New bike!

[dsa]

I posted asking about bike options a few days ago, but after haunting craigslist for two solid weeks, I took the plunge and bought a used road bike. It's a Trek 330 Elance. I don't know what year it is, but I read about a nearly identical model here and here, but I'm not sure if it's an '87 or not. The only difference I can see is that mine doesn't have as many braze-ons. If it is, it's only one year younger than I am. According to vintage-trek.com, the 330s made in Taiwan were made between '87 and '90, so I'm leaning toward '87 because of the serial number (T7D 75203) and because the decals changed in '88. It doesn't matter, though, because I think it's totally sexy and it was only $80, which is nothing compared to the $450 I was thinking about spending on a new hybrid that I wasn't entirely sold on.

The guy who sold it to me said that it needs new tires, so I think I'm going to take it to a LBS and have everything checked out and get new tires. I don't have a good enough helmet and the brakes don't work as well as I'd like them to, so I haven't taken it out of my driveway. I immediately felt the differences between it and my old mountain bikes, mostly that it was a lot smoother and faster, even in my short driveway. The drop bars are new and interesting for me. After riding bikes with flat bars, it was kind of terrifying for a second when I realized that I had to move my hands to the drops to reach the brakes. I think I'm going to go out where there aren't many cars so I can get used to the drop bars and down tube shifters. I didn't know how nervous I'd be about taking it out. At first I thought that I would try to convert the shifters, but I've decided that they're part of the bike's charm. Regardless, I'm very much in love with it and I'm looking forward to getting to know it and my riding style so I won't have quite as much trouble looking for a bike when I decide to upgrade. I'm just glad I spent a lot less than I thought I would so I can buy everything else I need. Next items on the list: new helmet, U-Lock, pump.

Pictures!















I'd include a picture of myself riding around my driveway in boxers, but I think I'll save that for another time.

[snapdragen]

That's a beauty, I love old bikes.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's wonderful!

[redrhodie]

Awww, she's cute!

DBF and I both got vintage bikes this year. They're so fun to ride!

Very pretty. Now go put some miles on her!

[dex]

Lovely! I recently adopted an old bike, too. Now I want to adopt them all. (It's a sickness, I tell you.)

[divingbiker]

Can't go wrong with a red bike!