Darold

Hello everyone. I am a senior at Emory University in Atlanta. I actually live in Decatur, only one block from Atlanta's city limit. Decatur is much more bike friendly than downtown. I registered for the purpose of learning about bikes, and think I have already found the perfect one, which I may pick up later today. So far the forums have been very helpfull as a research tool for what I will need.

Good to be here, and I hope to stay for a while.

Michigander

Cool, what kind of bike?

Darold

I was up all night last night thinking about the bike, so this morning when I woke up I knew I had to get it. I called the shop and guess what. SOLD! I was so let down. Out of desperation I called their sister shop only a few miles further away, and they had one in stock that they had just put together! I went up there immediately and picked it up. It is a 2005 19" Fugi Silhouette. Specs can be found at:
http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=25 .



[sorry about the flash]

I really love the matte finish and wheight of this bike (22.8 pounds). The foam handles were much more comfortable to me than the rubber ones on most other bikes. When test driving the bike in a parking lot, it really got up to speed quickly. Shifting is a little funky, but I think it will get better once I bring it in for its first tune-up.

Other items I purchased today:

- Frame mounted pump
- Spare Tube
- Tire levers
- lightwheight multi tool
- Patch kit

I placed all of these in a bag under the seat in case of emergency. I already had a chain/lock for the bike, but I need to pick up a water bottle mount and helmet later this week. I probably won't be riding it too much until then, so I don't feel bad about not getting the helmet today.

RonH

Welcome to BF Darold.

Sometimes true, sometimes not.
I live in Decatur (near North Dekalb Mall) and ride thru the Emory campus to my job in the Virginia-Highland area.
Lots of bike commuters in the Emory/Va-Hi areas.

RonH

Great looking bike.
Sister shop? Atlanta Cycling, Free-Flite, or CycleWorks?

Darold

Performance Bike. I guess its not really a sister shop, but more of a different location. I originally found the bike at the off the I-85 access road, but had to go to the perimeter location to pick up this one.

EuroJosh

Welcome to Decatur Darold. If you are at Emory, don't forget to check out http://www.bicyclesouth.com/. (shill disclaimer-I work there )

Darold

I believe we have already met. I took my fathers old road bike in and repair estimates were close to $200. I opted for a new bike instead. I live in the apartments across the street from your store.

EuroJosh

Cool, I'm sure I'll see ya around then.

Darold

Probably sooner than later. If I have time I am going to stop by later today.

Darold

Just a quick update.

After two weeks of biking, I am definately glad with my decision. I am now planning to restore/customize my fathers Schwinn Traveler (early 80's) that he gave me when time/funding becomes available. I have enjoyed riding the bike to classes, and even just around town for fun on the weekends. I'm sure I'll find this threadlater and post more updates.

GTcommuter

Welcome Darold.

Serendipper 

Another Decatur homeowner here....Right off the back 9 of Sugar Creek Golf Course....

Hey Josh, post the Decatur/Bicycle South ride schedule in the regionals when you get a minute. Thanks.

Hope we can all get together.

Pedal Wench

Also check out www.bikesbl.org they've got a ride calendar with lots of great rides from your area of town.

Darold

That would be great. Emory has had a few rides, but I haven't had time to make any of them. What is everyones opinion of Critical Mass? I have heard that many people partake in this monthly ride, but have also heard some pretty harsh critisisms from my closest bike friend.

Pedal Wench

I prefer to play nice with anyone with the ability to crush me and my bike beneath the wheels of their Hummer without even noticing it,... but that's just my opinion.

Darold

Thats kinda how I feel. Back home I lived on an island. Due to some old law, Boats had the right of way. We had to cross a draw bridge to go anywhere, so this law got old fast. A few years ago they switched it so that cars now have preference. I believe in peoples rights, until those rights infringe on the rights of others. Until I learn more about the Critical Mass ride, I think I am favoring the rights of cars on the road over the rights of a mass of bikes using a large "mass" to ""cork" the intersections. I can definately see that the ride is well intentioned. I am just concerned about the implications it may have on other non-bikers commute.

I am still undecided, and am open to all input.

Serendipper 

For the record, due to the efforts of myself ond others, CM is much better now.We try to keep traffic confined to one lane, and I haven't seen "corking" or "intersection looping" in awhile.


Wed. night group rides at SF Coffeehouse on Virginia in the Poncy-Highlands is great fun.

Darold

I want to start with some biginner rides 1st for sure. I am really out of shape, and haven't biked since middle school. To be honest, I am still perfecting my balance/steering of my current bike. The tires are much thinner and have a greater diameter than I am use to. I love it, but its taking some practice. Yesterday was my longest ride yet (campus to the car mechanic). This was only a 4-5 mile ride, but traffic was pretty busy at 5pm. It was definately a mostly uphill climb, with only short mild sections of downhill coasting. I wish I could get someplace with less traffic to bike around. I know there is a path to Stone Mountain around here somewhere, i have yet to find it though.

RonH

Have you considered taking the Effective Cycling (Bike Ed) class at Emory? It will be on Saturday, October 14. If you're interested call Patricia at 404-712-2415 to register.

Map tester

You need to register (free) to see the calendar.

I suggest the Depot Ride/Old Freight Room Ride [ recurring event ] 2:00 pm Easy Let's continue the tradition. An Easy 11 mile ride through Avondale Estates and Decatur on mainly quiet residential streets. Special attention given to beginning riders. Leaves from old Freight Room (Depot) at the corner of College Avenue and Candler Drive (one block from Decatur High School and Agnes Scott College). Afterwards the group will go to a local establishment for refreshments and socializing.

Also, more links for ride/cycling info:

http://www.sopobikes.org/ Our mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing no/low-cost bicycle maintenance services and education.
Our workshop provides a central forum for sharing equipment, materials, and expertise, and facilitates affordable, practical, hands-on support for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Good place to work on that old bike.

http://fastermustache.org/ Faster Mustache is an independent organization made up of a diverse group of Atlanta residents with one thing in common: riding bicycles. Fixed or free, geared or single, cruiser, chopper, racer, clunker, we ride 'em.

http://pathfoundation.org/index.cfm Founded in 1991, The PATH Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing a metrowide trail system for Atlanta.

http://www.criticalmassatlanta.org/ A great way to meet fellow cyclists-try it, you might like it! The September ride was a great ride through Castleberry Hill and Grant Park.

There are a lot of great Atlanta riders here, if you got a question about the area make sure to put Atlanta in the title. Happy Trails.

GTcommuter

Yes, take that class. I hear the co-instructor is awesome. (It's me, by the way).

GTcommuter

Come take my EC class on October 14th. You'll be good to go in no time. We'll start on the basics of comfortable riding and get into the details of safe riding in traffic. The curriculum and street ride are great and the Emory classes are always a fun group.

RonH

Here is a link to the Decatur to Stone Mountain path. Some sections aren't for beginners. Several sections still use the road as the path so you may want to ride with someone who is familiar with the route.
I ride out to Stone Mountain every weekend so if you'd like some company send me a PM. Maybe you can talk some other locals into coming along.

RonH

GTcommuter is an excellent instructor.
You'll enjoy the class and learn many new skills needed to ride safely around Emory/Decatur/Atlanta