Hello from Berkeley, CA
 

Hello everyone,

I just regained interests in bicycles (after years of motorcycling), mainly for fitness/health reasons and have already realized that there is a lot to learn about these simple machines.

I just bought a touring bike branded as "Backroads Chimayo" and searching about it on google brought me here. The bike is very similar to mycoatl's bike. Mine is red, 61 cm frame.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=184230

Just put 2 miles this morning :) and still have to get used to "friction shifting"

Welcome to BikeForums.
Friction shifting??? :eek: That went out in the late 80s.

Have you looked at any new bikes? STI shifting (its been around for 20+ years) is SO MUCH easier and safer IMHO. No leaning way down to shift. The shifters are combined with the brake levers. But, to each his own.

Thanks Ron.

Yes I did check out some new bikes, and my wife has a new hybrid bike and I agree that the STI shifters are much easier and that's what I am used to. I did go to several bike shops and realized that the bikes (esp the ones that fit me) were too expensive (~ 800) for me and I am not sure if I can commit so much time and money to cycling at this time. I hope to learn more about bikes, ride this bike for some time and then buy a newer bike.

Hello fellow Californian, don't forget to check the regional forums!