@threecarjam - wow - thanks for such a detailed reply.
Originally Posted by
threecarjam
For the price of a GMC Denali, you should be able to find a decent used bike that will last you much longer, be more reliable (if it's been taken care of), and many USA or Japan-made 80's and early 90's frames are nice enough to be worth upgrading later on. A local bike co-op could help you keep your bike(s) road-worthy on the cheap and help you learn about your bike, if you give a more specific location I'm sure people could chime in if there are any in your area.
I live near Daytona Beach (about 1/2 hour north). I had originally bought a Schwinn Tourist from Target, but after getting it home and looking it over, decided that it probably wasn't the best choice, so I returned it. Did a little more research online for entry-level bikes and ended up with the GMC Denali for $159. Being that I know nothing about bikes (except that when you turn the pedal they go), I didn't think it would be good to buy a used one right now, even though I looked, since I wouldn't know how to asses it properly. I plan on taking the time to educate myself on bikes and maintenance, save some money and upgrade later on.
Originally Posted by
threecarjam
For flexible and affordable cargo-carrying, get your rack on with p-clamps and think about adding either Wald folding baskets or a basket on top of the rack.
Yea, this is the biggest issue I'm facing now. I just put my rack on last night and tried to bungee it down, but I wasn't feeling too confident. This is probably going to be the most trial/error part of it for me.
Originally Posted by
threecarjam
Velo Orange still has 700C fluted aluminum fenders on special for $28, which is a hot deal...
Thanks - I'll check it out.
Originally Posted by
threecarjam
Rule of thumb: get a stout Kryptonite, On Guard, or Abus U-lock.
I did buy a U-lock, though I don't know what brand it is - I'll have to look.
Originally Posted by
envane
If you've never ridden a road bike before, you'll be in for some surprises.
I have ridden before, but of course most of it was when I was a kid. I haven't done any serious riding in many years, and I'm already finding that when it comes to commuting (not just joy riding) there's much more to it than meets the eye.