Hi everyone!

I returned to biking after 20 years away recently as part of a diet and life change. At 48 years old, I had burnt the candle at both ends long enough. I am happy to say I lost 75 pounds in 11 months. One year and one month ahead of schedule (wanted to be fit by 50) Biking played a huge part in my success.

I started with a basic Schwinn Sierra 21 comfort bike and quickly learned it was just not up to the trails I found. After a few broken axles, and countless shifting issues I gave it to my kid and went back to get a better bike. Still, I lost almost 30 pounds with it, so I cant complain.



My LBS had a deal on a 2013 Fuji Nevada 29 1.9 D. I was getting into some local single track by this time and thought this might hold up better. Once again I found it was just not ready for the real world. It had a Free Wheel design and I was bending axles every week. I bent the big gear ring in the rear and the LBS mechanic would sigh every time I came in. No Good!!



Finally found these forums and got some direction. Learned about free hubs and better components...etc.



This is my third bike in just 6 days short of a year!

Just traded up to a new 2014 GT Karakoram Elite!

Pic before it even got in the house!


Just got back from my first ride, and I am a happy camper so far! Cant wait to do my trail and complete it without a single break down / chain off / Wheel rub problem!!!

Thanks to all who help people on this forum!
Remember, we all had to start somewhere.