An other newbie who loves my Bike!

Hey everyone! I've now gone on my third short ride on my new bike (a trek 7.2 WSD), and I love it! I feel like I'm a kid again and I'm flying. Granted, each ride has only been about 4 miles, but it's a start. I had another post about the frame size of the bike (15" vs. 17" and 5'4" and went with the 17"), and the only thing that's bothering me a little is the reach, so I do think I'm going to see about shortening the stem a bit (right now it's a 100mm stem, so maybe an 80mm?). I did try to work on my posture today, which seemed to help a lot. And, some hills still scare me.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi!

Welcome to TE! There are a lot of us in the DC Metro area in the Mid-Atlantic thread of the board. Baby steps and soon you'll be really flying!

Maybe some day we'll ride together.
You show me your 7.2 and I'll show you mine :D

Welcome to TE !

Oh, I almost bought that bike! It rides so nicely and it's so pretty :) Instead I ended up finding a used Trek 830 and I love it :)

A shorter stem may help. What did the 15" feel like in comparison to the 17"?

What about the reach don't you like?

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the replies! I've actually gotten pretty comfy on my bike. I asked about the stem issue at LBS, and the guy said he wouldn't change it out and I seem fine on the bike, so he suggested I ride it for a while and then decide. I did take it out for 10 miles (which I know isn't much) this past Saturday and loved it! I feel like the more I ride and pay attention to my posture the less issue I have. I did decide to invest in a pair of bike gloves cause my palms were getting a little sore. Yay for bikes!

Welcome aboard! You'll learn a lot of things on this forum. I sure did...

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Originally Posted by mlvenan

Hey everyone! Thanks for all the replies! I've actually gotten pretty comfy on my bike. I asked about the stem issue at LBS, and the guy said he wouldn't change it out and I seem fine on the bike, so he suggested I ride it for a while and then decide. I did take it out for 10 miles (which I know isn't much) this past Saturday and loved it! I feel like the more I ride and pay attention to my posture the less issue I have. I did decide to invest in a pair of bike gloves cause my palms were getting a little sore. Yay for bikes!

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Yay!- there's nothing finer than the feeling of being a kid again on a new bike. :p:p
The LBS is right- best to allow time for your body to adjust to the new positions before you go tweaking the bike around. You are naturally going to have some soreness or aches here and there as your body gets used to the totally new contortions- relax and give it some time (unless there is real pain involved).
Gloves are mostly to protect your palms when you fall at 20mph on the asphalt. They are pretty essential safety equipment, after a helmet of course.
Have fun!!

I love when newbies reference the freedom they feel when they take up biking. That's exactly how I feel, and I've been riding for 25 years. It is freedom, and there's nothing like it!

Tulip -

I love it too! I've been in "what can I carry on my bike" mode for the last couple of days. DH had lots of leftover food at work yesterday that had to be transported (setting up for a seminar) - 1 veggie tray, the remnants of the fruit tray and 3 extra large pizzas. Today - 20 pounds of cat food. Who knows what tomorrow will bring:D:D But it feels so much more self sufficient (I think Knotted was talking about it on another thread) - it's just plain fun!

CA

Xtra cycle!!

It's on my list right after a house and a kayak.

I've thought about one too - but can't really justify the cost. I have panniers and a trailer. Not sure how much extra the xtra cyle would get me... The other very cool idea is a porteur(sp?) rack...pretty nifty:)

CA