Introducing myself...and my Bike :)

This is not my first post...but just wanted to make an official intro.

I found this beautiful Classic oldschool 10 speed Schwinn Traveler X-tra lite about 2 weeks ago in very good conditions... and since then I have changed the tires..saddle, handlebar tape and doublesided clipless pedals (yes I am planning on going clipless in the future...lol). She is getting new aero levers and front brake caliper this week hopefully. I have been riding her since last week and I am hooked!...The only thing is my right shoulder that its been bothering a little since I started riding...The first day was pretty bad but has gotten better..still bother a little but not like the first day. It does not bother while riding but after.
I am planning on getting a real road bike by late spring or early summer If I can..so I decided to practice first with this one. Off course I am keeping her as well after I get the new One. My main purppose is to get fit and to exercise as well as participating in different cycling events.


Not the best pics but Here she is....

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...5/Scwinn-1.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...5/Schiwnn2.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...5/Schwinn3.jpg

welcome to TE and congrats on the lovely old bicycle! not sure what to say about the shoulder, maybe have someone (Who knows about this stuff) to watch you on your bike.

Pretty bike! Good job on finding her and fixing her up so nicely. Have fun riding and keep us posted on how you are doing.

I hope your shoulder issue is resolved. It is no fun riding while in pain. Be sure to do some good stretching and upper body strength work as well. If it continues to bother you, you will probably need to find a reputable bike fitter in your area to see what the problem is.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

welcome to TE and congrats on the lovely old bicycle! not sure what to say about the shoulder, maybe have someone (Who knows about this stuff) to watch you on your bike.

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Thank You Biciclista....

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Originally Posted by Grits

Pretty bike! Good job on finding her and fixing her up so nicely. Have fun riding and keep us posted on how you are doing.

I hope your shoulder issue is resolved. It is no fun riding while in pain. Be sure to do some good stretching and upper body strength work as well. If it continues to bother you, you will probably need to find a reputable bike fitter in your area to see what the problem is.

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Hi....and thanks for the advice yes I think I was pretty excited about riding her and didnt do any stretching nor warm ups before ..also I was a little bit tense while holding the bars..so thats maybe what hapenned

Def..I will keep this thread up to date on my progress and everything I do to and with my babygirl...

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Originally Posted by Giulianna23

The only thing is my right shoulder that its been bothering a little since I started riding...The first day was pretty bad but has gotten better..still bother a little but not like the first day. It does not bother while riding but after.

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Do you do much computer work when you're not riding? If so, do you use the mouse a lot? I also have right shoulder issues since an injury a couple of years ago. I still had times when I'd be fine during the day, but at night would wake up in agony.

I'm mentioning this because my injury was really "caused" by poor posture especially while sitting, even though I got injured while swimming. A few months ago I readjusted my articulating keyboard/mouse platform to a more natural position and it made a huge difference in my shoulder.

So, it might not be the riding as much as the riding is putting strain on an already weakened area. Just a thought.

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Originally Posted by rivergal

Do you do much computer work when you're not riding? If so, do you use the mouse a lot? I also have right shoulder issues since an injury a couple of years ago. I still had times when I'd be fine during the day, but at night would wake up in agony.

I'm mentioning this because my injury was really "caused" by poor posture especially while sitting, even though I got injured while swimming. A few months ago I readjusted my articulating keyboard/mouse platform to a more natural position and it made a huge difference in my shoulder.

So, it might not be the riding as much as the riding is putting strain on an already weakened area. Just a thought.

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Now that you mention that ...Yesss....I do a lot of computer work all day long...and I just came to a new Office last March and even though I was happy with it because it is bigger and nicer than my previous office...I wasn't happy with the way the desk and other furniture were set up...I inmediately called the people in charge and they told me that they couldn't fix it because the furniture was custom made for that section of the room and they can't move it. I told them that I was affraid of starting to have backaches or neck problems later... the only thing we could do was move around the monitor because the desk area its pretty big ...but it is still not quite comfortable for me..I do interviews and I was use to have the people right in front of me and now I have them on the side kind of diagonal...I am getting use to it but thats a good point. It might be that..Thanks for the observation.!!

Welcome! Nice bike. I like the color and the lines.

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Originally Posted by Giulianna23

Now that you mention that ...Yesss....I do a lot of computer work all day long...and I just came to a new Office last March and even though I was happy with it because it is bigger and nicer than my previous office...I wasn't happy with the way the desk and other furniture were set up...I inmediately called the people in charge and they told me that they couldn't fix it because the furniture was custom made for that section of the room and they can't move it. I told them that I was affraid of starting to have backaches or neck problems later... the only thing we could do was move around the monitor because the desk area its pretty big ...but it is still not quite comfortable for me..I do interviews and I was use to have the people right in front of me and now I have them on the side kind of diagonal...I am getting use to it but thats a good point. It might be that..Thanks for the observation.!!

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No problem, as a fellow sufferer and long time computer user, I know how bad ergonomics can make posture issues worse and give you more chance of repetitive stress injuries. Your folks in charge would be wise to give you a more ergonomic situation, as better ergonomics result in higher productivity and lower workers comp claims. Getting off my soapbox now ;)

If it's around the rotator cuff, you might try strengthening that area with Jobes exercises. You can search YouTube for some good videos. This one looked pretty good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjA0YNAQI7U


Good luck!

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Originally Posted by rivergal

Do you do much computer work when you're not riding? If so, do you use the mouse a lot? I also have right shoulder issues since an injury a couple of years ago. I still had times when I'd be fine during the day, but at night would wake up in agony.

I'm mentioning this because my injury was really "caused" by poor posture especially while sitting, even though I got injured while swimming. A few months ago I readjusted my articulating keyboard/mouse platform to a more natural position and it made a huge difference in my shoulder.

So, it might not be the riding as much as the riding is putting strain on an already weakened area. Just a thought.

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I had this problem also and then lowered my mouse and keyboard surface ( my desk surface) to the correct height for my size. Most desks are too high for small women. The surface of my desk is 26" high, the standard is 30". Problem solved, no more neck or shoulder pain once I changed this.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/comp...ons/index.html

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Originally Posted by Irulan

I had this problem also and then lowered my mouse and keyboard surface ( my desk surface) to the correct height for my size. Most desks are too high for small women. The surface of my desk is 26" high, the standard is 30". Problem solved, no more neck or shoulder pain once I changed this.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/comp...ons/index.html

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Great link! I actually had to raise my keyboard and mouse. I have a great articulating keyboard and mouse tray combo (mouse tray articulates separate from keyboard) but I had them in the wrong position for my sitting posture. Fixed them and have had a lot less shoulder issues.

Nice bike. Welcome to TE.

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Originally Posted by Nick

Welcome! Nice bike. I like the color and the lines.

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Thank you

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Originally Posted by rivergal

No problem, as a fellow sufferer and long time computer user, I know how bad ergonomics can make posture issues worse and give you more chance of repetitive stress injuries. Your folks in charge would be wise to give you a more ergonomic situation, as better ergonomics result in higher productivity and lower workers comp claims. Getting off my soapbox now ;)

If it's around the rotator cuff, you might try strengthening that area with Jobes exercises. You can search YouTube for some good videos. This one looked pretty good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjA0YNAQI7U


Good luck!

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Thanks for the link..I wil start doing the exercise.

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Originally Posted by Irulan

I had this problem also and then lowered my mouse and keyboard surface ( my desk surface) to the correct height for my size. Most desks are too high for small women. The surface of my desk is 26" high, the standard is 30". Problem solved, no more neck or shoulder pain once I changed this.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/comp...ons/index.html

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Thanks for sharing the info. I am working on that to...trying to get the best set up...

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Originally Posted by Koronin

Nice bike. Welcome to TE.

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Thanks :)

Some upgrades my babygirl's getting done...just got the items this morning and she is going straight to the LBS today if I make it on time... or tomorrow.
I am just trying to make my ride more comfortable and safer by getting better response while trying to stop.

She is getting new Brake Aero Levers and New Front dual Pivot Tektro Brake Caliper
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ontCaliper.jpghttp://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...AeroLevers.jpg

And these are the dual sided clipless pedals she is wearing already .
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...SR5/pedals.jpg

Got her back from the LBS today...Wow...She look so sexy... I am in love with her... lol...New brake Levers and front dual pivot brake caliper installed.

I have other upgrades in mind for her. May get aluminum rims or 700c if possible??

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...aveler22-1.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...oTraveler3.jpg
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...Traveler-1.jpg

Went out today and completed a 12 miles ride...woohoo ... I loved it!

Another one strikes!

Yo Dude - although some folks here ride motorcycles, most of us power our own bikes. In case you're confused: that's BICYCLES. :cool:

Guilianna - we're delighted to hear you had a great ride!

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Originally Posted by bmccasland

Another one strikes!

Yo Dude - although some folks here ride motorcycles, most of us power our own bikes. In case you're confused: that's BICYCLES. :cool:

Guilianna - we're delighted to hear you had a great ride!

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LMAO @ "In case you're confused: that's BICYCLES." :D :D

On a more serious note: nice bike, Giulianna! I love retro looking road bikes, there's just something about them.. :)

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Originally Posted by bmccasland

Another one strikes!

Yo Dude - although some folks here ride motorcycles, most of us power our own bikes. In case you're confused: that's BICYCLES. :cool:

Guilianna - we're delighted to hear you had a great ride!

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LMAO.... Thanks

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Originally Posted by Bikerkippie

LMAO @ "In case you're confused: that's BICYCLES." :D :D

On a more serious note: nice bike, Giulianna! I love retro looking road bikes, there's just something about them.. :)

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Thank you!...

Its been a while since I posted here to update on the bike that got me hooked and serve me as my commuter. Here she is now looking like a Real Commuter. I got me for Xmas a set of fenders and a rack. After asking the LBS the price for the labor for installing them I started looking at some videos on how to do it. I couldnt believe they wanted $40 ...WTF!! :eek:...... I have so many bikes now that I cannot afford taking each one to the LBS for every little thing that I can maybe do myself. So after watching the videos I decided to give it a try and I was able to do the job and I am really proud of myself. It took me a minute but I did it. I have learned a lot lately about changing parts and have saved a lot of money. I have installed a new water bottle cage as well to the frame and a wired cateye Velo computer to track my miles when I start commuting again.
I also made some upgrades to my MT bike that I will be posting where it belongs.


So here she is with Longboard SKS fenders , a small and simple universal rack , water bottle cage, a new tail light and a bell . I just can't wait to start commuting to work again.

Attachment 15924

Great job on the fender install. Longboard sks fenders are awesome, love the coverage. IMO the hardest fenders to install are the Tanaka metal ones, they too are a great fender just a challenge to mount the first time around.

Your bike looks great. I would love to have one like that.

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Originally Posted by Sky King

Great job on the fender install. Longboard sks fenders are awesome, love the coverage. IMO the hardest fenders to install are the Tanaka metal ones, they too are a great fender just a challenge to mount the first time around.

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Thank You Sky....I was affraid at first, but after a couple of broken nails I was able to do it, and now I feel more comfortable working on all my bikes but the newer 2013 Giant roadie. I really like how my Schwinn looks now...+ she deserves some pampering.

I changed some parts on my Mountain bike as well but I haven't had a chance to post some pictures.

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Originally Posted by PamNY

Your bike looks great. I would love to have one like that.

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Thank You Pam....I really love this bike I don't know why?..maybe because I had one similar to this one many years ago when I was a bout 12 or 13 but that one was gold.