So, yeah, I'm older and just got back into bikes. I need exercise, fun, and after I retire I ain't payin' no fricken four or five bucks for a gallon of gas.
I used to be a wally world biker and that was ok, years ago. But I saw an old Cannondale in a secondhand store a week ago and bought it.

I'm technology impaired. My sons come over and help if my computer has a problem.
But I decided that this was MY bike and I was going to learn about it. I've already replaced the chain, and raised the handlebars a little I can't believe I did it. (The hardbody behind the counter at the local bike store couldn't believe I was going to do it, lol)

This is going to be the 'practice' bike, I didn't give much for it and so I have no qualms about taking it apart in order to put it together again. I am maybe going to get a nice one, once I know what I'm doing.

Pleased to make your acquaintance


Oh yeah, and I've got this 'if you give a mouse a cookie' thing going on too. I bought (secondhand, I'm watching the budget) a bike car carrier and an indoor bike rack as well as a few miscellaneous bike tools. I can see how this can become an obsession, no?

well, we all know where this story leads....

welcome.

Outstanding, Lucille! Sounds like you're having fun and learning at the same time.

Welcome to the 50+ forum. Keep us posted on your progress with the bike and the miles you ride.

There are a few good mechanics (not me) who frequent 50+ as well and will answer questions.

Hear about n+1 yet?
Buy or borrow a bike repair book, there are a bunch of them. It's a bike, not rocket science. And knowing how to fix your bike will come in handy when you have to fix it on the side of the road, miles from home.
Welcome to the play ground.
And, Enjoy The Ride.

Welcome to the group, and make sure you post a picture of the celebratory pie. And the bike too, if you get a chance.

Great reference. Not everyone knows the moose a muffin, mouse a cookie stuff. Read them to my children and now to my grandchildren.

When I was in the service, we had a particular "machine" that we called Lucille. We'd spend a great deal of time preparing it for its...job and then it would fail us.

"You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille."

So, stick around for awhile!

Awesome Lucille! But we need a picture of the bike taken from the drive side (the side with the chain on it) against a white garage door before it is official.

It's to cold to go outside (I know right, I'm in Texas) so you get a pic in front of the iguana cage.

Happily for you, bicycles aren't very technical.

Welcome to 50+ and to Bike Forums Lucille. After you ride for a bit you will probably want to adjust those handlebars so you can use the multiple positions they offer. Hope you stick around and enjoy the forum.

Bill

Looking Good Lucille..

You cage your iquana? PETA will be after you.
A Cannondale touring bike; nice. The tilt of the handlebars looks a little severe though. Were the bars too far away? A stem with less reach might help that.

tsk. Maybe now that you are biking more, the machinery will perform better

I need to do something about the handlebars they are not comfortable, maybe will work on that tomorrow.

Very nice looking bike. As noted above, the handlebars seem rotated at a severe angle. Having the bottom part level or even pointing slightly down at the rear would be more typical and would allow you to ride on the hoods. And if you can straddle the bike with your feet on the floor, that saddle is too low.

Like this:

Thank you for taking the time to show me. I will change it tomorrow.

I had plenty of help when I first started on $15 a 25 y/o bike.
Where are you in Texas? League City Here.

I'm in Friendswood, we live maybe 20 minutes from each other. Maybe you can clue me in on your fave bike store? I went to the Bike Barn to get my chain and drooled over their bikes they had for sale.

Seat should go up, the stem should go down and the brake levers should be on the bend of the bars so they ( the levers) should come down about 2 or 3 inches.

And you should drink this

I noticed that too. Raise saddle... rotate bars... At any rate.... welcome!

Welcome Lucille. This is a great place to hang out

Welcome to the 50+ gang Lucillle, there's lots of good advice available here. Glad you found us.