n00b from the Chi burbs
#1
Fat man in a little coat
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Location: Chicago NW Burbs
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Bikes: Trek 7.3 FX, Trek 1.2T
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n00b from the Chi burbs
Hey there everyone! I have just found these forums recently, why I haven't found them sooner I do not know. Name is Rich, live in the NW Burbs of Chicago, Bloomingdale area to be exact. Use a Trek 7.3 FX as my commuter and my Trek 1.2T for the road, though I use the 1.2T for some commuting as well, when all I have is my Chrome bag. I just got back into riding exactly a year ago. I purchased the 7.3 FX in May or June of '08, and a month later purchased the 1.2T. I love both bikes and really enjoy riding. I am looking for a group to ride with that is n00b friendly. My longest distance thus far has been just under 50 miles, at a decent pace. Recently I have been riding between 20 and 30 miles trying to keep a good average cadence, speed, and time. I just did 25 miles yesterday at 1h 45m with an avg cadence of 76, avg speed of 13.69mph. Found some hills in my ride yesterday that taxed me a bit. I started off wanting to get into competitions, but I have really fallen in love with riding in general so I love to cruise and want to go fast. I know I can do greater distances and go faster as long as I have someone there to push me. I typically do not give up easy when pushed unless I am about to die
My LBS is Two Seasons in Hanover Park. They have the best prices in the area on bikes, however I really do like Village out in Arlington Heights as well. Prairie Path Cycles is good as well and they seem to have a group that might be more for me and are very close, just over 5 miles away. Maybe I will head over there tomorrow and find out more about group rides and their team, as I might be interested in some competition riding in the future. I am 35, so I qualify for masters right?
Anyways, before this turns into an autobiography, just wanted to say hello, and thanks to everyone who has posted here, as I have found a lot of great information in the past 24 hours. If you want to ride, give me a yell, I am down to ride just about any distance, and would enjoy a 14mph+ pace to challenge me a bit. Thanks!
My LBS is Two Seasons in Hanover Park. They have the best prices in the area on bikes, however I really do like Village out in Arlington Heights as well. Prairie Path Cycles is good as well and they seem to have a group that might be more for me and are very close, just over 5 miles away. Maybe I will head over there tomorrow and find out more about group rides and their team, as I might be interested in some competition riding in the future. I am 35, so I qualify for masters right?
Anyways, before this turns into an autobiography, just wanted to say hello, and thanks to everyone who has posted here, as I have found a lot of great information in the past 24 hours. If you want to ride, give me a yell, I am down to ride just about any distance, and would enjoy a 14mph+ pace to challenge me a bit. Thanks!
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Just read your thread and thought your advice might help. Of your two bikes if you had to choose one for all around would it be the 7.3 or the 1.2. I am looking the 7.5 and the 1.2. I'm not in the position right now to own two bikes
#3
Fat man in a little coat
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Tough question as they are both really good all around bikes. I purchased the 7.3 thinking it was what I wanted, but after riding it for a month, I knew I wanted a bit more. So I purchased the 1.2. And after a few months, guess what? I wanted more Just like computers I guess.
It really depends on what you want to do. I am absolutely in love with my 7.3 FX, and if I had the money at the time I would have probably stepped up to the 7.5. What I like about the 7.x series is not only is it a great commuter, but if you want to get a little sporty on it, you can. It reacts great. I have the 32 tires so I can hit the paths, the roads, and have even been known to cut through some grass when warranted.
If I had to do it all over again, I would still get the 7.x FX, preferably the 7.5, but I love my 7.3 regardless, and instead of being a cheapo when I got the 1.2 with the great Trek credit thing, I would have stepped up to probably a lower end Madone. Don't get me wrong on the 1.2, if you can get it at a good price it is worth it. I got mine brand new last year for $600/$650. The really nice thing about the 1.2 is you can commute with it using a rack in the back if needed, or you can switch up to some skinnier tires, some nice pedals, and hit the roads with a group.
If you have the ability to do so, I would highly recommend you test ride both bikes. If you have any further questions, please ask, I will answer them if I can for you.
It really depends on what you want to do. I am absolutely in love with my 7.3 FX, and if I had the money at the time I would have probably stepped up to the 7.5. What I like about the 7.x series is not only is it a great commuter, but if you want to get a little sporty on it, you can. It reacts great. I have the 32 tires so I can hit the paths, the roads, and have even been known to cut through some grass when warranted.
If I had to do it all over again, I would still get the 7.x FX, preferably the 7.5, but I love my 7.3 regardless, and instead of being a cheapo when I got the 1.2 with the great Trek credit thing, I would have stepped up to probably a lower end Madone. Don't get me wrong on the 1.2, if you can get it at a good price it is worth it. I got mine brand new last year for $600/$650. The really nice thing about the 1.2 is you can commute with it using a rack in the back if needed, or you can switch up to some skinnier tires, some nice pedals, and hit the roads with a group.
If you have the ability to do so, I would highly recommend you test ride both bikes. If you have any further questions, please ask, I will answer them if I can for you.
#5
Fat man in a little coat
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Thanks! Already getting into a group ride tomorrow night, maybe into more rides with those Penny Road Pub peeps if they don't mind my slow arse riding