pnw newbie!
 

hey yall :) I've been riding bikes for transport and pleasure for 10+ years now. I got a cannondale mtb in college that was too small for me (I have a very long torso) and rode the hell out of it anyway. After graduating, I got a '86 trek 400-D elance with mostly stock components; at least until the wheelset got stolen from my apt complex :'( That was the bike that made me really love biking, and start commuting with it as well as riding for fun on weekends. Regularly did the "social rides" that happened in Austin and they were a total blast.
Anyway, I always just maintained that bike until recently, when I jumped from 23mm tires up to 30mm. It was awesome, the small gravel and offroad trails in my area became accessible to me, and even riding on pavement became much more comfortable. I got a Burley trailer to pull my toddler behind me, and I have been bit with the bike bug all over again. I'm realizing that I could use a much taller stem for my handlebars (again, long torso) because I took the current one up pretty far (past the "do not go past this line" mark, whoops) and it's sooo much more comfortable. I was looking at marketplace for a nitto technomic long stem and one popped up recently but it got snagged by someone else :( I'm resistant to paying $60-$70 for one, esp bc we have another little one on the way.
My first question is, should I keep looking or is that a rare enough component that I just need to pony up and buy it new? I'm about an hour from Portland OR and I know there are great bike co-ops there, so feel free to recommend any resources in that area. I've heard of bike farm and whatnot, the issue is basically that I have a toddler and not a ton of free time lol

I'll introduce the 2 vintage mtb I bought recently to fix up in a later post...

welcome Roses - I've just realised that when you joined us I got a promotion and I am now '2nd last'

Welcome to Bike forums.
Best, Ben

Welcome! Definitely look for any co-ops near you. Otherwise, plan a family trip to Portland and add a stop or two.

Welcome!

Welcome aboard! Visit the CV sub-forums and there's an in search of ISO thread where you can look for parts.

Welcome to the forum.

Don't know, but welcome, from SE Wisconsin!

Have a good bike, as you'll need to get out for a sanity ride now and then. Doesn't have to be fancy just functional.

I ended up finding a nitto tall stem on sale for just under $50. Now I just need to find the time to install it and retape my bars!

Moving to the Pacific Northwest as a bike enthusiast has been amazing but intimidating at first. I remember struggling to find local routes, just like discovering a new hexclad pan at a store — small things make life easier. The community here has been fantastic, sharing hidden trails and safety tips. I’ve learned a ton about gear, weather considerations, and weekend rides. Meeting other riders through threads is the best way to explore. It’s also nice to ask for advice before heading out solo

sounds like you've found your way! I'm hoping to do the same, with a slight delay as our new little one will be here in about a month lol. But this summer I'm hoping to hit some fire roads and get out into the forest :)

I'm building up a 1991 trek 830 that can fit 2.35 width tires on it, hoping to get out there and explore. Moving from Texas, it's taken a few years before I realized that there was just as much trail off the road out here as there is on it. Maybe more!

Welcome aboard

Hi there