Bike Forums - Hi Everybody from Apnu!

Hi everybody! I'm Apnu, and have been lurking here for a little while and decided to introduce myself.

I have the good fortune to live in Chicago (Northside) and so I ride the Lakefront Bike Path frequently in a orange Ft. Wayne Komets hockey jersey. Which has this on the front:
http://content.answers.com/main/cont...76_200x200.png
If you see me, give a wave and say Hi!

To answer an obvious question: No I've never been to Ft. Wayne, but the jersey is bright orange and I got it online for 8 bucks when the team collapsed before the IHL collapsed. And it looks cool.

What got me into biking?

Well, mainly I'm pissed off at the CTA. The Brown Line has been really bad the past few years and the rehab project is going to make it a lot worse before it gets better. I'm sick of being late becase the CTA can't run any trains on time, I'm sick of the packed cars and annoying riders, and mostly I'm sick of the stench on the cars. So I'm giving the CTA the finger and riding to work. In less than a year the money I'll save on CTA fares will pay for my bike and all its extra bits.

Also, I'm 6'1" and 280 lbs. making me a very porky clydesdale. I've got to loose the weight and I hope to drop at least 40 lbs this year by riding and home workouts. My total weight loss goal is to get to 210 lbs. or less. Biking is key for me, as I have problems with my knees and ankles and running isn't recommended by my doctor. I was born with broken legs so things aren't right in my legs, running is pretty painful for me, but biking is smooth and comfortable.

I ride a 2006 Dahon Jack with a few additions. I have added a rear rack, a Cat-Eye Enduro 8, Planet Bike blinkies, and replaced the rear skewer with one that fits a trainer I picked up at Christmas. I never did any work on a bike before, so that was quite a learning experience. I like working with my hands and look forward to doing all my own maintenance and upgrades.

Although I bought the Jack at Rapid Transit Cycles (those guys and gals rock! :) ) and don't mind paying for service, I like working with my hands and this gives me something to tinker with. I was initially going to buy a bike from Kozy's (who are pretty close to my house) but I had a very bad experience there and will never set foot in that chain of stores again. :mad:

Why a Jack?

Well the bike fits my requirements perfectly. I wanted something that was tough as nails, had simple gearing, was stripped down as possible and folded so I can bring it into the house and work easily. I've had enough bikes stolen in my life time that a folder really was the best option. Also, I wanted something in a full wheel to eat up the road when I really want to let it rip on the trail. Although sometimes I wish I had a 20" wheel bike because it takes up less space when folded.

I also have the bag (the old one that packs into its own pouch and straps to the seat post, not the new one that looks like a grocery bag), which I put in the saddle bags.

I use my Jack for commuting mostly, and fun on the weekends, I have a 10 1/2 month old son, and I'm looking into single child trailers for the summer. Any advice would be helpful.

I initially bought the bike in February of 2006, and rode it 3 times a week for a month and a half. But when my wife entered her third trimester and then the birth of my son -- I was really distracted from riding and haven't really used the bike until this month (March 2007). Kids, they really change your life.

Like I said I have the good fortune to live and work in Chicago, and can ride the Lakefront Path to and from work. From my house to my job, its a 7.8 mile ride, so 15 1/2 miles (roughly) round trip. Not bad for a commute. I've signed up for Bike the Drive this year and I'm really looking forward to that.

I know you're dying for them, so here are some pictures of my ride:

The Jack folded, with handle bars off the stem so it can fit in the bag.
http://apnu.runswithscissors.com/ima...ack/Jack01.jpg

The Jack unfolded and ready to ride. Looks like I have to clean and lube my chain. Yikes!
http://apnu.runswithscissors.com/ima...ack/Jack02.jpg

The Jack with my Sunlite saddle bag panniers ready for the ride to work.
http://apnu.runswithscissors.com/ima...ack/Jack05.jpg