I will update my e-mail address to my current one, so I actually see the subscription notifications! But a new post caught my attention. (I use this address for mostly low priority things. However, I intend cycling to be a high priority for me.

Yes, my shifters are like those in the picture Xeney posted, that she called stem shifters. A cycling friend suggested that I switch them to be mounted on my tube. I do not want to buy a new bike right now, unless I luck into a bargain at the thrift store. But I guess it can't hurt to browse at bike shops, and see what is out there.

My next purchases will likely be rain gear and baskets or bags. ( I am getting tired of strapping my backpack onto the rack with bungee cords.) I have slowed down my expectations of riding quite a bit, and so I am paying more attention to what I am doing. I am dismounting and walking across the street more often, and just trying to feel more comfortable with my bike. (Though, I guess I haven't ridden in about a week, Oops!)

THank you all for your supportive remarks. I am glad that I am not the only woman who has had this problem. I think the bike fits me pretty well, though I am not really sure.