I just purchased my first bike since childhood. I am looking to get into better shape, mostly from a cardio aspect, not over-weight. I purchased a bike off an individual on CL. I put some air in tires and took it out for my first ride yesterday. Besides my wobbly steering and my heart/lung's lack of fitness it went well.

I think it could be better though and I like to tinker. Below are the specs on my bike. Is there anything glaring that could be improved to any you kind forum goers? I am riding mostly on a paved trail, slight undulating terrain, with a few gravel patches here and there.

The tires are not the stock ones listed in the specs and I will be changing them ASAP. The tires on there are Ritchey Slick 700x23c. Not sure what would be the best replacement for them.

Also the top bar that the brake line runs along has some scratches on it. It looks like the exposed wire brake line has caused them by rub against the frame. Is there a sheath or something that should cover that wire or is that just the way it was made?

I am riding mostly on a paved trail, slight undulating terrain, with a few gravel patches here and there.

Thank you for any input!

Oh and my right butt cheek bone is sore, whats up with that...

2006 Marin San Rafael
Frame:
7005 Aluminum with Edge II Flared Top Tube and Triple Butted Edge Down Tube, New 4-Side Seatstay and Chainstay

Forks:
Spinner Odesa LX, 63mm of Travel, with Preload Adjustment and Lockout

Gear shifters:
Shimano Acera

Front mech:
Shimano C-100

Rear mech:
Shimano Alivio

Brakes Front:
Forged Alloy Linear Pull with Front Power Modulator

Brakes Rear:
Forged Alloy Linear Pull

Crankset:
Suntour NCX-410, 48/38/28

Cassette:
Shimano HG-30, 11-32, 8 Speed

Rims:
Alex TA-19, 700C, 36 Hole, Double Wall, CNC Side Walls

Hubs:
F:Alloy Double Sealed, 36 Hole with QR. R:Alloy Double Sealed, 36 Hole with QR

Tires:
700C x 35 Kent Kwest with K-Shield Puncture Protection

Saddle:
WTB Comfort V, with Love Channel and Comfort Zone

Seat post:
Suspension Post 300mm

Stem:
Alloy Threadless Adjustable with 0° to 60° Rise

Handlebar:
Double Butted 6061 Alloy, 30mm Rise

Grips:
Dual Density

You can put donuts around the top cable to prevent it from scratching the frame.



You can adjust the brake pads and derailleurs, lube the chain, change the cables...

Thanks.
I have been having biketutor.com marathon afternoon.
Great site

I would get rid of the suspension seatpost, those always bugged me and they are also heavy. Aside from that, skinny tires is about the best thing you can do to a hybrid bike. No other improvements are worth the money.

Pedals?

If you currently use platform pedals the best upgrade you could do is go clipless. Everything else - replace as it breaks and/or wears out.

Ah , Its a Hybrid, I guess, for that purpose Go Back to a wider 35 wide tire ,

, 23 is a skinny race bike tire , poorly suited to the gravel ..

will be less comfortable as it has to stay up at about 100psi
and the smaller footprint changes the handling.

comfort..
Ergon grips have a nice wide surface for the palms of your hands .

though there are similar flattened shape slip on types, other brands.

You may find a different saddle to suit your backside better ,
but that is something to take up with a local bike shop that will let you try
different ones .

I don't get the power modulator thingy on the front brakes. Get rid of it, and make sure you know how to use the front brakes.