Complete Novice

Hi there. I am a first timer to this forum. My husband and I bought new Avanti Pioneer comfort/hybrid bikes last April and have been doing local short rides around town and nearby country tracks or roads on a fairly regular basis. In all I have only done 700 kms. The longest ride was about 28 kms on mostly flat track/road, some sealed some not, and so far I haven't really felt sore muscles. Obviously the trips are not taxing enough to cause this! Our aim is to go further afield eventually, once we've built up our behinds and legs.

I also still have my old first 'brand new bike" a 10 speed racer (late '70s vintage), with perished tyres and terrible gears that I never did quite get the hang of. I ended up riding in just one gear and just pedalled harder. It has been suggested that it is possible to convert this to the latest type of gear shift and I am seriously considering doing this. Oh and I will have to put on new tyres for safety!

I hate having to remove my lights, pump, saddle bag, etc when I want to lock my bike up to go shopping and I think the renovated old 10 speeder will overcome my concerns as I don't think anybody will steal it. Perhaps I should leave the perished tyres on it for added security! Bye for now.

Howdy! Hop on over to the link below and introduce yourself in the Getting to Know You thread--

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=2001&page=113

Welcome Laterider

My partner and I started riding as adults about 3-4 years ago (he before me - we bought ourselves a mountain bike each.

Now I have two road race bikes, he has three - my three eldest sons have 6 bikes between them - all five of us race. My daughter and my youngest son also have bikes, but don't race.

Watch out - its compellingly compelling :p - welcome to the Peloton of the Addicted

Welcome!

Your use of the term "perished tyres" and kms shows you are not from the US! ;) :D

I think it would be great to rework your old 10 speed. But do get new "tyres" for it- riding on bad tires could mean an unexpected flat and an accident -you might actually get hurt that way. Always maintain your bike so it will at least be safe to ride. :)