Returning to the sport...
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Returning to the sport...
I've recently moved from a city that is not very bike-friendly (Detroit, Mich.) and am getting back into a sport that I've enjoyed for years.
I must comment that I'm impressed how far the cycling industry has come since I last rode. While you can have a sprited debate on the virtues/curse of offshore manufacturing, as well as how internet sales impact LBS's, it seems to me it's easier than ever to participate in cycling at a reasonable cost.
Much of the equipment I'm getting now was considered state-of-the-art not so many years ago, from frames and componetry, electronics and safety equipment, you don't have to look far to find better, lighter, safer and more well-thought out products at good prices.
I suppose it might be the same if I were living in a cave for 5 years and then went out to get a computer today since you'd be amazed at what you can buy, but if you love the sport as much as I do, you have to be pleased at the job being done by the industry.
Nice to be back !
I must comment that I'm impressed how far the cycling industry has come since I last rode. While you can have a sprited debate on the virtues/curse of offshore manufacturing, as well as how internet sales impact LBS's, it seems to me it's easier than ever to participate in cycling at a reasonable cost.
Much of the equipment I'm getting now was considered state-of-the-art not so many years ago, from frames and componetry, electronics and safety equipment, you don't have to look far to find better, lighter, safer and more well-thought out products at good prices.
I suppose it might be the same if I were living in a cave for 5 years and then went out to get a computer today since you'd be amazed at what you can buy, but if you love the sport as much as I do, you have to be pleased at the job being done by the industry.
Nice to be back !
#2
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Originally Posted by Kib
I've recently moved from a city that is not very bike-friendly (Detroit, Mich.) and am getting back into a sport that I've enjoyed for years.
When I first read your post I thought you were going to say, "I've recently moved from a city that is not very bike-friendly (Atlanta, GA.)..."
So, what bike friendly area did you move to?
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
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Welcome back, indeed. When I last rode (over 20 years ago) there were no disc brakes or index shifters. Imagine my surprise -shock, really- when I walked back into a bike shop last year to pick out a bike.
I hope you love your return as much as I've loved mine!
I hope you love your return as much as I've loved mine!
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Thanks for the greetings folks...
Moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, very different riding from my days in the Pacific Northwest. Not much in the way of rollers after doing the STP for eight years, and a couple of Masters MTB races on Mt. Bachelor, but nice not having boatloads of soccer mom's in Hummers driving in a haze in the Motor City !
Moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, very different riding from my days in the Pacific Northwest. Not much in the way of rollers after doing the STP for eight years, and a couple of Masters MTB races on Mt. Bachelor, but nice not having boatloads of soccer mom's in Hummers driving in a haze in the Motor City !
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Welcome to the forums!
Going the other direction, I bought a late 80s road bike a couple of years ago and was amazed at how good old roadbikes can be. The original friction shifters worked perfectly (thought the downtube mounts were a bit hard to get to) and the whole bike just zipped along like a dream.
On the MTB front though- that certainly has come a long way. Air forks are now good, disc brakes are reliable and rear suspension designs work properly. I recently moved from a hardtail to full suspension, and it's just like I've started riding again- everything is just so much fun on the new bike.
Going the other direction, I bought a late 80s road bike a couple of years ago and was amazed at how good old roadbikes can be. The original friction shifters worked perfectly (thought the downtube mounts were a bit hard to get to) and the whole bike just zipped along like a dream.
On the MTB front though- that certainly has come a long way. Air forks are now good, disc brakes are reliable and rear suspension designs work properly. I recently moved from a hardtail to full suspension, and it's just like I've started riding again- everything is just so much fun on the new bike.
Last edited by womble; 01-18-07 at 10:35 AM.
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Welcome to Bike Forums. I returned to cycling less than two years ago and really enjoy the sport of ridng.
Have fun and enjoy what technology brings to cycling.
Have fun and enjoy what technology brings to cycling.