Brief introduction to a great group!

[HBK]

Hi folks, I have been lurking for a few weeks (whilst shopping for cool weather gear and thought it was high time to join the discussion groups. My husband and I started cycling together about four years ago and recently have gotten much more serious about it. In my younger years (20's and 30's) I was practised enough to ride 40-60 miles a day, several times a week and even did a couple of centuries. I fell off the wagon in my early 40's due to some serious eye problems, then I got married at 44. With all of those distractions I was 45 before I got back on my bike again. But I did and for our first anniversary hubby and I bought eachother bikes. (Nice Trek hybrids, perfect for riding in New York City!) I am happy to report that we are up to 15-30 a day 3-4 days a week. Soon, I will be turning 50 and I would like to retrofit my old Windsor Competition road/racer for my birthday. So, I will be happy for any advice you all may have about components, frame painting, accessories etc. Additionally, tips about inner city riding will be VERY welcome. -Holly

[slinkedog]

Welcome to the board! I'm rather a newbie, myself, but I can tell you that this is a great community with a lot of really helpful souls.

Good for you for taking up riding again! Be safe and have fun!

[maryellen]

hey HBK, I live in NYC as well. Try checking out the NYCC (New York Cycling Club) message board for local info (be sure to check the archives).

They have great rides. NYCC also has 8-12 week special interest groups (SIGS) that start in the spring for A, B, and C riders. A great way to get your mileage up, get used to riding in the area (usually meet in Central Park and ride to either NJ or north of the city), and pick up general info re riding.

I just started riding in June 2003, but feel free to contact me if I can be of any help.

Maryellen

[kimba]

Depending on the components on your bike there may not be any reason to upgrade your components - just some maintenance, replacement of cables, pads and tires/tubes.

But- if you want to do an upgrade it certainly is possible!

Right now I am looking at either restoring my hubby's late 1970's era Fuji 12 speed -
or putting together a new bike for him.
He's a LOT bigger now than he was then!!!
althought the Fuji has a 24 inch frame -
which is certainly huge!

He's expressed a desire to get back into road racing so I am going to encourage this all I can..he is getting a full kit for Xmas- shoes, shorts, jersey -Clydesdale sized! - helmet - a nice Giro one- perhaps he'll wear it...

and either the Fuji refurbished like new- or a new bike with mid range Shimnao 105/Ultegra components.

Do your homework- there is lots of info on the web.

Good luck!


Kimba
Bicycling magazine had an issue this summer dealing with components - you might try to get the back issue.
Email me if you have any questions- I've now put together some 5 bikes! - upgraded an old mountain bike - put together 4 others from scratch- and even put together a cool BMX bike!

[HBK]

Hey,

Thanks you guys! Especially for the info about city based cycling. We are looking into the Critical Mass rides as well.
As regards the bike refurbishment, after looking the thing over, I think it really won't need that much. New brakes, a new saddle, maybe a new pedal system. Besides needing the frame repainted and a general overhaul and relubing of the moving parts, it should be OK. I put nice Shimano and SunTour parts on it in the early eighties.

Happy riding and More Soon,

Holly