Quote Originally Posted by HappyTexasMom View Post
I have a horrible track record of keeping with exercise. I start off all gung-ho, but then somewhere between 3-6 months later, I just fall off.

When I ride, it's for the fun of it, and seeing how far I can go. But I don't want to go gung ho into buying an expensive new bike only to fall off again.

I know only I can prevent that from happening, but I'm just wondering if there are others who were in a similar situation, and what you did about it. I'm thinking of giving myself a time frame after which I can have a new bike as I think a reward system for myself would be good. But at the same time, my current bike is pretty tough to ride so I hate to "torture" myself, too. I've read posts of others who were plodding along on an old mountain bike (like myself) and how dreamy their new road bikes felt afterwards. I want that dreamy feeling. Part of me wants to run right down to a LBS, get fitted, and put a bike on layaway (no way can I afford one up front right now, anyway), but the logical/sometimes overly-reasonable side says I should hold off.

Thoughts?
Seriously - you sound just like me in this situation. I also have an old mountain bike that I'm plodding around with. I have test rode a road bike, and damn...:-) I bet I could log in a LOT more miles than I would with my mtb.

However - if you think about it...you're working "HARD" with your mountain bike...once you get the road bike, everything will be a breeze, and you'll be flying by people in no time.

I also have a very bad habit of starting something, then not finish or continue it. I think it's because I get bored so easily, and I'm a bit shy with meeting up with people due to my disability (deafness). This time, I'm determined to make it work.

I rewarded myself by telling my fiance that I will get in 100 miles FIRST, then get the road bike. Once I complete 100 miles (cumulative), that will help. Meanwhile, I am going to different bike shops to browse, get sized up, and test rides. By the time that I finish 100 miles, I would have my mind set on what bike to get...that way I don't have to wait until after I finish 100 miles to do the browsing/shopping/test riding as it can take weeks.

SO...we both are in the EXACT same boat. :-)

We can do it!