chandltp

I had Long Leaf Cycles Build the wheel with a Sanyo dyno ($40 for the hub). I got a B&M IQ Cyo and a Top Line tail light (I think), but a brand new wheel for aroudn $300. I picked a better wheel and psoke, as well as a higher end light. He says he has sets you can get for around $170 for a headlight, wheel, and I think tail light.

SlimRider

Hey there, Axiom!

Atta Boy! Now that's what I'm talking about! The whole world needs dentists everywhere! Of course we'd prefer to keep you here, as I know you're going to become an excellent dentist one day!

There's nothing like having good dental hygiene and a nice bright smile to show your love!

I salute you, Axiom!

- Slim

z90

Another thing to keep in mind if you are strapped for cash and use your bike to get around is that a $2K road bike is thief bait. Keep riding the trek, and make sure you have a good lock.

z90

By the way if those tires are knobbies, and you switch to a smooth tire, that's going to make a big difference. No need to go super narrow.

lightning60

Thanks for the info!

nashcommguy

Fill out employment applications at all the temporary services in your area. Randstad, Manpower, Staffmark, etc. Call them every other day. The positions range from day by day to long term open ended. Take everything that comes your way. They'll put you at the top of the call list. And when a sweet, well paying longterm gig comes up you'll be the guy they think of first.

Been there, done it and have a sweet 2nd shift job w/a 35 mi rt commute. Persistance pays off.

Afa the bike goes stick it out w/the one that brung ya. You'll be glad you did.

JeremyZ

+1 to this also. It'll make it much, much easier to maintain speeds of over 10 mph, and it will make speeds of over 15 mph attainable without first going over a cliff.

snowman40

Squeaky wheel gets the oil...but in tempings case, the loudest get the most chances at gigs!

I know first hand.

onehappypanda

Thissss x 1000. I know the allure of a sexy bike, but I also know what it's like to be broke. The last thing you want to do is sink all your money into a bike that's much fancier than you need and end up with it stolen. Also +1 to whoever mentioned that there are pluses and minuses to road bikes too. I loved my old road bike, but it is definitely a bumpier ride if you're a commuter. Which doesn't mean road bikes are bad, just try to avoid the "grass is always greener" syndrome

I'm guessing you could probably put a couple hundred into the Trek so it's more rideable for a commute or sell it and get a decent older road bike for $300 or less and it'll still suit your needs. Either would work, but the point being I wouldn't spend more to get more than you NEED at this point. I'm not saying this in a snarky or judgmental way- I think we all often lust after more than we need in a bike, and that's alright if you have the money, but right now you don't. I know you have some cash saved up, but it sounds like that cash might have to last you awhile if employment in your area is that bad. So I'd hold onto it as much as possible in case the market doesn't pick you in your area anytime soon.

Best of luck deciding what to do, and with finding a job to fund the bike habit.