Originally Posted by
az2008
I bought that backup after spending 3-4 months looking for a "real" bike. But, every time I rode a different bike it didn't feel right. When I got back on my Avenue, I was like, "ahhhh." I have it just the way I want it. Why should I have to spend $500?
I'm in the same boat. I have a $300 bike that I've now ridden 23,000 miles (with some additions, bringing it up to perhaps a $500 bike now). People keep telling me I should go out and buy a "nice" bike. I've test ridden a number of bikes, and nothing feels right to me, or at least, nothing feels as nice as the $300 bike. Perhaps it's just what I'm used to. I've never had a light bike, so light bikes feel insubstantial to me. Besides, I weigh 190 pounds, what difference whether I ride a 20 or 35 pound bike?
Honestly, at this point I'd have no problem riding it cross country. I'm sure I'd make it just fine.