Thanks for your input,

I'll drag it down to them, but they were pretty non-committal when I asked them to try to put a street value on my Schwinn. Actually, I didn't want a street value, I wanted a price range for an equivalent quality new bike. My BF keeps trying to push me onto a new bike, but I am determined not to move down in quality. And because of my weight (260 ) I really think I am better off with a steel frame than aluminum, which many of the new ones seem to be. Actually, when I explained my ride to the lbs owner, he agreed with me, that my bike was better suited than any of his lower end bikes, because of my higher pressure tires. And considering my own weight, spending money for a lighter bike seems foolish. I am not even sure bikes are made to carry a person as heavy as I am, but I haven't broken a frame yet.

My only problem with my Schwinn is that I hate dragging it down to the co-op to work on it, 75 minutes by bus. But I need to learn to do the work myself, since I value self-reliance. And the old bent bars are not comfortable, but I had never thought riding a bike should be comfortable, (until I found this forum). I have an 8+ mile ride (each way) to go sailing, and I really don't need the fat tires to slow me down.

I am a cheapskate, and would like to once again fill my stable with vintage steel, and maybe a mountain bike, for some unpaved paths, and hillier areas of Portland, Oregon. My part of town is basically flat, I live on a peninsula between two rivers, so it is probably an alluvial flood plain.

I really miss my Raleigh three speed, which was stolen about 5 years ago. It was my main errand bike, and I liked shopping with it. I loved using it in congested city traffic. My Raleigh cost $50, and I just saw a bike called an Electra that reminded me of her for $600 (Or was it $800?).

Right now I have 4 bikes, and only one that is worth riding and fits. I also have a home brew bike trailer that needs work (looks like someone backed over it.) Time to clean the garage!

Mary M.