briney11

Went a hair over 3 miles on the highway. That Trek 7500 FX rides really good. I only breathed heavy on the really big hill. That was mostly because I had to stop at the bottom of it to wait for my son so I didn't have any momentum going up. Surprised myself though. I think that I might go ahead and try the 5.5 mile one way commute next time. I won't have my son with me so it should be an easier ride because I won't have to wait on him nor will I constantly have to worry about him going in the ditch.

A couple concerns and things learned. #1 My bike doesn't like the biggest front gear at all. That's the one it was on when my chain fell off last night. It kept wanting to fall off when I was on that gear so I just kept it on the middle one. #2 The tires are rock hard when I aired them up but still look a bit flat when I ride. I'm guessing that they are either crappy tires, they're not aired up all the way, or I weigh 260lbs and that's just the way it is.

Things I learned. #1 Keep my shoe laces tucked in. #2 Those things that you stick your feet in that are attached to the pedals, I need to take my foot out BEFORE I stop. Ya, that hurt #3 Rumble strips are not fun.

Other than that it was a great ride. It's amazing how a decent quality bike makes riding all the more enjoyable. I let my wife ride my bike too though. So that might end up costing me some more money.

acidfast7

photos!

briney11

https://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h2...520_173602.jpg

briney11

Oh, my daughter made fun of me because my bike has a "fanny pack"

acidfast7

Pretty cool bike!

Glad that it rides nicely.

briney11

Rode 2 more miles this morning. I would've gone farther but I have to save my legs for my ballgame tonight :-) Nice 15-20 mph wind hit me in the face on the way out. The way back was nice though. I'm definitely going to have to get my bike looked at though. The chain was being finicky again and wanted to fall off but luckily didn't.

SevenSpokes

Good bike; I had one of them when I first started commuting (I upgrade to a cyclocross for personal reasons). Fixing the chain should be pretty simple; sounds like it's just moving over to far when you shift? If so, that's a pretty simple fix usually with some minor adjustments.

rpcleary

Sounds like the front deraileur needs adjusting. Its a fairly simple fix if you're mechanically inclined, or you LBS can do it for you. Not sure what's up with the tires, without seeing it. For reference, those are toe-clips, and I had the same learning curve when I got my first pair!

Happy riding, glad to see the bike worked out so well for you!

puckett129

+1... front derailleurs can be a pain. Just google "front derailleur adjustment" and you should get a ton of how to videos. If not, the bike shop can help you. Also, your seat may be too low. You've got some significant extensions on your stem making it very high as well. This height may be perfect for you, but it may not. I know the bike came with those, but you should know they can be taken off to lower the height a little bit.

Enjoy the bike. I know you were a little bummed after buying it because of the derailleur adjustment issues, but don't be. Any bike can have those issues and any bike you would have gotten from a box store likely would have come with those issues as well. These are just simple adjustments to make it work like buttah. You did well.

WestPablo

Nice bike, Briney11!

Try to find a bicycle co-op within a 50 mile radius or so...It'll be worth it!...I promise!

rpcleary

+1... This exactly. I just purchased a higher end specialized road/race bike with great components and I still had to adjust the deraileur a little.

FLJeepGuy

Looks sweet (I've always had a soft spot for Treks)

Seriously, stop fighting the bike and get it tuned up! While you're there, have them check the fit for you. You'd be surprised how much even minor adjustments to the seat and handlebar positions can improve your ride comfort.

Since you're looking at this for lots of miles and commuting, make it easier on yourself!

raqball

Awesome ride! Enjoy it and cycle on!

huizar

Just wait till you decide you need clipless pedals, that'll really hurt! When I first made the switch, I was so excited to show them off to my girlfriend that I made her ride out with me. She pulled up next to me at the FIRST red light as she didn't notice me struggling to get out. Fell right on top of her! Luckily for me, she absorbed the impact and I emerged unscathed, haha.

Congrats on the new bike! May you enjoy a million more miles on it!

noglider 

That's outstanding, briney. You might find that you're not huffing on the big hills after a while. And even if you are, that's fine.