Newbie weekly achievement thread

[chicagogal]

Thank you!

I am glowing with achievement today, despite the bike not leaving the garage. I phoned the LBS to ask about the shifter and the pedals. He talked me through how to move the shifter to get a better angle, and suggested that I try swapping the pedals between bikes if I prefer the Marin pedals. I'd wondered about that but wasn't sure about asking in case it would invalidate the warranty. He said he'd be more than happy to do it, but talked me through how to do it so that I wouldn't need to drive the bike in. So I have swapped pedals between my bikes, adjusted the shifter position and also removed the bell for good measure (calling out to people seems to work better). Next task is to learn how to change a tube. Now that I have two bikes I can do the learning things on the Marin without taking the Spesh out of use. I just have to ask Mr Hebe to check that the pedals are on as tight as possible, then I'll get out on the bike again on Friday and check my work! I'm still a little sore from yesterday's ride to take it out again today.

Congrats on making those adjustments on your own. It is so important to be able to work on your bike, and understand how it works. I can do little things, but when it comes to drive train adjustments I usually leave it to the LBS, not because I don't know how to do it (I do) but because I am SOOO PICKY that my own work is never good enough for me :-(

For your pedals, you can certainly have your husband tighten them for you if that will make you feel more comfortable. However, pedals tighten when you ride, so I don't think you actually have much to worry about.

[hebe]

Thank you! I used to do the servicing on my first car, so I would like to be able to do the basics on my bike. There's something very nice about pottering in the garage with a spanner.

I didn't know that about the pedals, thanks. Once the snow is gone (again) I shall get out there and tighten them the fun way.

[Kerry1976]

I've ridden a few miles on my new bike on the trainer. I got a mile outside as the pavement was reasonable enough that I could avoid icy spots. Didn't crash - which was great. Learning proper mount/dismount, clipping in/out and steering - which was a surprise. kept over/under correcting. Another big thing to learn - different posture. Gosh, this is like starting over!

[Kerry1976]

For the first time in my life today, I was able to successful mount and start a bike from a dead stop. I had never been able to do that before. After reading here the tips on it and watching the Sheldon Brown video (also posted somewhere on the forums - thanks to the person who did that!), I thought I could do it. I tried it yesterday but simply wasn't doing it right. So did more reading last night and decided I'd try switching legs - and today I did it...over and over again. Will be interesting to see if I can do tomorrow (or whenever I can get back outside again). Also was able to properly stop and clip out without crashing - which is also a victory. All this is new to me!

[Roadtrip]

I'd like to report I've rode a Century, lost sixty more pounds, bought and totally dominated on a road bike, and finished first place in my very first Cross race.

Ohhhhhh... I was supposed to report what I had accomplished, not what I was dreaming about. In that case... I... Ummmm... Don't have much to report. It's been snowy, frozen, and unridable for the last month. The one day it reached the 40's we got out and rode, but I've been a slug when it comes to the bike and gained two pounds as a result.

Shannon

[hebe]

Go Kerry! I'm still learning that, combined with easing my saddle up that last half an inch or so. You must feel close on unstoppable now!

Shannon, 2lbs is standard deviation, I promise. I haven't been out in a few days either, the snow just seems to keep coming.

I've just parcelled up a perfume that I sold on ebay to put towards a proper cycling jacket. I'm certainly learning the value of proper cold weather gear, even if my snuggly tights have almost put in as many miles trudging through the snow on foot as on the bike. I love my perfumes, but they don't tone my bottom, improve my asthma or get me out in the fresh air so I'm happy to let one go for a higher purpose.

[Roadtrip]

I've just parcelled up a perfume that I sold on ebay to put towards a proper cycling jacket.

We've decided to sell our first bikes and have someone coming tomorrow to look at dh's trek pure. We just can't see a reason to keep now that we have the faster and lighter bikes. If this pans out it will be nearly $400 for toward credit cards, etc. If I can sell mine double that.

Shannon