Philadelphia Suburbs / Main Line
 

Just started out about a month ago on a Trek 1000 I bought off Craigslist. Having fun and learning a lot from lurking on the forums. :)

Hello ewhitten, don't just do lurking--we'd like to hear from you every once in a while :D .

Got any photos of the Trek?

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...a/pinkstar.jpg

Hey, thanks! I have started posting, now that I'm starting to actually understand half of the terminology. Here's a picture of the Trek when I bought it, around the end of June.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ewhitten...27640657800402http://lh4.ggpht.com/ewhitten/SGoofi...jpg?imgmax=576
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/phot...UlBJZ0EaWuA%3D

Hmmm...all I see is a red X :( ...

East Hill

*grumble* Should be fixed in that post now. Linked to a place I previously posted it online, but I think it's been deleted. It's on my picasaweb account now.

I really haven't changed anything on the bike, aside from starting to play with seat position... now that I have half a clue of where things should be.

I can see it now :D .

It looks as if it's been maintained in good shape, and should last you more than a few years. Have you gotten the hang of the downtube shifters?

East Hill

Thanks for checking out the bike! The guy I bought it from on CL reconditions them and sells them as a hobby and obviously cares quite a bit about them. I've gotten advice from him several times since purchasing on riding basics, floor pumps, etc.

Downtube shifters were (and continue to be) an interesting experience. Having never owned a road bike before, I just assumed that was the way things were. :) I've learned to listen to my bike and trim between the two front gear, so as to not ride the chain against the derailleur. What started as a fun hobby and automobile replacement (someone ran a red light and removed the front 2' of my wife's car) is becoming a minor obsession. I'm at about 15 miles per ride at 16mph average thus far (distance meter on the iPhone).

One quick question: As I'm starting to get into this a bit more seriously, what would you consider to my best next step? I was thinking clipless pedals (Look KeO sprint pedals are relatively cheap on ebay) and a decent pair of shoes off nashbar.

It sounds as if your CL dealer is the equivalent of the local bike shop--you are lucky to have him around.

Yes, clipless pedals and some good shoes would be the next logical upgrade for you, and will probably have the effect of increasing your speed (although you are certain to fall over at least once!) .

East Hill