoid a crash.

DEK

The Sectuer is a nice ride. I second 10 Wheels opinion that you should probably walk thru the gravel section. Skinny tires and gravel aren't the best of playmates.

GeoBigJon

Howdy and welcome to the forums! Great intro, congrats on the new bike.