amz

Hi, I got an old "Raleigh Ltd3", single speed conversion bike, and, well, have a lot of fun actually riding it around the city, but a few days ago I read in, Richard's Guide to Cycling, or something like that, that, like, don't get a light roadster, which is what my bike seems to me like, unless you find it in a dumpster, because it's heavy and I think the quote goes "is more then a bit of pedaling". I don't really have access to various bikes to take them for a road test, but now everytime I go up a hill, or any of those messenger guys zip by me on their curly handlebar bikes with those really thin tires, it bugs me that I bought a wrong bike... I just started riding last week, so, I don't know, should I give it somemore time, or should I just go and get one of those road bikes? I like my Raleigh fine, and I see people riding them all the time, but I'd still like to know how efficient are they compared to modern/road bikes? Any comments would be appreciated.

thanks,

amz

wildjim

I don't know about the Raleigh LTD3 but I would say to ride it if you like it. Eventually you will become a strong rider from riding and not "what" you ride.

"It's the man not the machine"
Chuck Yeager

dafydd

If you like it and it gets the job done, then don't worry about other's opinions. stick with your own tastes and pace.

suntreader

If you're having fun riding your bike, then speed and physical appearance should not be issues. The more you worry about what others think, the less you will enjoy yourself.

Living near the beach, most of the bikes I pass on my "curly handlebar bike" are cruisers of various makes... and all their riders have one thing in common: big smiles.

Just keep pedaling. That's what it's all about.