FINALLY got a bike!
 

I'm psyched. Today my wife and I FINALLY got bikes; well, my wife got a bike. She got a 2010 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc (red/white), and we got a good sale on it for $380. I've taken it for a few spins and I really like it. I can only imagine I'll like mine that much more. I had to order my bike, and I decided on a 2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc (orange). I got a deal on it for $765. We both got medium-sized frame bikes.

While I haven't ridden a 1.0 yet, I can't imagine it's much different from the 3.0, so I feel comfortable and confident in my choice.

Rachel went with the 3.0 because she's not as hard on a bike as I am. While we both plan on riding the same type of trails, I like to move a little faster, and ride a little harder. I was planning on a 2.0 USA-Only model that came equipped with hydraulic brakes, but they are no longer in production, according to the salesman. Well, whatever the case, I think I got a fairly good deal on a decent product, so I'm happy with my choice. While these bikes are not the lightest on the market, they were the most comfortable for both, my wife and myself.

Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone on this forum who helped me out with advice on what a good bicycle for me would be. Now, I can finally participate in some conversations without feeling left out!

It's been 22 years since I've been on a bike, and thus far, I'm loving it!

Congrats, you have to post a picture of it as soon as you get it. :D

Way to go!

22 years! Wow, must feel awesome to have some good bikes to get back on the trails. And I agree with the above post....you have to post pics :D

Sweet. Nothing like that new bike smell. You must have some great riding in West Virginia.

excellent! make sure the bikes get in the family photo next time.

Oh, man, replying to all of you, YES, it feels AWESOME to be getting on a bike again after 22 years! It was such a rush when I was younger, and then I got my driver license. Then, I forgot all about bikes. For years I've been an absolute gearhead, and about 2 years ago we started kicking around the idea of getting bikes, but at the time they'd have to be carted to wherever we wanted to ride. Now, we have a trail that leads right out of our neighborhood, so there was no excuse not to take the plunge.

I love speed. I love my two fast cars, but there's just something that's "pure" about riding a bike in the dirt; a rush that you don't find in a fast car.

My first "real" bike, as I like to call it, was a GT Pro Performer. You can arguably refer to my first "real" bike as a Team Murray X20-R, but hmmmm...that can be debated. It's like nostalgia leaving with another GT to my name, even though they aren't owned by Gary Turner anymore.

I've screwed off on Rachel's 3.0 for a few laps around the block today, and I'm starting to regain my confidence, little by little. I started off a bit "shaky," but that's to be expected after a 22 year absence from being on a bike. Not to mention, I've never been on a bike with anything but a wheel found on a BMXer/Freestyler.

It feels a little bit sluggish, and there's some tire resistance, but I think that's mainly because of the tires. The bike would undoubtedly be a bit more responsive on street tires, but this is a mountain bike, not a speed-bike. I'm also tiring a bit, even though the gears are loose and on a relaxed setting, but that could easily be because I'm simply not used to riding.

I'll certainly post some pics. I just hope my wife's bike can hold me over for the occasional spin until I get mine! Sure, riding her bike is nice, but it isn't MY bike...

Lol, I am right there with you. However, I am still in my 20s and I am really obsessed with cars (I am still learning though). The only problem being is that I read about all the things I want to do with my car...but the money just isnt there :S So getting my mindset back on bikes for the summer gives me a chance to actually look at things I can actually buy (and not just window shopping for car parts).

Look forward to seeing the pictures soon! :)

Dude, I have cars on the brain 24/7! They are definitely my thing, along with playing my guitars. I'm currently having a guitar built by Neal Moser, who was the "father" of the famed B.C. Rich Custom Shop models of the 1970s and 1980s. He also did some repairs for Jimi Hendrix, Steve Stills, and Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, and Nash). This guy certainly knows his stuff!

Anyway, I feel great to be getting back into biking after all these years. I spent the majority of last night tossing and turning in bed because I'm so anxious about getting my bike (it's on order...). I made sure to get up early this morning and "steal" my wife's bike for a good ride.

Not only am I psyched about getting a bike, but I feel like I'm starting right where I left off 22 years ago. I'm gaining more and more confidence by the day, and I just feel really young again. It's just great! My wife kept telling me, "You're 36 years old. You're not going to be able to jump things like you were when you were 14." Bullshizzy! I feel totally fresh, and I'm just ready to let loose again!

It's ironic how when I was 14 or 15, I couldn't wait to get my license, and now that I'm 36, I'm totally psyched to be getting back on a bike again. I'm just looking forward to regaining all my previous confidence and my little bit of skill so I can just get back into the swing of things and do all the things I used to. I feel fresh, confident, and I just wanna ride the lightning!

Wow. Those are such great bikes. I bet you will have great rides together with your wife. You better post pics of you with your bikes! :)

I can't comment on my Avalanche 1.0 (yet), but for the money, I'm very happy with the Avalanche 3.0 we got for my wife. Is the 3.0 a great bike? I don't know if I'd call it "great," but I think it was certainly a deal at $380. I probably could've gotten away with a 3.0 for myself, but I told the salesman I wanted something that I could "go a little crazy" with. Rachel and I will probably stay on the same paths, but I'm pretty sure I'll want to take the same paths a little bit harder than what she would. She prefers to stay on the ground, while I prefer to bounce and leap over things. :lol:

I'll post some pics when I get my 1.0!