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Hello! For the past ten months I've had a job that keeps me sitting at a desk for a long time. Recognizing that I'm not getting as much exercise as I used to (and I'm not a fan of stationary exercise or participating in athletics), I decided to get back into bicycling, especially to and from work. I live in a bike-friendly area, and a daily roundtrip route of 18-miles would offer lovely scenery, is safe, should keep my arteries clean, and help me shed a few pesky pounds of fat that have bugged me for years.

Many things have changed since I last bought a bicycle twenty years ago (Schwinn Sierra), but I knew I didn't want to be wedded to the same thing (I used to have Raleighs...real Raleighs...in my younger days) and have kept an open mind, spending the past month doing heavy-duty research both online and at shops regarding styles, materials, construction, equipment, feel, and (of course) price. When I say I've done my research, you can count on it!

Not knowing exactly how this is all going to turn out, I ultimately decided to begin simply inexpensively, focusing on a basic, well-built platform that would be worthy of mechanical upgrades as they wear out. Or if in a few months time I have a better idea as to what more I want to do with a bike and decide to go with something different, I haven't laid out a lot of money unnecessarily. It's important to me to simply begin riding, and I wanted something new so I didn't have to spend time (and money) making repairs to get a used bike into shape. So, today I've placed an order on a brand-new Jamis Coda Sport in Black Ice (although I really wish they hadn't given a two-wheeled vehicle that particular color description!)...hopefully will have it by the end of next week, then I'll post pictures.

Bike Forums has been really helpful in my making a decision. I've been lurking for the past month, reading many threads and gaining lots of insight which helped me weigh a lot of information. I had whittled down my bike wishlist, and the various threads helped me pair it down some more. No bike is 100% what you might want as it's assembled by a manufacturer if you're picky about the components. On the Coda, I know the wheels aren't particularly well-loved, and the tires not those with the least rolling resistance. The front derailleur is Tourney, but that doesn't get used as much as the rear and should last awhile, and I can always upgrade. And upgrading the brake pads should be easy and inexpensive, too. But the frame is steel, the welds look great, and it has an appealing shape that should feel good going down the road...that's what I really liked. So if I ultimately have to replace wheels and tires, the bike can only improve.

Thanks, everyone, for all your help. Pictures coming soon so you know this really did happen!