Originally Posted by magilla
Update: Got a 1977 63cm Schwinn Le Tour III off eBay as a starter bike. Yeah, it's not the best, but it was only 90 bucks. I will make a few upgrades, get it tuned, and then bike for a year.
When next year rolls around, and I've saved the $$, I can buy a decent bike.
As far as the mongo bomb: I put new 26x1.75 street tires and inner tubes on it, as the old ones were leaking air, and the 2.5" knobby tires were completely dry-rotted and you could feel the amount they slowed me down. I'm going to post pics here tonight. I also trued the wheels, and then found out that the rear wheel was off center about 3/4" of an inch. Yep, I definitely like to do things the hard way... I moved the seat and handle bars, and got a better geometry.
A circus bear on a tricycle ain't got nothing on this Magilla Gorilla. Whoooooooooeeeeeeeee it's UGLY.
But here's the good news: Day 4 of riding, with the first three days all about 1 hour and 5 minutes for 16 or so miles. Today, with new tires, trued and aligned rims, I shaved 12 whole minutes off my time, and was using a completely different gear set.
I couldn't believe it. I actually passed somebody today!!!
Wonder Twin Powers Activate!!!!
You are still riding the tuned up MTB and are waiting for the 63 cm Schwinn? The Biggest deal on the Schwinn besides a general tune up will be new quality tires, trued wheels, new cables and brake blocks. If the chain or gears are worn replace them. A decent leather Brooks saddle and some new bar tape will make your bike a fun ride.