Hello all. My name is Andrew. I live in Murfreesboro TN

I am a part time, cook, woodworker, and gunsmith. I attend Middle Tennessee State Industry, and I am also legally blind.

To get myself around I ride my bicycle. 2002 Mongoose Diverge. Not much I know, but it's been decent. I added Promax brakes, and a Rox Shox Judy front fork a few years ago.

It's been sitting outside for going on 4 years now, and is finally starting to come apart. Saddle is gone, shifters are brittle and coming apart, sprocket set is rusty, cables are gone, and the wheels are junk.

Rather than fix it I've decided to replace it with something I can be a little more proud of. Also I'm moving to an area where I can keep the bike indoors instead of out in the rain and snow, etc.

The local Bike shop priced me a 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport for $400. I figure this is a good upgrade from a $120 bike but without going over the edge.

I don't know squat abought mid to high end bikes but I have heard of specialized before, and all of what I've heard has been OK or better.

Anyone care to educate a newbie on the pros and cons of this bike? I only make about $450-$500/mo so will be borrowing the cash to get the bike first. Would like to stay right at $400

Hey Andrew, welcome to bikeforums. Everyone here seems to agree that the Hardrock is a solid entry level bike and a good value. Just make sure to try it out before you buy - an uncomfortable bike is no fun to ride.

Quick (dumb) question. Can you still see well enough to ride if you're legally blind?

My friend's mom is legally blind and can ride quite well. Trails would probably be a bad idea, but she can ride on roads and paths quite well--she just has to watch out for those slow moving vertical shapes (people).

No, he uses a seeing eye dog.

And I don't mean that ugly.


Welcome to BF Andrew. Gunsmithing must be an interesting challenge.

im legally blind but i use contacts, get an appointment and order some!

wow...life must be different down there...u cant FIND a rent here for $500...u cant even find anything under $1200 that's not in the hood.

Living in a 900 square foot 2 BR in the HOOD tright now for $585/mo with a good roomate (read fiance ). Moving to a 1200 sqft in june, 2 floor 2/br Townhouse for $755/mo

Since I have been riding Mongooses most of my life I also saw the Tyrax Elite for $359 but couldn't really find any reviews on it.

I see just fine to ride, although as stated, trails would probably get me hurt.

With glasses/contacts they can get my vision to a solid 20/45-20/50, but LEGALLY in TN you have to have 20/40 corrected or better. Out of luck for now, but man I sure do like to ride.

Gunsmithing IS a challenge. I am hoping to make enough off the next rifle stock I finish up to offset some of the bike cost

I think I am going to go for the specialized. I read on the Ironhorse Outlaw Pro, and Mongoose Tyrax Elite and it seems the specialized gets the nod on every review.

Wonder if the guy at the bike shop will give me a poor college kid discount

You got any pictures ... Of your gunsmithing work? I'd love to see it!

I'll stick with WV. I rent a 1,800 square foot ranch for $400 a month. I just wish I could convince the owner to sell it to me.

just a thought...if you use your bike just to "get around"...why a MTB? Its a slog pushing those fat tires and has limited gear options...why not look into a "comfort" hybrid. More comfortable, easier on the knees, faster tires

I have both but use hybrids as commuters and errand bikes...all have carriers with panniers

with a limited budget, I'd check out some good used bikes...you can save more than half the cost of a new one and there are some very good, slightly used bikes available.

Let your bike store know that you're looking...many take trades

welcome

I'd like to get into some light/medium trail/path riding as well as around town stuff. I've always had MTB's and never saw the need for skinny tires. Having to slog" through it keeps e skinny as well.

I was also quoted the Trek 4300 for $349 w/o disk, and $449 w/disk brakes. I think I'm going to try the Trek and Specialized and see what happens.

As for my gunsmithing work and woodwork, visit here https://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v159/amg2r/ and browse the sub albums. If you have any ???'s about any particular Picture, PM me and I'll see what I can explain.

Are you kidding?

I live in Chattanooga, your not TOO far away...

ride on over

Nope, only problem is that I don't have a garage. It's nice not having to be in a big hurry to buy though, allows me to save up for a nice down payment when I find something that I want in this area.

I'm buying a 1750 sqft ranch for $358.00 per month just about 50 miles south. I have seen larger homes that needed a little work sell for less than $10,000 in some of our older "coal camps" here in Southern WV.

I live on the rim of the New River Gorge, within riding distance (5 miles) from over 90 miles of trails.

I went white water rafting on New River Gorge a few years ago. Very beautiful area

The only rub is it's WV.

The New is special. Tourism has led to more and more trails every year, and we are getting ready to meet with the NPS and talk about building some new ones without using bulldozers. Seems there is still quite a bit of mining mentality round here. Just bought a new FSR XC Comp last week and I can't wait to ride Rigormortis with it .

PS, the New is one of the best smallmouth fisheries on the east coast too!

Isn't it dangerous working on guns blind?
That is a nice Ruger 100 you got there. Is it a .38 or .357 ?

Legally blind, not blind

It is .357. you can shoot 38spcl and 357 mag in the same cylinder

Sold it for the Ruger MKII

I'm working on a full blown custom 1911 45acp to replace the GP100

I just don't understand why anyone would want to live anywhere else. Of course most people feel that way about where they grew up.

I feel that way about Sydney.