Originally Posted by
Ray9
One of the bike shops in my city has closed and the other was sold to new owners that are selling bikes not much better than Walmart now. I got four tires for my bike that were the last four road tires in the shop. I have been riding since February and I have seen few road bikes even on warm days. I will have to order everything off the web now. I will also have to get equipment to do all the repair work. I am 74 and I will do whatever it takes to keep riding.
Maintaining bikes on one's own is quite possible, especially with videos on the 'net.
That sounds like a new experience and very positive.
Too bad a bike shop closed - we need more good ones (and fewer bad ones).
I try to keep a whole bunch of vintage bikes ready to roll with top level tires. Nothing easier to maintain than friction shifters with rim brakes. I need the handicap, and vintage parts are much more available than anything new these days.
In my bike world everything is fine.
I believe you create your own happiness in life.