Hi from Gosford, Central Coast, NSW, Australia
 

HI All,

33°26'17.94"S 151°20'38.92"E for those google earthers.

recently purchased a new Avanti Blade 2 for getting out and about on weekends. Nice little 20 miler (33km) around the water with a few good hills. Returned to cycling after a 10 year hiatus about 6 months ago and loving it.

Also have an old mtb that I have a childseat on for my 4 year old girl and a trailer for towing my twin girls 3yo, we usually do about 10 miles (16km) on a Saturday afternoon but it's out of action while I repair the damage to my crank & bearings all the extra weight - about 110lbs - 50kg I guess takes it's toll).

Son 6 rides along on his bmx but is now haggling for gears like dad!

The commute is a bit far, tried taking my bike on the train but it was kicked over a couple of times so I walk each end and reserve the riding for weekend atm, looking for work closer to home so I can commute.

Ciao! I have an Avanti Blade that I bought in 2004. I used it for commuting when I lived in Perth (17km each way). I have found that my wrists get a bit sore after about 40km as there aren't too many different grips to use on the flat-bars. I also have a 'proper' road bike which is better for longer distances.

yeah, I may have to put up with that, although I have extensions on the sides for hills, can alternate with them.

unsure about drop bars since I have lower back probs, compressed vertebrae and stuff all disc left between L4&5 so bending too far may not be that good.

So the blade was the best compromise, never know, it may strengthen my back enough to return to a 'road racer'

I did many a k on a Blade & learnt how to ride without sore wrist syndrome:)
I don't think bike riding will help much to strengthen your core muscles, but strengthening your core muscles will help your riding.
BTW Pt Frederick is a nice spot:)

Actually, I think it's probably more my hands going numb than problems with my wrists. Maybe, it's my aggressive riding style.

I have found that if I grip the bar my hands can get a bit sore but if I bring my thumbs over and rest rather than grip it's fine. (also tucks them in and keeps them warm at 6:30 on a cold morning!)

Went out for a couple of hours Sat am and had no probs when alternating 'grip' style. Long straight stretches I 'rested' my hands and climbing I gripped (needed my thumb for the gears) and on a couple of big hills used the side bars.

Have a few mods, flat/clipless combo pedals, and 700x28 armadillos but all in all I am liking this Blade2 more and more.