I got the Surly!

[gbunker]

I figured I would start a new thread to continue my bike saga, as I did end up getting the Surly Pacer a couple of days ago. Fun!

This was a Craigslist find, so I was nervous about meeting the seller, of course. He ended up being really normal, and we chatted about bikes for a while. He was nice, and I ended up getting the bike for a great price.

The bike is a 50 cm black Pacer. I took it in to our local bike coop yesterday to have it checked out, and it's all in good working order. It had a flat when I got it, and I managed to change out the tube without too much trouble. It's in the shop right now having the rear wheel trued, having a shorter, more angled stem put on, getting in-line brakes installed, and having a rear rack put on. It already has fenders. (This will be primarily a commuter.) I have new cork tape ready to put on it when I get the bike back tomorrow.

The saddle is terrible, so I will be trying out saddles until I get one that fits. And I think I need a really bright, fun helmet, to offset the black. Also, bike needs a name!

Fun stuff! I am learning a ton! Thanks!
Gillian

[Biciclista]

congrats on the new bike!

[Nick]

Congrats! Enjoy the new bike (and project)...

[Owlie]

Congrats on the new bike! Many happy miles to you!

(And post pictures please. )

[gbunker]

I will. It's still at the shop right now.

[Velocivixen]

I guess you could call her "Morticia" lol Then get one of those Nutcase helmets with a brain design on it (cerebral cortex design) (just kidding).

[gbunker]

That's pretty good, actually! LOL!

[bikerHen]

Man, what I wouldn't give to find a 50cm Pacer on my local CL! Congratulations on your find!

[Roadtrip]

Sounds like a super find for sure! Congrats!!!

Shannon

[gbunker]

I rode the Surly to work on Thursday, and it was intimidating! I felt pretty vulnerable and like I was waaay out over the front wheel. By Friday, I was wondering if it was too much bike for me.

My partner and I went out and test rode a bunch of hybrids today- she is looking for a good commuter. I think it was good for me to try out a bunch of different bikes. Afterwards, we went on a short ride with me on the Surly, and it started to feel better! I was zipping easily up hills! I didn't feel quite so precarious! I think I'm going to be able to ride this thing after all!

Whew!

Gillian

[Velocivixen]

Great Going Gillian! I can only imagine that as time goes by and you get more miles in on the Pacer it will feel better and better. I know for me there was and is a learning curve transitioning from a hybrid to a road bike.

[gbunker]

We rode the Portland Bridge Pedal today. It was only a 13 mile loop, but it was a 20 mile ride door to door. Since it was so crowded, I opted to ride my Amsterdam, which is easier for lots of stops and starts. But wow, it's so heavy! It didn't help that I was towing my son in a Burley. After the ride, I weighed the trailer, and it was almost 60 lbs. So, about 100 lbs total including the bike!

I can't wait to zip to work on the Surly tomorrow, lol!

Gillian